Page 78 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

“I have an emergency bag at the hospital for cases like this. I’m all packed and there’s still time—well, a bit of time, counting traffic.”

That eases some of her tension as we reach the doorstep, where she hugs me.

“Good luck with the surgery. I hope everything goes well.”

I nod. “It will.” But it feels nice to have encouragement all the same, particularly to bury my nose in her hair and bask in how good she smells—and fuck, it feels nice to have something to look forward to when I come back home. “It’s too bad I can’t come to your meetings.”

She laughs. “Don’t worry. I’ll kill it.”

My chest swells with pride. “I know you will.”

“Now go, Dr. Jennings.”

“Fine.”

Because I can’t resist, I kiss her again and can’t help but feel heated up when she deepens it first, unable to hide how much she will miss me. I grip her hips and pull her closer, letting her feel how much I’ll miss her, too, before we finally, reluctantly part. Our erratic breaths connect as I cup her cheek and we look each other in the eye.

“Do you think Riley’s asleep?”

She nods. “I think so. The lights are off.”

“Okay. Tell her I’ll be back soon.” Then, “I have something to tell you when I come back.”

She studies my face, searches it. Then she softens and nods.

“I have something to tell you, too.”

I smile. “More good news?”

“I think so.”

“Good. I can’t wait.” I love you.

But I keep the last one to myself, at least for now.

Plans. Lots of plans.

Then, when I return from New Jersey, I will be more than ready to ask her and Riley to move in with me.

Chapter 25

Olivia

I’m still on a high from a rather successful weekend, one that I didn’t expect to turn out the way it did. Not only did I secure four of the six clients, all of whom don’t care how long it will take me to paint them a piece of my artwork since they’re casual collectors, but I’ve also secured a deal with Jennifer, who agreed to display my sketches in the meantime until I can provide her with paintings. It still feels surreal, but I’m no longer nervous or hesitant about this.

I’m excited. I didn’t think I would get this excited over a side gig, but it’s like a distant dream making its way to the center of my life and reminding me that it’s still achievable even if I’m already achieving another dream. It makes me feel invincible—because if I can conquer this, I can conquer anything.

Like telling Luke how you truly feel about him.

Yes. Exactly that.

“Liv? Good, you’re early. I’ve been told you need to go to the director’s office right away. Something about your tenure.” Rose Sutton smiles at me. We’re more acquaintances than friends, but she’s always been friendly and supportive of the medical assistants under her. “Go now. Dr. Sanders is already waiting.”

Curiosity sparks inside me. I know the director chats with employees from time to time, but it’s mostly with doctors, and I glance at the calendar and startle when I realize I’ve been working here for more than six months already. Does this mean he’s going to make me a permanent staff member of the hospital?

“Oh. Okay. I’ll go now.”

Rose seems to have the same thought process as she continues smiling. “Good luck.”

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