Page 62 of Nocturne

“It's good, all thanks to you.” I smile.

Okay, I might have a teeny tiny crush on the doctor. I mean, anyone would. With his wavy brown hair, clean-shaven face, warm green eyes and a smile which puts people at ease, it is difficult not to like him.

It is not the explosive attraction that I feel towards…I mentally shake my head. I’ve decided that I won’t think of the debacle that transpired last night or the mental rabbit hole I’ve descendedinto. I’m done with the man. I want to feel nothing but gratitude towards him for saving me.

“Remember to take it easy,”

I nod.

“Ara, can I have another scoop?”

I turn to Cas, who looks up at me with those puppy dog eyes.

Oh no.

I’m definitely going to be in trouble if he ever looks at me like that and asks for something.

“Sure thing, sweetie. But do you promise to eat dinner?”

He nods.

“Then go. I’ll pay while we leave,”

He runs towards the refill counter with his bowl, and I turn to Sean.

“I cannot say no to the kid,”

He laughs. “No one can when he asks like that,” he agrees.

“Would you-

“Can I ask you something?”

Sean cuts in, interrupting my invitation to sit with us.

“Of course,” I nod.

All of a sudden, the man looks slightly uncomfortable and nervous as well. Seeing him nervous makes me nervous. Is it something about my leg? Would it require any surgery?

“I know this might sound cliché, but trust me, I’m not lying,” he begins.

I’m confused, but I wait for him to continue.

“I don’t maintain any relationships with my patients outside the hospital. It’s a rule I’ve made for myself to avoid any awkwardness or complications. I’ve never broken it or even had the urge to—until I met you.”

The heat from his words makes my cheeks flush instantly. Ugh, traitorous skin.

“So,” he adds, flashing a smile that’s warm, “if you’d like, I’d love to take you out to dinner. At a time that’s convenient for you.”

As if his words weren’t enough, Sean’s smile deepens, revealing dimples on both cheeks. It’s impossible not to notice how handsome he is. And kind. I’ve spent weeks as his patient, talking with him, and he’s nothing but caring and thoughtful. The type of guy you’d expect to be a comforting presence—like a warm hug you never want to end.

I can’t think of a single reason to say no to him, but there’s a tug in my chest, a hesitation that catches me off guard.

Just then, Cas returns to the table, holding his bowl of ice cream, and slips the bill toward me. I glance between him, Sean, and back to Cas. How do I answer a dinner invitation in front of a toddler, the one I’m in the process of adopting? Is dating even the right move right now?

My dilemma must be written all over my face.

“You can give me an answer later,” Sean says, his voice warm and understanding. “You have my number.”

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