Page 25 of Doctor's Surprise Twins

“Dr. Cole?”

He takes a deep breath before turning to look back at me with his hands on his hips. “Call me Ethan. The professional title isn’t needed here.”

She nods. “Thank you, Ethan.”

“Don’t mention it,” he says, rushing from the room.

I feel like he’s rushing away from me. Does he regret helping me last night? I’m sure he does after sleeping in the chair.

I shake the thoughts off and set the tray on the bed before me. I pull my legs up and focus on getting food and water into my system. I feel awful after last night, and I’m angry with myself for the trouble I’ve caused. Now I have to get a newphone, call the bank and credit card companies and cancel my cards, and hope that whoever stole everything hasn’t spent the money in my accounts. I’m a full-time college student, so money isn’t exactly rolling in. I have also made myself look awful to my boss, no matter what he says. He might not use it against me, but anyone else would. And they wouldn’t want to hire me. I was irresponsible and vow to never act that way again. I don’t even know how I got so drunk. I was laughing and having fun with the girls, dancing, and talking. Never again will I let my guard down like that. I could’ve ruined everything I’ve worked for in one careless night.

I finish my breakfast and push the blankets away from my legs as I put my feet on the floor. The hardwood is cold beneath my bare feet, and I wonder where my shoes are. Sleeping in my dress has caused it to inch up around my waist. I grab at the hem and yank it down, wiggling my hips. Ethan walks in just then and freezes.

“Shit. Sorry,” he says, quickly turning around. “I should have knocked or announced myself or something.”

My face burns hot as I smooth my dress down. “It’s your house. You don’t have to knock. I’m good now,” I say, turning my back so he doesn’t see me blush.

“I’m not used to having anyone here, so knocking slipped my mind. I was just coming to see if you were ready to go.”

“Just a sec. I can’t find my heels.”

“Oh, they’re right here,” he says, walking over. At the foot of the bed, he bends over and picks them up.

I take them from his hands. “Thanks.”

He nods.

I lift my left foot and slide my shoe on. Then I lift the right to do the same, only I lose my balance and fall forward. I squeal and drop my shoe as I reach for him. He catches me and steadies me, both of us freezing as we look into one another’s eyes.

“Are you okay?” he asks, his warm breath blowing across my lips.

I nod. “I…” I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless. The way he’s looking at me makes my brain freeze like it’s buffering with a slow internet connection. “Yeah, I’m… shit.” I pull away. “I’m sorry. I’m not still drunk. I’m just moving too fast, I guess,” I say, removing my shoe from my left foot before picking up the one I’d thrown. “Maybe I don’t need to wear these right now. I’ll just go without.”

He stands tall and nods once. “Alright. Ugh, follow me and I’ll take you home.” He starts toward the door.

I take a couple of steps but stop. “Actually, can I use your restroom first?”

He nods to the door across the hall. “Of course. Help yourself.”

I give him a tight smile and watch as he carries on out the door and down the hallway. I walk across the hall and enter the bathroom. I flip on the light and lock the door behind me before setting my shoes on the floor. Then I turn my attention to the mirror and I wince as embarrassment washes over me. I am a mess. My hair is standing up in all directions, and my makeup is smeared all over. I roll my eyes. “Of course, this is how you look.” I turn on the water and let it fill my hands.

I splash water on my face before scrubbing a bit to wash away my remaining makeup. Then, I take down my hair and finger-comb most of the tangles out, tying it back in a messy bun. I shake my head. Grabbing my shoes, I leave the bathroom and head down the hallway in the direction he went. As I move through his house, I notice that every door is open but one. I’ve passed the room I stayed in, what I can only guess is his master bedroom, and a home office, and all had the doors open. I wonder what’s behind that closed door. I’m tempted to openit, but as I draw closer, the hallway opens into the living room where he’s waiting.

Our eyes lock, and he gives me a tight smile. “Everything okay?”

I nod. “Yes, thank you.”

He nods. “Do you want coffee or anything before we go?”

I shake my head. “No, thanks. I should get home.”

“Alright. The garage is this way.”

He leads me through the entryway, and I turn my head and look toward the back of the house. The far back wall is glass and overlooks the patio and pool. “Wow, your patio is gorgeous,” I say, looking out at the pool, built-in grill, sitting area, and hot tub.

He comes to stand beside me. “Thanks, but it mostly goes unused. I don’t have time to entertain guests like I thought I would. Are you ready?” Without waiting for me to answer, he turns away leaving me to chase after him.

10

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