Page 81 of Paging Dr. Breakup
“You okay?”
“Bright sunshine still takes some adjustment.” He raised a hand to block the light. “I’m good.”
She hopped out of bed and closed the blinds. “Think coffee will help?”
“How could it not? Does it come with anything else, like bacon or eggs?” He held his arms out to her, and she tumbled into his embrace.
“I can see what the chef can whip up.” She laughed.
He wrapped her in his arms and planted a kiss on her neck, his lips drifting to her breasts. Then he glided a hand over her abdomen, teasing even lower, and said, “A different kind of breakfast could be better.”
After a few more kisses and toe-tingling licks, she swatted him. “Hey, we have work to do today. Charity. Dating. Working the hospital event. Assorted tomfoolery. There’s a schedule to keep.”
“You’re good at flipping into admin mode.”
“Is that bad?”
“It’s accurate.”
“Fair enough.”
After showering, they slipped on clothes that had to be retrieved from various locations in the house. Then they enjoyed a nice breakfast together, punctuated by little touches and the occasional heated kiss.
With a dark frown, Calvin glanced at his buzzing phone.
“Anything going on?” she said, not trying to pry.
He blinked. The expression shifted to a carefully neutral look. “Nope.” His voice remained rock-steady. “Need to take care of something quick before the festival. No big deal.”
“Can I help?”
“You can come here for a few more seconds.” Then Calvin pulled her onto his lap and kissed her one more time.
A few minutes later, he left the house to go get ready for the day.
At noon, in her boots, leggings, long-sleeve thermal shirt and a Yukon Valley Hospital-branded pine green jacket, she left the house. She headed toward the Yukon Valley Fairgrounds, otherwise known as the high school-middle school-elementary school parking lot and adjacent sports field. The event overlooked the river, which, true enough, now flowed downstream, a few straggling ice pieces chasing their way toward the Bering Sea.
The weather, always iffy in mid-April, had hung in there today. It was cool in the fifties, and cloudy skies held back the precipitation so far. Colorful balloons and decorations brightened the ticket booth. Local vendors sold crafts and food. Feats of skill attracted gaggles of children and teenagers, eager to win prizes and impress their friends.
“Hi, Dee,” Mav called out to her. He and Dr. Tipton—Lee—strolled up, hand in hand.
“You both off duty today?” Deirdre said.
“Yes, and our weekend guests are somewhere in the crowd, enjoying the festivities. So, no lodge work this afternoon. We get to have a day out together.” He hugged Lee to his side and they both shared a warm smile that sent a cascade of emotions through Deirdre.
In the end, she was happy her little brother had found someone he loved and who loved him in return. Despite Lee’s petite frame and Mav’s tall bulk, they fit perfectly together.
“You here solo?” he asked, a glint in his eye.
“Real suave, Mav.” She glanced around. “I’m looking for the hospital dunking booth.”
“You volunteering?” His brows drew together as he studied her.
Mav knew why there was no way would Deirdre ever set foot in a device meant to throw her into ice-laden water. An acidic wave of panic climbed her throat at the mere thought.
“No. Calvin’s supposed to take a turn.”
Lee’s blonde eyebrows shot up. “Um. Huh.”
