Page 88 of My December Darling

“Time will fly by. Just you wait and see.”

Time doesn’t fly by. Instead, I feel like I’m trapped inside an hourglass, counting each individual grain of sand as the days go by excruciatingly slowly.

I’ve missed home before. It’s hard not to after growing up in a town like Lake Wisteria, surrounded by people who have known me since before I was born. Sure, I’ve enjoyed traveling, but the more I think about it, the less I want to stay away from my hometown.

Up until now, I was happy about moving around and filling in for nurses around the United States. I’ve been able to explore new places, put myself out there, and meet a ton of new people, all of which were difficult tasks for me before becoming a travel nurse.

I’ve grown up in so many ways, but perhaps it’s time for another change. One that begins with returning to the place where my whole life began and to the man who lives there.

Doctor Darling.

I rub my eyes to double-check that I’m not seeing things.

“Luke?”

He doesn’t give me a chance to process the fact that he is here in California before his mouth crushes against mine. His kiss is a claiming one that leaves an invisible mark long after he pulls away, and one I can’t stop replaying as I let him inside my apartment.

“I know you don’t like surprises, but I hope you don’t mind this one.” He drags his luggage inside before I throw myself into his arms.

“Are you kidding?” I ask between kisses. “This is the best one ever.”

His smirk makes my stomach muscles clench. “So, you don’t mind?”

“I only mind that you’re doubting me.”

He drops a kiss on my mouth in a silent apology. “I wasn’t sure?—”

I shut him up with my mouth pressing against his. “Less talking. More reuniting.”

“No need to tell me twice.” His fingers comb through my hair before his hands cradle the back of my head, holding me in place while he shows me just how much he missed me.

We spend a couple of hours in bed together before we make our way back into the living room to eat pizza from a local spot I like before cuddling on the couch and putting on a movie.

I curl into Luke’s side with a sigh. “How long are you staying?”

He frowns. “I’m flying back tomorrow night.”

My elation fades away. “Oh.”

“But I can come back soon.”

“And I can visit at least once.”

The line between his brows smooths out. “Do you have any plans for where you’re going next?”

I try to stifle my smile and fail. “I have a few options.”

His rare scowl returns with a vengeance. “That’s…good.”

“Is it?”

His arms tighten around my waist. “Of course. You love your job.”

I trace my finger down his chest, earning a soft little inhale from him. “I do.”

“And it pays well.”

“Can’t complain about that.”

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