Page 17 of Lily In The Valley
Her eyes narrowed playfully. “This is a situationship, Khalil. I don’t have time for a relationship. You just happen to be the closest man with decent dick.”
“Decent? Girl, I had that pussy speaking in tongues last night. Don’t downplay my dick because you afraid of the truth.”
She waved me off, sipping more of her coffee. Then it got quiet.
Not awkward, but real.
“I meant what I said last night,” I said softly. “I see you, Lily-girl. Even when you trying to outwork your feelings.”
She stared at her plate. “Don’t do that.”
“What?”
“Make this something more than what it is. Our situationship is perfect how it is. Simple. Clean.”
“Nothing about us has ever been simple.”
When she looked up at me, I saw it. Fear. Longing. Love she didn’t know what to do with.
I reached for her hand. She didn’t pull away.
“I’m not asking for everything,” I said. “Just let me be here. However you need me.”
She squeezed my fingers, then let go. “I’ll think about it.” She took a bite, filling her mouth with the omelet and toast. “But you’re still doing the dishes.”
I grinned. “Deal.”
And just like that, we slipped back into our rhythm. Two people too stubborn to name the thing between us but too drawn to ever walk away. We didn’t need a label because we both felt it.
This was us.
And damn if it didn’t feel like home.
Chapter 6
Kelly
“Morning, Dr. Reid,”one of the nurses called.
“Good morning, Carol,” I replied, flashing my polished smile. “I see they have you holding down the unit again. You deserve a vacation.”
“Oh, it’s coming in a few weeks. Trust,” the older nurse replied.
Pushing through the swinging doors of the pediatric ward, white coat flaring like a cape, hair pulled back in a low bun, I knew this environment was made for me. I could walk into any hospital and have three things happen in under five minutes.
A nurse would ask me to lead the morning rounds.
One of the junior residents would trail behind me like a baby duckling.
Some older man, intern, or “single” dad would try to shoot his shot.
I kept moving, sipping my latte as I made my way toward the board to check patient updates. Every step I made was measured but effortless. Not because I needed to prove anything. Just because any patient under my care deserved it.
“Dr. Reid,” one of the new residents fell in step beside me.What is his name? Jalen? Jordan?
“Mmhmm?” Taking another sip, I didn’t look away from the board.
“Got a question about our patient in 212A–the sickle cell kid?”
