Page 58 of Shattered

She realized then how easy it was to fall into step beside him. How easy it would be to fall into this chaotic rhythm they had somehow developed. It was a punch to the gut when she realized she wanted that more than she was willing to fully admit.

It was only a short walk before the dock he was talking about came into view.

The patio-like structure started on the end of the walking path and extended a few feet over the river allowing visitors to lean out and watch the water flow. Sam’s feet seemed to move before she could think and she let go of Callum’s hand and found herself perched on the edge. In front of her was the most beautiful view she had ever seen. She internally chastised herself again for the fact that she’d never taken the time to come down here.

“Are you going to draw this?” Sam asked when she finally looked back toward Callum, who was sitting casually on the bench a few feet behind her.

“Yes.” But he wasn’t staring at the view before them, he was staring at her.

She leaned back, letting her elbows rest against the railing and tossed her head back to soak in the sun raining down on her face. It was far too hot for April, or maybe it was just the fact that

she was near him that caused a flush and sheen of sweat to begin to move across her body, but within moments, a cool misty breeze from the water covered her.

When she looked back to Callum, he still wasn’t looking at the water or the sun, or even the beautiful trees. His eyes were focused directly on her. It was the same look he had given her when he perched her up on his desk. He seemed to be memorizing this. Memorizing every detail to later put to paper. He finally took a breath and ran his fingers through his hair, severing the trance they were stuck in.

“So, what exam is on the schedule for this week?”

“It’s on nephrology.”

Callum’s eyebrows peaked. “That sounds like a Harry Potter class.”

Sam laughed. “No, it’s just the kidneys.”

Callum’s nose scrunched up. “That sounds incredibly disgusting and boring.”

“It actually kind of is.” Sam nodded her head in agreement. “I’m dying to get it over with. We’ll go back to cardiology next week and that’s what I like the most.” She had always leaned toward cardiology. Something about the heart and all its intricacies fascinated her. Without the heart, no one could function.

“So, you want to be a heart doctor?” Callum questioned.

“No. There are so many different specialties. I don’t know, maybe. I haven’t even gotten into med school. I could end up being a waitress for the rest of my life.” She made her way over to him and

when she sat down there were only a few inches between them.

“No. You’ll get in and I’m sure you will make an amazing doctor. Heart doctor, that is…cardiologist,” he quickly corrected himself.

Sam couldn't hold in the smile that erupted on her face. For some reason the idea of his belief in her meant so much. It was then she realized she wanted him to be proud of her. Which was silly. She

didn’t really even know him and he barely knew her. But that small little profession of his faith in her brought forth an uncontrollable happiness.

“Is Sara a heart doctor?” His question surprised her. Sam had let Sara’s name slip during their firstnormalconversation, but she never thought he would remember it.

“No, she wasn’t.”

“And she isn’t your sister?” She was the closest thing Sam ever had to a sister—to any family, really. Christian was always there, but…

“No, she was not my sister.”

“Okay. So. What kind of doctor is ‘not your sister’ Sara?”

“She was a pediatrician.”

“She isn’t anymore?”

Callum was clearly not going to let up.

“No. She isn’t anymore.”

He reached over to her legs, lifting them and laying them across his lap.

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