Page 140 of None Of Your Business

“Always.”

“Dinner?”

Her eyebrows lift. “Dr. Vaughn.”

I already know what’s coming. “Ms. Callahan.”

“Are you asking me on a date?”

“I believe that’s generally what dinner implies.”

She presses a hand dramatically to her chest. “My God. A date. With me?”

We’ve been on many, but she still likes to tease me.

I take her hand and head toward the exit. “Italian?”

“Nice Italian, or pasta-on-a-paper-plate Italian?”

“Nice. I made a reservation.”

She narrows her eyes. “What are you, my boyfriend or something?”

“I’m considering the application. The benefits seem decent.”

“The benefits are incredible,” she says, poking my chest. “Have you seen the girl? She’s a ten. Extremely bendy.”

“She’s a handful,” I correct.

“Yeah, but you love me.”

“Unfortunately.”

She laughs, leaning up on her tiptoes until her face is inches from mine. The teasing fades, her expression softening into something so real it steals the air from my lungs.

“I love you, too,” she whispers.

My heart takes off, slamming against my ribs hard enough to bruise. I feel the sudden surge of heat in my throat, but I keep my face straight.

“Well,” I say, my voice dropping. “In that case.”

Before she can react, I bend, sweep an arm around her thighs, and hoist her straight up over my shoulder.

“What are you—Hudson!” she shrieks, the hallway flipping upside down as she bursts into a breathless laugh. “Hugh fucking Jackman, put me down!”

I adjust my grip.

“This is not an appropriate response to a declaration of love. You’re emotionally stunted.”

A nurse is entering the building as I approach the door. I step aside to give her room.

“Evening,” I say.

Rowan is shaking with silent laughter so hard her cheek vibrates against my back.

The nurse steps to the side. “Dr. Vaughn.”

“Tell her you’re my boyfriend!” Rowan calls out, lifting her head.