Doctor Love

Chapter 20

KATE’S POV

David didn’t flinch. “I need to talk to you. Now.”

I rolled my eyes, the urge to snap back simmering in my chest. “Seriously, David? What is it this time? You done perfecting the art of being a jerk?”

Before he could shoot something sarcastic my way, Frank leaned in and whispered, “You can go. I think it’s work-related. I’ll see you before I leave, okay?”

I turned toward Frank and gave him a soft smile. “You sure?”

He nodded and pulled me into a brief hug. I felt him breathe me in, like the moment meant more to him than I’d realized. I patted his back gently, comfortingly, unsure what else to do.

Behind me, I heard a low growl from David, unmistakably annoyed. I stepped back from Frank and gave him a small wave as I walked toward David.

“You shouldn’t act that way with him, Kate,” David said, arms crossed like a disapproving dad. “He’ll think you like him too.”

I folded my arms right back. “Really? And what makes you think I don’t like him?”

His brows shot up like I’d slapped him. “Wait… you do?”

I didn’t say a word. I just stared.

He scratched his head. “But he’s just twenty…”

“And filthy rich,” I interrupted. “Like you said the other day. Maybe I like him for his money.”

His face twisted into guilt, and he looked down.

“I’m sorry I said those things to you,” he muttered.

I scoffed. “You mean nothing to me, so it’s fine.”

I turned on my heel, ready to walk away, but of course he followed.

“There’s something I need to tell you, Kate.”

“I’ve heard enough already. Thanks for the unsolicited judgments—”

“It’s about your dad.”

That stopped me.

I turned slowly, my heart dropping. “What about him? What happened to Dad?”

David looked at the floor like it had answers. “Dr. Bennet asked me to call him yesterday after what happened… I found his number in your jotter.”

My mouth went dry. “You what? Don’t tell me… you told him I had an episode?!”

He shook his head instantly. “No! I didn’t, but I figured… you needed to know that it was not me who called him because he already found out. I saw him on my way to the hospital and I realized he found out about your episode someway”

“Shit,” I whispered.

My dad had acted perfectly normal last night… even this morning. We’d talked about our favorite Sunday shows and he’d promised to save me the last of the lemon pie. He never let on anything was wrong.

I blinked. “When exactly did Dr. Bennet ask you to call him?”

“Yesterday.”

“Did you?”

“No! But…” David paused. That pause said more than any words. “He’s here,” he said quietly.

“What?” I gasped.

My heart thundered against my ribs. “Shit.”

I didn’t wait. I bolted down the hall, my heels clicking against the polished floor as I half-jogged toward the office. I needed to talk to him. I needed to apologize. He had to hear everything from me, not from strangers or clinical whispers.

The guilt twisted in my stomach like a knife.

David and I technically shared an office, but I barely used it. I’d been avoiding him for months. His sarcasm, the arrogance, the way he’d always seem to know how to say the exact wrong thing, I didn’t need that kind of energy in my day.

I spent most of my time in the labs or anywhere else that kept me moving.

But now? I needed to be there.

I reached the door and didn’t hesitate. I pushed it open. The chair spun around, and I saw my dad seated there calmly.

“Hi, Doctor Kate,” he said with a small, playful wave.

The world stopped spinning. My knees nearly gave out.

I ran into his arms and collapsed into them. My body shook as tears finally poured, warm and messy. His familiar scent, lemon soap and worn leather, hit me like a memory.

“Dad,” I choked, gripping him tighter.

“It’s okay, honey. I’m here.”

I couldn’t stop crying.