Page 62 of Dr. CEO (The Doctors)

“I’ve always loved my cousins. I wanted to live with them in the UK—I’d spend summers here and hated going back to the States. I wanted to be just like them, and they’re all doctors. Well, two of my cousins aren’t anymore. But I saw studying medicine as a membership card.”

“If it makes you feel any better, you didn’t seem like an outsider when I saw you all in the tea shop.”

“They’re great. They would never deliberately treat me differently. But I’m their cousin. Their nephew. That’s just a fact. I’m actually going up there in a couple of weeks. You should come with me.”

“Where?” She looks like I just told her JFK walked into the Golden Hare with Marilyn.

“To Norfolk. My aunt and uncle are celebrating their wedding anniversary. They’re having a family celebration. I’m going up to see them.” Suddenly, I realize why she’s shocked—not because I’m asking her to go away with me, but because I’m asking her to leave Crompton.

“Think about it,” I say, trying to soften the invitation.

She nods. “I will.”

“It’s not a big deal if you don’t want to leave Crompton.”

“With you,” she says.

“With me.”

“I don’t know if I can,” she says. Her voice a whisper. “But I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to more.”

My heart crashes against my ribs. I want to gather her up in my arms and promise to keep her safe. It’s not a sensation I’m used to, but there are lots of things about Kate and Crompton that are extraordinary.

TWENTY-FOUR

Kate

It’s not like I don’t see the long stares or hear the open-ended questions. I just don’t respond to any of it the morning after my date with Vincent.

It’s nice to have people care. But no one needs a front-row seat for what’s happening between us. Because it’s casual and fun and he’ll be leaving soon.

Except…being with him feels better than I’ve ever felt with someone before. And I don’t want to admit that to anyone. Not even myself.

I scoop up my laptop and notepad and stand. “Is Vincent in the boardroom?” I ask Michael.

“I think so,” he says.

I’ve not seen him this morning—well, not since I left his bed anyway—but that’s not unusual. And it’s better in a way. Because if he was in the office, sitting at the desk opposite me, I’m not sure I would be able to concentrate. It’s bad enough as it is. I can still feel him all over me from last night. His teeth on my neck, the press of his hand on my bottom, the drag of him between my thighs. At least with him in the next room, there’s half a chance I’ll get something done today. But first, I need to get his decision on something.

“Thanks,” I say and close the door behind me.

I knock on the boardroom door and just like normal, I don’t wait for a reply before I enter.

What’s not normal is Vincent’s grin as I step inside.

“Hey,” he says.

“Good morning,” I reply, trying to inject a bit of formality into the room.

He stands and rounds the table.

Before I can step back or tell him to keep away from me, he has me pinned up against the wall, pressing kisses into my neck.

“This isn’t very professional.” I can feel myself turning liquid under his touch. Even though I came in here with a real, important purpose, I can’t imagine a scenario in which I would ever ask him to stop touching me.

I can’t move my arms because I’m holding a laptop, so I’m helpless as he trails his tongue from my neck to my collarbone and down my chest.

“Vincent,” I say. I sound breathless and squeeze my thighs together, trying to maintain a modicum of control. “We need boundaries. Rules. We can’t do this here and now.”

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