Page 78 of Deprived No More

“Nick, I’m fine. He’s been arrested. I have to drive into town tomorrow to fill out the restraining order, so I want to focus on my children today. Why don’t you go to work? Do something productive. Sitting here staring at each other will only make us more frazzled.”

She’s right. I won’t have any patients, but I’m sure there’s plenty I could do to get caught up after the time I’ve missed.

“Come here,” I say, pulling her into my chest. “Are you sure you’re okay? It’s been an emotionally draining day.”

“I’ll be alright. I just need a few moments of quiet in the car on the way to get them. Then I’ll be surrounded by their antics and won’t have time to consider anything else.”

* * *

Sitting at my desk, I realize I have much to do to catch up. I’ll have to work efficiently in the days ahead to fit in all of the patients that had to be rescheduled. Hopefully, Ava can help, but she’s already got a full caseload this week.

As I look through my calendar at the week ahead, I consider whether we could move our family into the bungalow for a while when Jonas is let out. The idea of living next door to him is unfathomable. But that magical lake house is our home. I’d be devastated if we had to leave because he refused to go.

I rub my fist against my chest, trying to soothe the ache. Why can’t we catch a break?

Knock, knock.

My head snaps up at the interruption to see Holden leaning against my door frame. Shit. Speaking of not catching a break. Now I’m going to have to tuck my tail between my legs and thank him for covering the remainder of my on-call shift last night, knowing he’s probably going to ask me to repay the favor by picking up a shift requiring me to miss another of the boys’ soccer games.

“Thank you for covering for me last night. I really appreciate it.”

“It was no problem. Didn’t get a single consult request or call.”

Well, that’s a relief. But it’s still an imposition and requires me to pay up.

“Can I come in?” he asks.

I nod and watch as he walks in and lowers himself into the chair facing me. We sit silently, both assessing the other for what feels like an awkward length of time. Holden is undeniably intelligent, talented in the OR, and a master at managing his practice. I’m not sure how he succeeds in calling the shots and getting away with it here, but you have to admire him for doing so. As I look back in his direction, there’s no question he’s attractive and has the confidence to match. Maybe Sebastian’s right. Perhaps I am feeling a little jealous. This guy has the world at his feet.

Holden clears his throat, bringing my green eyes to his blue. “I wanted to say I’m sorry.”

CHAPTERTHIRTY

Nick

Did I just hear him, right?

“Come again?” I ask, flabbergasted.

“I wanted to apologize to you for our altercation recently. If I’d come out to the parking lot and found you touching my wife, I’d have reacted the same way. I was just concerned when I saw her so upset.”

My mouth is probably hanging open in my astonishment, and I purposefully close it. I’m unsure how to even respond to this.

“How’s Kat? Last night, I mean.”

“She’ll be okay. We’ve been dealing with some personal stuff.”

“Well, let me know how I can help,” he says, continuing to surprise me. I don’t think I’d be quick to offer assistance to someone who threatened me.

The perplexed look on my face must be plain to see as he shakes his head and continues. “I don’t know what’s going on, but Kat’s a nice lady. I overheard someone talking about your family recently. I understand your kids are all adopted, a couple from the foster system.” He stops, raising his gaze to meet mine. “I admire you for that.”

I sit back in my seat, dumbfounded by this conversation. Holden is so aloof. He’s never shared any personal history that I know of with anyone here. The last thing I would’ve expected was this conversation.

“I know I haven’t made many friends here. I have my ownpersonal stuff, as you put it. But Kat’s been nothing but kind to me. You’re a lucky man.”

“That I am. Thank you.”

As he stands and walks to the door, I feel a weight lifted I didn’t realize had been sitting there. “Holden, let me know when I can repay the favor. For covering my shift last night.”

---