Page 90 of Deeply Examined

“You’ve seen him too?” I work to keep my tone even, to not interrogate her. Instead, I ground myself by touching Jessica’s earrings, the diamond studs I gave her for Christmas. She still wears them, knowing I can track her with them. It’s her way of humoring me, andGod, I love her for that.

Jessica shrugs. “Sometimes. Once he rode the bus at the same time as me, but he didn’t get off at my stop.”

I swear under my breath.

Fucking Brad.

Knowing how protective I get, Jessica is quick to reassure me. “I’m sure he’s harmless. I feel bad for him, poor guy. You don’t have to worry, Adam.”

My grip on my wine glass tightens. “I’m not worried, Jess.” I press a kiss to the top of her head. “You know I’ll always keep you safe.”

She casts a wary glance my way, probably hearing the threat in that statement.

“Did you tell Monica about Paris?” Quickly, I change the topic, not wanting her to dwell on Brad and his craziness.

“Oh!” Jessica bounces excitedly. “You know how I’ve aways wanted to travel! We got reservations at this incredible restaurant. It has the most beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower. Just a couple more weeks, and we’ll be walking along the Seine, looking at the river.” She beams at me, reaching over to squeeze my hand, her enthusiasm infectious. I grin back, knowing I’ve never smiled as much in my life as I have since she walked into my office for that first examination. The moment that set everything in motion.

Monica nibbles on a piece of cheese. “What made you guys pick Paris, anyway?”

“I owe Jessica some new underwear,” I smirk and send Jessica a wink. “I keep tearing them off her.”

“Adam!” Jessica exclaims, blushing the most delicious shade of pink.

The breath gets knocked out of me when, laughing, she jabs her elbow into my ribs. “Don’t tell all our secrets, Marshmallow,” Jessica whispers teasingly with a grin.

Most people would be shocked to hear about torn panties, but not Monica. She brightens and pokes Jessica in the shoulder with a red-tipped fingernail. “You didn’t tell me that part! Jessica Joy Jones, you’ve been holding out!”

Jessica just laughs, making Monica giggle too. I bask in it, the sound of happiness, the sense of home. It’s hard to remember how cold and lonely my condo used to be before Jessica filled it with light.

Later, when Jessica excuses herself to use the bathroom, I take a seat next to Monica.

“We’re still on, right?” I whisper, eyeing the hallway to make sure Jessica doesn’t catch us.

“Yeah, next Tuesday? Noon?” Monica confirms in the same hushed tone.

“Thanks for helping. I’m in over my head when it comes to looking for a ring.” My palms have begun to sweat. It happens every time I think about my plan to propose in front of the Eiffel Tower. I’m going to put the ring on top of a cupcake, an inside joke just for the two of us.

Monica waves a hand. “Please. Jessica’s been telling me about her dream ring for years. Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”

“Thanks, Moni—” I startle at a loud knocking on my door.

When I open it, Parker comes bursting in, talking a mile a minute, which isn’t unusual for him. What is unusual is the distressed twist of his mouth and how his perfectly styled hair is mussed, like he’s been running his hand through it.

“Adam!” he says in a loud, booming voice, and I flinch. I still don’t like anyone but Jessica calling me by that name. “You have to help. I’m in trouble with a capital M.”

“What’re you talking about?” I step aside so he can enter.

“I just got served with a malpractice lawsuit.” He throws his hands up. “Me!Can you believe it? Who would sueme?”

I roll my eyes. Parker has lots of reasons to be confident. He’s smart, a brilliant surgeon, a YouTube sensation, and—much to my annoyance—Jessica has confirmed he’s good-looking.

Although, when she saw my wounded pride, she quickly amended that statement by saying, “He’s not as handsome as you, Adam. Not by a long shot.”

Yeah, right.

I know a pity compliment when I hear it.

Even with all those things going for him, Parker’s level of self-love is through the roof—sometimes a little too much.

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