Page 107 of Dr. Intern

I was surprised to not see Walker’s wife tonight since significant others were on the guest list. He hasn’t said anything about her recently, but he’s not a sharer so I haven’t wanted to push it. I’ll just assume things are getting better unless he tells me otherwise.

Parker gives my shoulder a friendly squeeze. “Yeah, you suck, Buff.”

My hand scrubs over my face. I’m definitely not drunk enough for this.

Parker suddenly grins, as if struck by a moment of intoxicated inspiration. “Hey Walker,” he says, his smile broadening, “what’s the definition of a double-blind study?”

Walker blinks at him, his dark eyes flashing with annoyance, as if he’s just been asked the most absurd question. “What is this, a pop quiz?”

But Parker, undeterred, delivers the punchline with glee. “It’s two ortho interns looking at an EKG together.”

There’s a brief pause as Walker processes the joke, and then he erupts into a robust, genuine laugh. Parker joins him, slapping him on the back as they struggle to catch their breath.

I let out a resigned sigh, letting my eyes wander along the balcony in search of Claire. I haven’t seen her since we rejoined the party, and even though our relationship requires discretion, I’m hoping to at least catch a glimpse of my girl before the ball drops.

“Did someone say Jimmy’s after we ring in the new year?” Morgan calls to the crowd, drawing my attention as Cassidy sneaks up next to me.

Jimmy’s, a notorious bar in Buckhead, is a melting pot of diverse clientele, with a notable inclination towards the sugar daddy scene. While it’s a great time for people-watching, there’s usually a massive line and a cover, making it miserable on a busy night. There’s no way in hell you could convince me to go on New Year’s Eve.

“I’m game,” Walker shouts, his voice carrying through the crowd as he takes a hearty sip of his neat whisky.

“Nah,” Parker adds, pulling Cass into his arms as he nuzzles his bride-to-be. “I’ve got the only woman I need right here.”

Cassidy’s cheeks bloom bright red as Parker murmurs something in her ear that makes Walker wince and swiftly down the rest of his drink.

“Hey, roomie,” Claire says casually, bumping her champagne glass against mine. She looks fucking phenomenal tonight in the shiny, form-fitting dress, and it’s taking all of my willpower to not react to her.

“Isn’t that sweet,” Parker gushes, his glassy eyes settling between us. “My sister and my best friend, getting along. Who would have thought?”

I manage a nod, carefully avoiding his probing eyes. “Yep, definitely a surprise.”

Leaning in, Cassidy whispers to Claire and me, “Speaking ofsurprises, would you mind if we crash at the condo tonight? I don’t see Parker making it anywhere other than to bed after this.”

“It’s no prob—” I start saying as Cassidy blurts, “Unless you two are using the master bedroom . . .”

Her expression conveys a deeper meaning, and my eyes flash to Claire for clarification.

She simply shrugs before scrunching up her nose in a look of disgust. “Oh god, stop. You know I don’t dare set foot in that sex room. The ghosts of orgasms past probably haunt the walls.”

Parker’s ears perk up, a wild twinkle in his eyes as he draws Cassidy closer again. “Someone say orgasms?”

Claire nearly sputters her champagne, and I quickly pat her back, my hand lingering just a moment too long at the base of her spine.

Morgan’s voice pierces through the air. “One minute to midnight!”

She’s standing on top of a makeshift beer pong table, commanding the crowd’s attention. Walker, breaking away from our group, has made his way to the party queen, taking alternate pulls from the Makers Mark bottle with her. I have no idea how they’re getting along—Walker barely likes me, let alone anyone else. But for some reason, he’s been staring at her all night like a damn psycho.

With Parker distracted and nuzzling sweet nothings into Cassidy’s neck, I take the moment to lean into Claire.

“You’re the only person I want at midnight,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. “This midnight. And all of our midnights.”

Claire’s cheeks flush a delicate shade of pink as she meets my gaze, her eyes shimmering with desire. The countdown continues around us, voices growing louder as the seconds tick away.

Raising her glass in the air, she clinks it against mine as she murmurs, “To all of our midnights.”

Chapter 43

Beau

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