Page 31 of The Doctor

RAINE

“Have you ever been to Rio?”I ask Kade, who’s leaning over to look out the descending plane’s window.

“Can’t say that I have. Actually, I don’t travel too much. I was in medical school and then started working and didn’t have the time,” he says, all the while looking out the window.

“Can I ask you a question?”

His eyes look to mine and then back out the window. “Didn’t you just ask me a question?”

“I did, but this one is more personal in nature,” I bite my lip.

I see a smirk start to grow on his face. “Are you going to ask me how many sexual partners I’ve had?”

“No, there’s no way I want to know about how many women you’ve slept with. I wanted to ask why you moved to LA.”

“Oh,” he sits back and gives me a soft smile. “I grew up in a small town, and while I went to school and did my residency in a town that was bigger, it was still small. I wanted a successful practice and to live someplace where I could travel to many exciting places in a short amount of time. And yet, I moved, and all I’ve done is work until now.” He takes my hand and laces our fingers together. “Maybe I was waiting for you to come into my life and for us to go on our first trip.”

“I like the sound of that.”

He leans in and nips at my ear. “Which part?”

“Where you were waiting for me and that it’s our first trip. That means we’ll have many more.”

He leans in and asks. “How often do you travel like this?”

“Not often. Lexie likes to do her work at her warehouse, even more so now that she’s had Delilah. She does travel for Ryder’s work, though. They try not to be a part.”

“That’s kind of romantic.”

“I think so. They’re couple goals for sure.”

“What’s couple goals?” He chuckles.

“What you strive for your romantic relationship to be like. They’re pretty perfect together.”

He looks down the aisle to where Lexie and Ryder are sitting. “I have to admit they are both beautiful people, and their daughter is already stunning even as a baby.”

“She is, and she’s so sweet. I can’t believe she’s almost a year old, and she’s traveled to some of the best places on the planet.” I hope my baby is as good-natured as Delilah is.

“She’s more traveled than me, that’s for sure,” he mutters. “How are you feeling? Any problems?”

“I feel fine. A little thirsty and nauseous, but I’ll drink some water once we land. It looks like you weren’t needed in the end after all,” I joke with him. He’s fun to rile up.

“I hope you don’t need me, but the trip has only just begun.” He bends and whispers in my ear. “Are you hoping to get rid of me?”

Turning my mouth to meet his, I nip his bottom lip. “Your jealousy is cute. Are you like this with all the ladies?”

“Not even remotely,” he gives me a small smile and shakes his head. “You’re never getting rid of me, Rainbow.”

Leaning against his side, I close my eyes. “So, you keep telling me.”

I stay that way until the plane has landed, and it’s our turn to disembark the plane. Kade and Ryder go off to gather our luggage while the rest of us stand and wait.

Lexie stands swaying Delilah in her arms while Delilah looks over her mom’s shoulder in wonder.

“How was your flight?” I ask Lexie and her babysitter, who’s with us to watch Delilah while we work.

“It was good. Delilah took a little nap and woke up just as we landed. How was yours?” Lexie asks, turning, so Delilah is facing toward me.

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