Page 46 of Burned By the Broken Doctor

I wake up to a bright day, sunlight streaming through the curtains. I check the time: 9:00 AM. I didn’t get much sleep last night, my thoughts consumed by Emma. Every time I closed my eyes, images of her flooded my mind, making sleep impossible.

I throw off the covers and head straight to the bathroom. The cold water from the shower wakes me up completely, washing away the remnants of a restless night. I get dressed quickly, choosing a casual outfit that’s comfortable but still looks good. Today is about more than just seeing wedding venues. It’s another chance to spend time with Emma.

Descending the stairs, I’m greeted by the smell of breakfast. I find my dad in the kitchen, flipping pancakes on the griddle. He turns when he hears me enter, raising an eyebrow at my appearance.

“Why are you dressed like you’re heading out? You don’t have to be at the hospital for another two hours,” he says, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I mumble a response, not really wanting to get into it. “Just meeting someone.”

He chuckles, clearly seeing through my vague answer. “Someone named Emma, perhaps?”

I grab a pancake off the stack on the counter, munching on it as I try to avoid his knowing gaze. “Maybe,” I admit, between bites.

“Ah, young love,” my dad teases. “Why don’t you just tell me you’re seeing her? It’s written all over your face.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile that tugs at my lips. “Can you cover my shift this morning?”

He leans against the counter, crossing his arms. “I’ll cover every shift you want if you can promise me a wedding by the end of the year.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Don’t get your hopes up, Dad.”

He shrugs, a glint of optimism in his eyes. “I’m positive. I know what I see.”

Still shaking my head, I grab another pancake and head toward the door. “I’ll see you later.”

“Have fun, Liam. And say hi to Emma for me!” he calls after me.

Outside, the air is crisp and fresh. I breathe it in, feeling a rush of excitement. Despite my dad’s hopeful teasing, I know myself too well. This thing with Emma, it’s intense and consuming, but it’s also fleeting. Once the passion abates, I’ll be ready to move on. At least, that’s one thing I can promise myself.

As I walk toward the road, my mind drifts back to the moments we’ve shared. Her laughter, her smile, the way she looked at me that night… It all feels so vivid, so real. I can’t deny the pull I feel toward her, but I also can’t ignore the part of me that fears getting too close, too attached.

When I arrive by the roadside, she’s already waiting outside, standing beside her truck, looking radiant in the morning light. Her arms are crossed over her chest, pushing up those full breasts.

She’s mad. I check my wristwatch: 10:04. Ah! That’s why. I jog across the road with a smile on my face as I approach her.

14

EMMA

I park my car on the curb, glancing at my watch for the hundredth time. It’s 10:03, and Liam is late. The frustration bubbling inside me is becoming unbearable. Tapping my foot impatiently, I scan the street for Liam. It’s two minutes past ten.

“Seriously?” I mutter to myself, pulling out my phone for the umpteenth time. Should I call him?

My frustration simmers, a low burn fueled by a potent cocktail of nerves and excitement. This whole “fake relationship” charade with Liam is messing with my head. Here I am, a fiercely independent woman, waiting around like a lovesick teenager for a date who can't tell time.

Why am I even so anxious to see him? It’s not like there’s a possibility of anything extraordinary happening between us—we’re just having a casual fling, and we’ll both end things sooner or later. But even that thought doesn’t lessen the excitement of seeing him. I thought about him all day yesterday and had woken up very early to get ready for him this morning.

I even have my face made up, and I’m in my favorite jean that I know show off my hips and ass. Would he cancel on me? Every minute that ticks by makes my heart pound faster.

I get out of the car and start pacing around the sidewalk, trying to shake off the nerves. The early morning sun is warm, but it doesn’t do much to calm me down. My thoughts are a mess, tangled up with excitement and annoyance. Just as I’m about to recheck my watch, I see Liam’s tall frame approaching. Finally.

He jogs up and waves at me, a casual smile on his face. “Sorry I’m late,” he pips softly, but I can’t hear the sincerity in his voice.

“You’re four minutes late,” I snap, crossing my arms over my chest. “We agreed on 10:00 sharp.”

He raises an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my tone. “It’s just a few minutes, Emma. You’re overreacting.”

I glare at him, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. “I’m not overreacting. You’re always trying to make it seem like everything’s my fault. You’re the one who’s late.”

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