Page 45 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

I argue with myself, trying to justify it. Technically, it wouldn't be overarching or breaking any of our unwritten and unspoken rules—she texted first, after all. It's a flimsy justification, but I want to tell myself I can call her.

It's not being clingy if she reached out first, right?

Before I can second-guess myself any further, I grab my phone and hit her contact. The phone barely rings once before she answers, as if she’s been holding her phone and waiting for the call. She couldn’t have been, could she?

“Hey,” she greets, her voice soft, warm, and inviting.

“Hey, Emma. How’s your night going?”

“Quiet,” she replies. “Ethan's asleep, and Damon just headed to bed as well. I was just thinking about tomorrow.”

I smile, her words making me feel more connected to her. “Tomorrow should be interesting. I'm looking forward to it.”

“Me too. You at home, too?”

“Uh, no.” I chuckle. “I took the staff to dinner tonight. A little party to appreciate their effort since I arrived”

“Oh.” I can picture her nodding slowly. “How was the party?”

I shrug, thinking back to the evening. “It was good. The staff enjoyed themselves, especially after I offered to buy more drinks.”

She laughs. The sound sends a sudden warm thrill through me that makes me grip the steering wheel tighter.

“Always the generous one. Hope you got to enjoy the money you spent as well?”

“Not really,” I admit. “I kept checking my phone, waiting for your text.”

Her laughter softens into a teasing tone. “Sounds like someone really missed me.”

I grin, deciding not to bother hiding it. “Guilty as charged. So, what did you do tonight?”

“Babysat Ethan, mostly. He's a handful, but in a good way. We watched some of his favorite shows. He missed Damon and June a lot. I’m guessing the exoticness of meeting his runaway aunt in person is starting to wear off.”

“I can imagine.” I laugh, picturing the little guy with his big, curious eyes. “I think he’s just anxious, though. A lot of things that he doesn’t fully understand are happening, and not seeing his dad all day, he must just miss him.”

“Missed him a lot. He practically tackled Damon when he walked through the door.”

We both laugh, sharing a comfortable silence afterward. I pull into my driveway, the familiar sight of my house greeting me. But instead of going inside, I stay in the car, wanting to keep talking to her.

“You’re in bed, I guess?” I ask, breaking the silence.

“In bed, yes,” she replies in a soft whisper. “Thinking of you.”

My heart skips a beat. “I've thought about you most of the day.”

“That's good,” she says, a hint of mischief in her voice. “Keep that thought.”

“I will,” I promise.

A long pause settles between us as I search for what to say. Nothing comes, just my pounding heart and excitement about what tomorrow may bring.

“Goodnight, Emma.”

“Goodnight, Liam.”

The call ends, but I sit in my car for a moment longer, a smile playing on my lips. Finally, I step out and head inside, the night air cool against my skin.

Inside, the house is quiet. Dad is clearly already asleep. I head to my bedroom, my mind still on Emma. Our conversation replays in my head, each laugh and teasing remark making me feel closer to her. I lie down on my bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling excited.

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