Kimberly’s POV -
The warm water eased the ache in my muscles as it cascaded down my back, vanilla shampoo lathering into my scalp. I was already regretting the dancing and drinking from the night before. A little too much fun for a Monday before surgery.
My hand reached for the faucet, shutting off the water as I stepped out of the shower, wrapping a baby pink towel around myself. A contented sigh slipped my lips as I wiped the steam from the bathroom mirror, meeting my own chocolate brown eyes staring back.
Patting lotion into my skin, I quickly pulled on my scrubs. Ever since I was a little girl, I’d known I wanted to help people. That conviction led me to medical school after high school, where I pushed myself relentlessly and trained to be a surgeon. Now, at twenty-three, I was a registered neurosurgeon at Reenade Hospital, basking in the California sunshine. Six long, grueling years of work, but worth every minute.
After drying my hair and twisting it into a neat bun, I grabbed my bag and headed for the elevator. As I reached the ground floor, I smiled at the receptionist in the lobby before stepping outside. The scent of blossoms drifting on the breeze filled my nostrils, a welcome scent.
Pulling into the hospital parking lot, I strode toward the entrance, offering a wave to the familiar patients sitting outside.
“Good morning, Kimberly,” a deep voice rumbled beside me. I turned to see Derick, a fellow doctor.
“How are you?” He walked with me down the busy corridor.
“I’m good, thank you. And you?” My voice was soft, as we rounded a corner.
“Not bad…”
Before he could continue, my name was called. “Kimberly!” Rebecca, my best friend and colleague, was already waiting for me. We’d met in our first year of med school and instantly clicked. We were ecstatic to land jobs at the same hospital. I patted Derick’s arm apologetically and jogged over to Rebecca, who pulled me into the staff room, where I tossed my bag into my locker. Amy, another close friend, sat sipping coffee from a large mug.
“So, turning down a hot guy last night, huh?” Amy teased, making me roll my eyes. She was looking over at Rebecca, who shrugged with a grin.
“I had to. You have to admit, he was gorgeous, Kimmy.” Rebecca beamed.
My mind flashed back to the random guy from Miro club. I remembered how his hand, just brushing my shoulder, had sent a strange shiver down my spine. When our eyes met—his emerald eyes—I felt a jolt, like I’d been knocked back by a wave.
“Even if he was hot, the arrogance radiating off him was ridiculous,” I said, walking toward the coffee machine.
“Hmm, I agree. Asking you to just go with him was…off. Did you see the stares? It was like people were afraid of him,” Rebecca said, making me think back to the night.
“Anyway, girls, notice anything different?” Amy held up her left hand, revealing a huge diamond ring. A squeal escaped both of us as we dove on her, squeezing her in a hug.
Giggles erupted as we squeezed her tightly, offering congratulations.
When we finally let go, I took her hand, examining the beautiful silver setting. “He did good,” I said, nodding.
“I know! It was so romantic. Just the two of us at that cute restaurant in the south end of California. I was completely shocked,” she grinned, her eyes shining.
“Finally, wedding planning time! And I’d love nothing more than for you two to be my bridesmaids,” she looked between me and Rebecca, and we both nodded eagerly.
“Of course!” We pulled her into another hug.
-
“Busy day?” Greg, the sweet old man who ran the cafe across the hospital, asked as he handed me my takeout strawberry tea.
“It’s been okay. Four hours in surgery on a young boy. It went smoothly,” I smiled, handing him a five-dollar bill, telling him to keep the change.
“Wonderful! Thank you, sweetheart. Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
As I turned to head for the glass door, it swung open, and my breath hitched. The familiar emerald eyes from last night met mine. My pulse quickened.
Now, in the light, I could see his features more clearly: perfectly arched dark eyebrows, a straight nose, a pair of full, pink lips, and a hint of stubble. Dark hair gelled back, styled to perfection. Muscles visible beneath the navy blue, expensive-looking suit. High cheekbones and a dimple on his left cheek deepened as he smirked, his intimidating gaze raking over my figure.
Something about him screamed power, control…and trouble.
My eyes flicked to the two men standing behind him, looming like bodyguards, warning anyone who dared to look his way.
Who the hell was this man?
And why was he looking at me like I was prey?
“Now, here’s a face I was hoping to see again,” he said.
His voice was just as I remembered it—deep, with a strong accent, Italian maybe? I shook my head slightly, walking towards the door, ignoring his comment.
“May I get by, please?” I had to stretch my neck to look at him. Being only 5’4 was frustrating at times.
His head cocked to the side before his lips stretched into a smile. “Won’t you tell me your name, amore?” [Love]
“Why should I?” I snapped, watching his eyes shift from cold to…amused?
“It’s not often I get turned down.” His voice startled me. How could a man radiate so much power?
“Well, I guess there’s something new every day,” I muttered, walking closer to the exit.
His eyes left mine as he slowly stepped aside, creating a gap for me to squeeze past. As cool air hit my cheeks, I heard his voice again, my feet still moving towards my car.
“Goodnight, Kimberly Folin.”
My eyes widened as my name slipped from his lips, smooth as silk. My grip tightened on my tea as I realized his game. I glanced down at the name tag attached to my scrubs.
Looking over my shoulder, I saw him watching me, a smirk playing on his lips. He let the cafe door slide shut, disappearing from view.
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