“My shift starts again first thing tomorrow. Can’t you switch the flight and leave then?”
“I have to work in the morning, too.”
“Damn.”
“This is the first time you’ve come to the lake?”
“Like this, yeah. I’ve been to a lot of the bars and stores that line it, but I haven’t made the time to…and I would’ve gotten frost bite!”
She laughs, hugging me close and burying her face in my neck. “You smell so good.”
“Showering with you is something I could get used to,” I agree, breathing her in on the memory of her hotel room, the strong water pressure, the steam.
We lie here long enough for my eyes to close. I’m half on her body, half on the sand, her hair a blanket under my cheek.
Don’t know how long I was out, but I wake at a siren patrolling. Looking toward the noise, I blink, everything heavy.
“I passed out.”
She’s caressing my head. “I didn’t. I listened to you, though. It was nice to know you trusted me.”
Rising up I nibble her bottom lip. “A couple years working by your side, anyone would trust you. You’re one of the most impressive people I’ve ever met.”
Elizabeth’s eyes narrow. “You really feel that way?”
“Of course.” Resting on my elbow I explain, “How many times have I seen you under pressure, holding our team together while simultaneously healing people on the brink of destruction?”
She laughs, “Destruction?!”
“What better word for death?”
We stare at each other as stillness overtakes her. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you. It made me work harder. Even now, under Cavallis, I’m holding myself to your standards. Every single move I make I’m mentally checking if you’d approve. Sometimes, in my imagination, you do.”
“You’re too hard on yourself.” She glides a gentle finger down my cheek, eyes tracing my face with a smile. “Don’t let this get to your head—”
“Too late!”
“—but I believe you’re not only a talented surgeon, but an even better doctor.”
My smile disappears. “Thank you.”
“I told the chief that it was your empathy and your kindness that we need more of at Atlanta Hope, but the truth is that we need more of it in the world.”
I kiss her, mouths molding as we hold each other. She’s so much softer with me now. I love this side of her, and I admire her strength, too. Her high standards make her judgment and approval mean more than anything, especially to a competitive man like me.
Stepping up to a challenge charges my battery in a way I need in order to feel excited. Every man needs the win. It’s why we love sports. There has to be a reason. Earning it, well, that’s a hell of a lot more stimulating than if it were merely dropped at our feet.
This kiss Elizabeth gives me feels like it’s mine. She wouldn’t give it to anyone else.
Damn, I love that.
Love.
Love.
Wait.
Where’d that word sneak out from?
CHAPTER 43
ELIZABETH
T he halls of Atlanta Hope don’t feel as empty now that Caden and I are talking every day. I’m moving from case to case with a noticeable smile that people have remarked upon. I’m keeping mum for now. Except with Gwen.
Alone in the doctor’s break room, I’m talking with her on the phone. “It’s in the early stages. You never know how a long-distance thing can go.”
She laughs, “Ever the realist. What is your heart telling you?”
“That I want him back in Georgia!”
“I hate to break it to you, but we kind of like him here.”
Sighing I close my eyes and picture his face as we said goodbye a week ago. He’d just gotten the call that because his brother, Max, was on his way to the Sundance Film Festival which takes place in Park City Utah at the end of every January, he’d planned a romantic plane trip with his girlfriend. The details had us both in awe. Caden’s smile was huge, and it diminished in the cutest way when he realized I had to go. I saw how much he cares about me in every thing he did during my short visit.
“Gwen, don’t make me move to Chicago.”
“I would love for you to!”
“Yes, but…” I trail off, smoothing a stubborn crease in my coat. “We’re taking this one day at a time.”
“He talks about you.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Do you? He said how much he won’t shut up about his girlfriend? I think he’s entertained by the fact that you can’t share the news but he can—no strings here.”
“I’m thinking of coming out with it. I’d like to tell Janet just to watch her show an emotion. The only time I’ve seen one was when she was pissed.” Chuckling I mutter, “I’m kidding. I don’t care what she thinks. Truth is, I’m not saying anything because I still don’t believe we’re actually doing this. Never would I have imagined that Caden and I would get along so well. You have no idea what it was like at first. Or forever…until recently.”
“Pent up sexual frustration will do that,” she replies with a wink in her voice. “From what I’ve experienced of him, and knowing you so well, of course you clashed. You’re both strong personalities. Neither one of you would ever be called docile.”
“True.” Pivens strolls into the break room as I say, “I miss him.”
Ears perk in my direction, and I can’t take the words back. Pivens and I lock eyes. He heads for the coffee machine, but the way he’s moving is suddenly self-conscious.
“I’m very happy for you, Liz. The only thing I regret is only seeing you for about a half hour! Come back and visit him, so I can be selfish and steal you for some girl time.”
“We’re talking about it.” Keeping things vague since I’m no longer alone, I remind her, “Hard to coordinate schedules.”
“You don’t have to explain to me! I get it!”
“I’ve gotta get back to work.”
“Okay,” she replies. “Call
