Page 36 of The Doctor

Dom rolled his eyes at me. “She spoils him.”

“I think she just loves seeing him smile.” I lifted a brow at him. “I think she wouldn’t mind seeing yours from time to time as well.”

Bex strolled through to the kitchen holding Vicky in her arm with Landon holding her hand. Everyone was all smiles and my heart did a funny flip thing and I had to resist the urge to rub my chest. Dom was staring at them, too. I wondered if he was thinking the same thing I was. Probably not.

Bex took a deep inhale as I took Vicky from her. She picked up Landon and placed him in the high chair. “What’s for dinner?”

“Chicken stew and rice.” I wasn’t a gourmet chef or anything but I could hold my own. Eating out or even ordering in, was expensive while I lived in New York. It also got tedious after a while. I followed YouTube tutorials and called Mrs. Salinger often, until I knew what I was doing in the kitchen.

Bex could cook as well, and we had learned in the few weeks we lived together that we could not be in the kitchen at the same time. Since we had very different methods of doing things, we came to the conclusion that whoever cooked would clean as well. I was more of a clean as I go kind of person and Bex found the need to dirty as many surfaces and containers in the process.

Once we were all seated and every one had dished, conversation flowed better than I expected. Dom was considering joining the football team even though the season had already started.

“And the homecoming dance is next week. We’re not going to that.”

Bex and I shared a look before she spoke. “We? Do you have a girlfriend already?”

“Your surprise is noted.” Dom said deadpan. “But no. Since we’re all grounded, we decided to hang out at Holden’s house.”

“I don’t think you understand what being grounded means.” Bex's frown deepened. “No hanging out anywhere.”

“I’m still grounded?” Dom looked between the two of us expectantly. What he was expecting, I wasn’t sure.

It was Bex’s turn to roll her eyes. “Just because you actually like spending time inside, doesn’t mean we’ve become more lenient.”

We kept up the litany of small talk until the little ones were ready for bed.

I told them I was considering applying for the Head of Department for the Emergency Room at the hospital.

“It's more regular hours, and more money.” Besides, I had the experience. “Also, the current Head said I was his recommendation and he would advocate for me.”

“Great.” Bex smiled, pride evident all over her pretty features. My heart stuttered and my dick twitched. We were going to need to find some time alone together again soon. “But you’ll also have more responsibility.”

“To be honest, I always liked the idea of running my own ER.” I pushed my plate aside and leaned my forearms on the table. “Calling the shots and running things my way, has a certain appeal. I’ve already thought of a few things I would do differently if I was in charge.”

“I like that for you.” She smiled and then stared at her empty plate. I hated we were delaying the conversation that needed to be had.

It was obvious she had hardly shared anything since we started eating. I had known Bex almost my entire life. I could tell when something was on her mind.

“What’s up, Bex.” Dom scowled at her, indicating he was getting to know her, too. “Did something happen at work?”

“A few things. You have to go down to the station after school.” Her voice was small and I knew she hated that the kidwould be going through it all again. “The FBI and the State’s Attorney will be there. You will be accompanied by my brother Oliver and a police officer. A US Marshall will also make sure we’re safe.”

“What about you and Logan?” There was something in the way he asked the question that settled me. “I’m not going alone with them, am I?”

Bex let go of my hand and took hold of his. “I will be there with you, all the time. So will our family lawyer.”

“I will be there, too.”

The wince in Bex’s expression told me I was wrong. “You and Nick are going to check out the safe house. Once we’re done, we’ll have decoys sent to the apartment and Dom and I will meet you and the kids at the new house.”

I narrowed my eyes at her, not happy to be sidelined when Dom was going to be put through the ringer. “Bex…”

“The idea is to get everyone to safety. I need you to be with the little ones and make sure they’re safe.” She made a good argument. “I’ll make sure Dom is safe. There’s just one thing.”

I did not like the sound of that. “What?”

“Well, a few things really, but let's deal with the station visit first.”

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