Page 41 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

The house is unusually quiet with both June and Damon out of town for some business. It’s just me and Ethan tonight. Babysitting my five-year-old nephew while trying to work is a juggling act, but it’s one I’m used to.

Normally, I enjoy spending time with my nephew. His innocent curiosity and boundless energy are infectious. But today, my mind is torn into three things—my work, my nephew, and the last part is completely hijacked by the infuriating, frustrating, utterly captivating Liam Miller.

Ethan shuffles over to me, his little feet padding softly on the hardwood floor. “Auntie Emma?” he asks, his big eyes full of curiosity.

“Yes, Ethan?” I reply, not looking up from the sketch I’m working on.

“Can I watch my other show?”

“Sure thing, buddy,” I nod, finally tearing my eyes away from the design. I help him set up his iPad in the corner of the room, finding his favorite show and getting it started. He settles down happily, his face lighting up as the theme song begins.

I return to my makeshift workstation, glad to have found something to keep Ethan occupied. I lean back in my chair, the weight of wedding plans pressing down on me. I want to give June and Damon the most beautiful wedding this town has ever seen, but it’s hard to focus.

Pencil poised above the page, I stare at the half-finished sketch for June's wedding bouquet. A cascade of lilies, peonies, and hydrangeas, each meticulously detailed, lies before me. It is supposed to be the centerpiece of my design, yet all I can see is Liam's amused simper as he suggests a single red rose to “add a touch of passion.”

My mind keeps drifting back to him. That’s why my phone is on the far side of the table, to keep away the silent temptation. I threw it there earlier, hoping that out of sight would mean out of mind.

No such luck.

Liam is in my every thought. His teasing, his jokes, the way he looks at me—it’s all driving me crazy. It’s not just the thrill of the game we’re playing, it’s him. The man makes my heart race in ways I never thought possible. And last night… I can’t believe I was bold enough to make the first move. Just thinking about it makes my skin tingle. A particularly daring move—having crazed sex by the roadside—replays in my mind. It was impulsive, unexpected, and utterly exhilarating. I surprised myself with my own boldness. But then, Liam is a master of pushing me out of my comfort zone.

But as much as I enjoy this, I must keep in mind that Liam isn’t like other men. He doesn’t believe in love or long-term relationships. He’s made that clear. And that’s the problem. I can’t let myself fall for him. I can’t get too close. The last thing I need is to get hurt when he decides he’s had enough.

The phone taunts me from across the table. I know I shouldn’t call him. Liam hates clinginess, and I refuse to be that person. I need a reason, a real excuse to reach out to him. Until then, I have to keep my distance no matter how much I want to hear his voice.

“Auntie Emma?” Ethan’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts, not for the first time this evening.

“Yes, sweetie?” I paste on a bright smile as I turn around to face him.

“When are Daddy and June coming home?”

I chuckle and ruffle his hair. “What, you don’t like spending time with me?” I tease.

He shakes his head vigorously. “No, I do. But you’re busy.”

I smile at his honesty. “Is your show boring you already?”

“It’s not as fun without Dad or June,” he admits, his little face drooping slightly.

I chuckle. “Don’t worry, Ethan. They’ll be home soon.”

Ethan nods, seemingly satisfied with my answer, and goes back to his show. I return to my work, trying to refocus. The wedding plans are a mess of ideas and potential disasters, but I’m determined to make it perfect. For June. For Damon. And maybe, just a little, to impress Liam.

I sketch out another design, my mind wandering back to him. The way he looked at me yesterday, the way he kissed me—it’s all so confusing and exhilarating. I’ve never met anyone like him. Someone who can make me feel so alive and yet so uncertain at the same time.

Ethan wanders back over, dragging his blanket behind him. “Auntie Emma, can I have a snack?”

“Of course, buddy,” I mumble, trying to bottle up my frustration. It’s not the boy’s fault I can’t get my own mind to focus.

I get up to rummage through the pantry. I find some cookies and a juice box, and we sit together at the table, sharing a moment of quiet.

“Are you excited about the wedding?” I ask him, trying to steer my thoughts away from Liam.

Ethan nods enthusiastically. “I get to wear a suit!”

I laugh. “You’re going to look very handsome.”

He beams at the compliment, crumbs clinging to his lips. It’s moments like these that make everything worth it. The chaos, the stress, the late nights working—it’s all for my family. And maybe, just maybe, for the possibility of something more with Liam.

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