Page 20 of Doctor Frost

“Thank you,” he said, grabbing the mug and taking a sip.

“No problem.” I smiled.

“No, I mean for today. If it wasn’t for you, well, I don’t think I would have gotten through tonight.”

“It wasn’t a problem. Glad to help, but honestly, it was by sharing those stories with the kids that got you through it.”

“Well, it meant a lot to me you were here,” he whispered, his eyes washing over my face. “No one has ever cared enough…”

“That’s because you don’t let anyone in, Dalton. For people to care, they have to be allowed to get close to you.”

“I’m afraid to let anyone in…”

His eyes studied mine, then they fell to my lips. I felt like we were getting closer, and I fought the urge to lean forward and place a kiss on his lips. It would be wrong.

I tore my eyes from his and looked down at the mug in my hands. I was about to say something when I felt his fingers under my chin. I slowly lifted my head and was surprised when he leaned forward. The room fell away as he placed his lips on mine and my fingers gently played with the hair on the back of his head. I could have easily allowed myself to get lost in him if he hadn’t pulled away.

The room was silent. I could hear my heart beating and panic flooded me.

“I’ve got to get going,” I said, jumping to my feet.

I had to get out of there. The second his lips touched mine, I wanted more. The emptiness I felt when he’d pulled away was almost unbearable.

“Amelia, wait…” Dalton said, standing as well. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have…”

“Don’t be silly. It’s fine,” I said, grabbing my purse and slipping my feet into my shoes, not sure if I was going to panic or kiss the man again.

I was about to pull the door open when I felt his hands on my upper arms. I froze, not able to move.

“Amelia…” he breathed.

“Dalton…”

“Yes?” he answered.

“It’s been a long and emotional day. I think it’s best if we both say good night.”

I didn’t wait; I opened the door and stepped out onto the porch, feeling Dalton’s hands slip from my arms.

“Good night, Dalton. I’ll see you on Monday.”

I didn’t look back; I rushed to my car, climbed in, and backed out of the driveway.

Dalton

I let outa yawn as I was going over the notes from this morning’s meeting. I’d barely slept the weekend after Amelia left. I felt like a complete fool. I’d kissed her, I’d let my guard down, something I’d promised myself would never happen. Then I’d tossed and turned all night, worrying that she was going to report me to human resources today, and if not today, I was sure it would only be a matter of time.

I let out a sigh and closed my notebook, glancing at the clock. It was almost one, and I’d still not seen Amelia today. She hadn’t called in sick either, which was unlike her. I left my office and made my way down the hall toward the front desk, where I found Charlotte on the phone. I went into the copy room only to find it empty and then returned to the front desk.

“If you are looking for Amelia, they called and asked if she could come to the emergency room. Apparently, they were slammed, and we weren’t, so I told her to go. You were in your meeting.”

I nodded. Normally, she would have cleared it with me first, but she hadn’t, which normally would have made me angry.

Charlotte looked up at me, waiting for my reaction. Only I had nothing to give. After the other night, I knew I was skating on thin ice.

“I’m going to head down for lunch. Want anything?”

Charlotte looked at me weirdly. What was the matter with me? This wasn’t the cold exterior I normally had. I’d never offered to get my employees anything.

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