Page 36 of Single Daddy Doctor Dreamy

I nod, though the memory of Rivkin’s angry, unhinged gaze still lingers in my mind. “I’m just glad you stayed calm. I don’t know if I could have.”

Joel leans back in his chair, exhaling a long, measured breath. His hands, usually so steady, drum against the table. It's subtle, but I catch it. He’s trying to mask how rattled he is, but the cracks are showing.

“Joel,” I say softly, my voice trembling despite my attempt to sound steady. “What happens now? With him? With… everything?”

He doesn’t answer right away, his gaze fixed on a spot just over my shoulder. His jaw tightens, and I can see the gears turning in his head, calculating, strategizing. It’s the same look he gets when he’s diagnosing a tough case, but this isn’t the hospital. This is real life, and it’s messy, unpredictable.

“He’s a liability,” Joel finally says, his voice low. “I knew that already, but tonight just confirms it. If he doesn’t self-destruct first, someone’s going to make sure he does.”

The weight of his words sinks into me, heavy and unrelenting. “What do you mean? Someone?”

Joel’s eyes snap to mine, sharp and piercing. “This is about more than me, Lucy. Rivkin’s been making enemies for years. I’ve ignored a lot of his behavior for the sake of professionalism, but not everyone is as patient. And if he doesn’t back down, things could escalate.”

My stomach churns. “Escalate how? Are you saying he’s dangerous?”

Joel hesitates, the silence stretching thin between us. Finally, he leans forward, lowering his voice even further. “Rivkin’sdesperate. Desperate people do reckless things. I don’t want to worry you, but…” His eyes search mine, a flicker of vulnerability breaking through his usually composed exterior. “Just be careful, okay? If anything seems off, at home, around town, tell me immediately.”

The thought sends a shiver down my spine. I try to swallow the lump forming in my throat. “Okay,” I manage to say, though my voice feels small, fragile.

Joel reaches across the table, his hand brushing mine in a brief, grounding touch. It’s enough to tether me, to remind me I’m not alone in this storm. “Let’s get out of here,” he says. “I think we’ve had enough drama for one night.”

We gather our things and make our way to the exit, the hushed murmurs of the other diners following us like shadows. Outside, the crisp night air hits me like a slap, sharp and sobering. Joel’s car is parked just a few steps away, but the short distance feels like a mile. My pulse quickens as I scan the street, half-expecting Rivkin to reappear, his anger renewed.

Joel must sense my unease because he steps closer, pulling his arm around me like a protective shield. “He’s not coming back,” he says, his tone firm. “I made sure of it.”

I nod, but the knot in my stomach doesn’t loosen. As we drive back to Joel’s house, the silence between us feels heavier than usual, filled with unspoken fears and lingering tension.

When we get home, the boys are already asleep, we thank Mrs. Harlow and Joel walks her to her house down the block. A few hours later, I find myself standing in the kitchen, staring out the window into the dark expanse of the backyard. Joel’s wordsreplay in my mind, their weight pressing down on me like a physical force.

Desperate people do reckless things.

I shiver, wrapping my arms around myself despite the warmth of the room. The thought of Rivkin lurking somewhere in the shadows, plotting his next move, sends a chill down my spine. I don’t want to be paranoid, but it’s hard not to be.

The sound of footsteps pulls me from my thoughts. I turn to see Joel standing in the doorway, his tie loosened, his sleeves rolled up. He looks tired, the events of the evening etched into the lines of his face.

“Can’t sleep?” he asks, his voice soft.

I shake my head. “Too much on my mind.”

Joel steps into the room, his presence grounding as he leans against the counter across from me. “I get it. Tonight was… a lot.”

I let out a hollow laugh. “That’s an understatement.”

For a moment, neither of us speaks. The silence is heavy but not uncomfortable, a shared understanding passing between us. Finally, Joel pushes off the counter and closes the distance between us.

“Lucy,” he says, his voice low and serious. “I know tonight scared you. Hell, it scared me, too. But I need you to trust me. I’ll handle Rivkin. I’ll protect you and the boys. Always.”

The sincerity in his eyes makes my breath catch. I’m unable to find the words to respond. Joel reaches out, his hand brushing my cheek in a gesture so tender it makes my heart ache.

But before I can say anything, the sound of his phone buzzing on the counter breaks the moment. Joel sighs, pulling back as he reaches for the device. His expression darkens as he glances at the screen.

“It’s the hospital,” he says, his tone sharp.

“Do you need to go in?” I ask, already bracing myself for the answer.

Joel shakes his head, frowning as he reads the message. “It’s not that. It’s…” He trails off, his eyes narrowing as he types out a quick reply.

“What is it?” I press, my anxiety spiking.

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