Page 15 of Fractured

10:30 p.m.

Kat: I’m at a bad place in my life right now. If there was anyone I’d let in, it would be you. I just have to focus on myself for now.

I can’t believe I’ve told him this. I hope I don’t live to regret it, but given how honest he’s been with me, it only seems fair.

10:37 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: So you aren’t dating anyone else?

10:40 p.m.

Kat: No. I had a date, the night you asked me to go for drinks. But I’m not dating anyone. You have no idea how much I wish that night had ended differently.

10:43 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: You mean I didn’t run you off with that kiss?

10:46 p.m.

Kat: Are you kidding? I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.

10:52 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: Well, that isn’t the only thing I can’t stop thinking about.

He must be talking about the hot encounter in the patient exam room. I still can’t believe how out of hand we let that get.

10:59 p.m.

Kat: If things were different, I’d love to take you up on your drink offer. But I have to settle some things before I bring anyone else in.

11:05 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: I understand. I’m just relieved my crazy texts, rude behavior, and accosting you in the Target didn’t run you off. I don’t have plans for a relationship in the future. But if I was to try with anyone, it’d be with you.

11:20 p.m.

Nick Barnes

Nick: Goodnight, Kat. I’m glad you’re back at work.

This beautiful man. So unexpected. He seems sincere. God, what I’d give to be able to go on a real date with someone like him. Someone that makes my pulse race and gives me goosebumps at the thought of another heart-stopping kiss.

I’m curious about what happened with his marriage. Why did it end? Did they want different things? Was he the problem?

I flop back onto the bed, unable to contain my ear-to-ear grin. Never have I felt so giddy. This is crazy. I just told him I’m not in a place where a relationship is possible, but all I can think about is how utterly fabulous it’d be to date, Nick. Dr. Nicholas Barnes. I roll into my pillow in a fit of silliness. Suddenly, I remember the quandary I’m in. Jolting myself upright, I think, I can do this. I’m figuring out this mess once and for all. I deserve a beautiful man in my life. One that can kiss like the end of a Hallmark movie. One like Nick Barnes.

I jump from my bed and walk swiftly toward my study. Sitting down at my wooden desk, I smile as I recall its transformation. I’d found it in a thrift shop, painstakingly refurbished it, and painted it with white chalk paint. With pride, I stroke the top of the desk as I reach for my laptop. Opening my internet browser, I begin to search:

Rohypnol test.

---