Page 64 of Free to Fall

“Request for copies of all continuity of care documents dated”—I give tomorrow’s date—“To be copied to Lockwood, Laura F., MD.” Ending the call, I study his face before remarking, “Do you have any questions?”

He leans against the side of the couch. “About Bailey’s progress?”

“Alice mentioned she was going to drop you an email about the easing in her therapy during transition.”

“She did. She just never mentioned it was your idea.”

I slip my phone into my shorts pocket before wandering to the picture wall. Unseeing the photographs cataloging Liam and Bailey’s life together, I ask, “Do you know a study performed by NIH showed the average wait time in an ER for a child is fifty-six minutes? That’s before they’re taken back, meet a strange doctor, have all sorts of poking and prodding performed.”

“That has to be frightening.”

“For them and for us. There’s a burden when you hold someone’s pain in your hand.” Or you’re responsible for the pain of everyone else because you mishandled a situation. To cover my discomfort, I bow my head before mumbling, “I hope you like Italian.”

He steps forward. “I love it.”

“That’s good.”

“I didn’t come in here to question your decision, Laura. I trust and respect my daughter’s doctors too much. They all sang your praises.”

My head snaps up and I blush when I meet his translucent green eyes. But it’s not only unwavering support I find there; there’s more. So much more.

The question is, am I ready to find out what it means?

My body quivers.

His eyes darken.

The tension between us grows until it bleeds into the air between us. He takes a step forward, eyes blazing.

I take one back.

He stops his forward momentum, uncertainty filling his handsome features.

Meanwhile I’m giving myself a good shake. While Liam Payne’s been slaying my demons in my dreams, I’m here for two critical reasons—to care for his daughter and to regain my confidence. Not to crush on my boss. I stammer out, “Oh.”

Amusement lightens his expression. “‘Oh?’ Is that all you have to say?”

“Thanks?”

His lips twitch. His body shifts and the scent of his cologne fills my senses. I want to drown in his scent, bury my nose in it. I find myself swaying slightly before I plant my feet and ask, “Was there something else?”

“I actually came to see if you’d like to join us for dinner. Apparently a meatball fairy landed in my home today.”

I raise my fingers and pinch them together. “I might have got carried away showing Bailey how to make them.”

“Then come enjoy them with us.”

“I did promise Bailey.”

“That you did.”

Liam gestures for me to pass him. My stomach clenches when our bodies brush up against one another.

We both still at the close proximity to one another. His hand slides upward from my hip to rest at the side of my waist. My skin is on fire, my heart is pounding when he licks his lips. Then, “Laura.”

That’s it, just my name.

“Yes?” I rasp.

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