Page 68 of Eleven of a Kind

“Nah.” I sighed as I sat down in the lounger. “I really like her, Grayson, and I love spending time with her. Plus, Riley loves her. I was in love with Ariana.” I glanced at him.

“I know you were.”

“After we parted ways, it took what felt like forever to put all of the pieces of my heart back together. I hated that feeling and never wanted to experience it again. It takes less time to walk away before feelings get involved than it does to try and heal after your heart has been broken. But with Piper, I’m willing to take that chance. I haven’t felt this way about anyone since I was eighteen.”

“That’s because the ‘one’ hasn’t crossed your path until now. We all have that ‘one’ out there that we’re meant to spend the rest of our lives with, regardless of what Dad used to tell us. Look at all of us on this beach. We have met and fallen in love with the person we were meant to spend the rest of our lives with. You’re no exception.” He smirked. “The universe is showing you that bachelorhood ain’t all that, bro.”

I chuckled. “Maybe.”

“It’s the truth, and you know it. Tell Piper how you feel.”

“I will as soon as she gets her mom settled. I don’t want to overwhelm her.”

“I’m proud of you.” He hooked his arm around me.

After my brother went back to his house, I locked up, went upstairs, and opened Riley’s door. I smiled as I stood there and stared at her from the doorway while she slept. Suddenly, I felt a chill, and it startled me. Climbing into bed, I grabbed my phone and texted Piper.

“I know it’s late, but I wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“It is late, but I’m happy you texted me. I’m okay. My mom admitted she needed help and agreed to let me take her to Ocean Ridge tomorrow.”

“I’m happy to hear that. Call me tomorrow when you get back.”

“I will.”

“Goodnight, Piper.”

“Goodnight, Gabriel.”

* * *

“Have a good day, Mrs. Collins.” I smiled as I walked her up to the reception desk.

“Dr. Kind, you have a patient in room four,” Kelsey said.

“I thought Mrs. Collins was my last patient until three-thirty?”

“Someone called and needed to see you right away, so I squeezed her in. Her file is in the room.”

“Alright.” I sighed as I walked to room four.

When I opened the door, the corners of my mouth curved upward when I saw Piper sitting on the exam table.

“You’re my patient who needed to see me right away?” I closed the door.

“Oh, Dr. Kind. I have a bad sore throat, and my body is aching from head to toe. I’ve heard you’re the best doctor in town.” She smiled.

“Open up.” I shined my penlight in the back of her throat. “Your throat looks beautiful. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful throat before. I have something for you that will soothe it.” A smirk crossed my lips.

“I know you do, you pervert.” She laughed.

“On a serious note. Did you get your mom settled at Ocean Ridge?”

“I did. It’s a really nice place, and everyone was so friendly.”

“Good. I’m happy to hear that.” I gripped her hips and kissed her lips.

She glanced at her watch. “I have to go battle that horrendous school parking lot and those bitchy parking guards.”

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