CADEN

“Why is there sand on a lake?” Elizabeth mutters, incredulous as we walk with our shoes in our hands, tiny grains giving way under bare feet.

“You got me. But don’t ask a Chicagoan that—they take it as a given.”

“But the ocean breaks down rocks over how many eons to make sand? This is a lake!”

“I know nothing about geology.”

She glances to me out of the corners of her eyes. “Does your cousin know?”

“He’s a transplant, too. You saw how he is, when you came home with me so I could change. Kian’s into computers more than rocks and bodies of water.”

Thoughtfully she notes, “Nice hair, though.”

“You want me to grow mine?” I lean over to gnaw on her shoulder, her light jacket pulling under my teeth. “I’ll be the first male heart surgeon with a ponytail.”

“Man bun,” she offers with a twinkle.

“We’ll change the perception of humanity.”

“You’ll look like a hippie. God bless them, but I don’t want one holding the knife over my open chest cavity,” Elizabeth glances to the buildings west. “It’s pretty here.”

“We lucked out with this sixty-degree warm spell,” I reach for her hand. She moves her sneakers to the other one and laces warm fingers with mine. “You going to come visit again soon?”

“No,” she whispers, staring ahead. “I don’t see any reason to.”

I drop everything to tickle her, shouting, “What!?”

She laughs and runs away, throwing her sneakers at me, one after the other. I dodge them and weave in every direction she tries. She screams as I lunge for her and catch part of her pants, pulling them down, and her with them. We fall to the sand, a chilly wind drifting over us as I gaze into her eyes. “Nice try, Myers.”

Her smile is so beautifully open, eyes dancing into mine as she wiggles her pants back into modesty. “I can’t believe I have to leave tonight.”

“My shift starts again first thing tomorrow. Can’t you switch the flight and leave then?”

“I have to work in the morning, too.”

“Damn.”

“This is the first time you’ve come to the lake?”

“Like this, yeah. I’ve been to a lot of the bars and stores that line it, but I haven’t made the time to…and I would’ve gotten frost bite!”

She laughs, hugging me close and burying her face in my neck. “You smell so good.”

“Showering with you is something I could get used to,” I agree, breathing her in on the memory of her hotel room, the strong water pressure, the steam.

We lie here long enough for my eyes to close. I’m half on her body, half on the sand, her hair a blanket under my cheek.

Don’t know how long I was out, but I wake at a siren patrolling. Looking toward the noise, I blink, everything heavy.

“I passed out.”

She’s caressing my head. “I didn’t. I listened to you, though. It was nice to know you trusted me.”

Rising up I nibble her bottom lip. “A couple years working by your side, anyone would trust you. You’re one of the most impressive people I’ve ever met.”

Elizabeth’s eyes narrow. “You really feel that way?”

“Of course.” Resting on my elbow I explain, “How many times have I seen you under pressure, holding our team together while simultaneously healing people on the brink of destruction?”

She laughs, “Destruction?!”

“What better word for death?”

We stare at each other as stillness overtakes her. “Thank you.”

“No, thank you. It made me work harder. Even now, under Cavallis, I’m holding myself to your standards. Every single move I make I’m mentally checking if you’d approve. Sometimes, in my imagination, you do.”

“You’re too hard on yourself.” She glides a gentle finger down my cheek, eyes tracing my face with a smile. “Don’t let this get to your head—”

“Too late!”

“—but I believe you’re not only a talented surgeon, but an even better doctor.”

My smile disappears. “Thank you.”

“I told the chief that it was your empathy and your kindness that we need more of at Atlanta Hope, but the truth is that we need more of it in the world.”

I kiss her, mouths molding as we hold each other. She’s so much softer with me now. I love this side of her, and I admire her strength, too. Her high standards make her judgment and approval mean more than anything, especially to a competitive man like me.

Stepping up to a challenge charges my battery in a way I need in order to feel excited. Every man needs the win. It’s why we love sports. There has to be a reason. Earning it, well, that’s a hell of a lot more stimulating than if it were merely dropped at our feet.

This kiss Elizabeth gives me feels like it’s mine. She wouldn’t give it to anyone else.

Damn, I love that.

Love.

Love.

Wait.

Where’d that word sneak out from?