Page 25 of The Bitter Rival

“Sure, I’d love to. Just let me know when.”

“It’ll be in a few weeks. We’re having her party at the lake house. Nick and I would love it if you and Austin could come and join us.”

“Oh, Kat. That would be awesome. We’d love to come. Boy, I’m getting invited to birthday parties all around lately. I feel like a kid again.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Jeff’s birthday is today. We’re heading to The Zone later.”

“I’d love to crash that party. I love it there. Maybe I’ll meet you guys.” She smiles.

“I bet Jeff would love that.”

“Okay, I better get to work before Dr. Silver sees me here talking to you and asks me to do a pelvic exam for him.” Kat laughs.

“Got it. Hope to see you later.” I wave, walking back into the x-ray department.

“Bella, come here a second.” I hear from around the dark corner of the suite. I recognize Jeff’s voice and wonder what he’s up to.

Stepping through the door he’s opened for me, I notice he cannot contain the grin on his face. We’re in a hallway just outside of the x-ray department that extends from a wing of the emergency room.

“I have a surprise for you,” he states, handing me a familiar-looking red birthday gift bag.

“Um, did you forget it’syourbirthday?” I chuckle.

“Nah, just regifting the bag.”

Reaching inside, I find a folded piece of white printer paper.Hmmm, what is this?Looking up at him, he’s beaming at me now. I’m unable to stop laughing at his pure joy. Unfolding the document, I quickly realize it’s an x-ray order.What on earth is so funny about-

“I got you a clavicle,” he bellows like I just won the lottery.

The ridiculous excitement over this long-awaited order instantly causes my cheeks to ache with their stretch across my face. I throw my head back in glee. Jeff pulls me in for a hug, and I can’t help but hug him back. I’m so thankful to have met such great friends here.

“Let’s knock out that elusive last item on your checklist and celebrate tonight,” he whispers into my ear.

Pulling back with a wide smile draped over my face, I turn and lock eyes with a very stern surgeon.What’s that look for?

Sebastian spins on his heel and walks with determination toward the front of the emergency room, stopping briefly to pull Kat in for a hug.

Doesn’t he know she’s married? Or perhaps, he doesn’t care.

CHAPTERTWELVE

Sebastian

“Bas, wait up!”

Turning abruptly, I note my buddy, Nick, running across the physicians’ parking lot in my direction.

“Hey, glad I caught you. You got any plans tonight?”

“No. What’ve you got in mind?”

“Well, Kat is going to The Zone with some friends. I’d much rather drop her off and grab a beer with you before we head back home.”

“Who has Grace tonight?”

“Ha, Gavin.”

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