Page 67 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

My dad nods approvingly. “You’re doing a good deed, son.”

I nod back, feeling a mix of determination and anxiety. As I walk out to the car, my mind races. Am I really falling for Emma? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? For now, I decide to push those thoughts aside and focus on the evening ahead.

The drive to the Cole house feels both too fast and too slow. My heart pounds as I walk up to the door and knock. It swings open to reveal Emma, and I’m momentarily speechless. She’s dressed in a stunning emerald-green dress that hugs her figure perfectly, her hair cascading in soft waves around her shoulders.

“Wow,” I manage to say, my eyes wide. “You look amazing.”

She blushes, a pleased smile spreading across her face. “Thanks, Liam. You clean up pretty well yourself.”

I offer her my arm, and we head to the car. As we drive, she turns to me with a curious look. “So, what’s this party about again?”

I smile, glancing over at her. “It’s your high school reunion. I heard you’ve been too shy to go because some of your former classmates tease you.”

Emma gasps, her eyes lighting up with happiness. “Really? You’re taking me to that?”

I wink at her. “I’ve got your back.”

The rest of the drive is filled with comfortable silence, both of us lost in our thoughts. When we arrive at the venue, a quaint country club on the outskirts of town, I park the car and walk around to open Emma’s door.

She steps out gracefully, looking around with a mix of excitement and nerves.

22

EMMA

As we arrive at the party, butterflies swarm inside me. I’m walking side by side with Liam, our arms brushing occasionally. The warmth of his presence does little to quell my nerves at the thought of him meeting my friends as my man. I can't help but wonder if I’m crazy for letting him bring me here. But as we step inside, the festive decorations of the club and the buzz of laughter and conversation begin to put me at ease.

Liam gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, and I smile up at him. His calm demeanor is contagious, and I take a deep breath, trying to let my own excitement overshadow my nerves.

“Ready?” he asks, his voice gentle.

“Yeah,” I reply, nodding.

We walk in, and almost immediately, I’m greeted by familiar faces. Friends I haven’t seen in years come up to say hello, and it’s heartwarming to reconnect. The club is decorated beautifully, with twinkling lights and elegant decorations that give the place a festive feel. I suddenly feel good for coming here.

We make our way through the crowd until we find June and Damon. They’re surrounded by a group of friends, and the moment they spot us, they wave us over enthusiastically. June’s face is a beacon of sunshine amidst the crowd. A broad smile splits my face as I make my way toward her, Liam trailing close behind.

“Emma! Liam!” June calls out, a wide smile on her face.

Damon claps Liam on the back as we join them. “Glad you could make it, man.”

“Emma!” June exclaims, pulling me into a hug. “Look at you, all dressed up!” Her enthusiastic gaze then shifts to Liam. “Thank you for bringing her, Dr. Miller.”

June reintroduces me to a few friends I haven’t seen since high school. One of the familiar faces I recall quickly through the crowd is Sarah, a girl from my art class.

“Emma!” she shrieks, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug. The scent of her vanilla perfume brings a wave of nostalgia crashing down on me. “Is that really you? And who is this handsome stranger with you?”

Liam flashes his winning smile. “Hi there, I'm Liam. Liam Miller.”

“Emma's, uh?” She looks from me to him as she takes his hand.

As I fumble for the right word, Liam nods and says, “partner.”

Sarah's eyes widen as I feel my heart slam in my chest. “Partner? Wow!” Sarah’s eyes widen slightly. “Wait, are you Dr. Miller’s son?”

Liam nods, smiling. “That’s me.”

Recognition dawns on the faces surrounding us. “Dr. Miller's son?” someone gasps.

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