Chapter 108
trene nearly jumped at Adam’s nice. She’d been so lost staring at his profile that she hadn’t noticed Bed spotted her
“Nope, just being your delivery girl. She held up the plate and dessert like evidence. “You barely touched this before the peat water
fiasco.
Their eyes met briefly before looking away. The awkwardness from earlier still hung in the air.
Irene cleared her throat. Seriously, I slaved over this for hours. The least you could do is eat it.”
Adam’s lips quirked up at one corner. “Slaved?”
“Three attempts at this dessert alone.” She nodded toward the small dish. My kitchen looked like a crime scene after.”
“Then I better do it justice. Adam set aside his papers and reached for the plate.
Irene felt oddly satisfied watching him eat food she’d prepared. The small moment of normalcy erased some of the awkwardness from earlier
The study door creaked, and Thomas’s head appeared, eyes doing a quick assessment before he fully committed to entering
“Hey, Dr. Sterling,” he began, hovering awkwardly. “Weird question–you wouldn’t happen to have anything for killer migraines, would you?”
Irene turned. “Who’s it for?”
“My mom.” Thomas shifted his weight. “She gets these headaches that knock her flat for days.”
I’ve got something that might help,” Irene said.
Hope flooded Thomas’s face. “Really? Would you… I mean, could I maybe buy some from you? I know it’s a lot to ask, but–
“Sure,” Irene cut in with a casual shrug. “And since we’re practically neighbors now, I’ll even give you the friends and family discount. Fifty percent off.”
Thomas looked like she’d just offered him a winning lottery ticket. Seriously? Dr. Sterling, you’re a lifesaver! Mom’s been miserable
for weeks!”
The back of Thomas’s neck prickled with sudden awareness. His smile withered as he felt Adam’s stare drilling into him. He turned slowly, meeting his boss’s eyes and immediately wishing he hadn’t.
I should, uh Thomas stammered, suddenly eager to be anywhere else.
“I’ll get it for you,” Irene said, completely missing the silent exchange. “It’s in my medical bag.”
I’ll come help!” Thomas practically bolted for the door.
As they disappeared, Adam sat alone, annoyed by the weird feeling in his gut. Why should it matter that Thomas got discounted medication? The thought felt petty, but it stuck with him.
Minutes later, Irene slipped back into the study alone.
Finish your dinner,” she said, gesturing toward the bookshelves. “Mind if I look around?”
1/2
Chapter 108
Adam nodded, watching as she drifted along the walls of books. Her Angers traced spines with the reverence of someone who understood their value.
His study spread across three walls of perfectly organized shelves–not a speck of dust in sight despite the vast collection. Books representing knowledge from across centuries and disciplines, all meticulously arranged.
Irene suddenly stopped, her whole body going still. “You read medical literature too?”
Adam swallowed a bite before answering. “When I have time.”
“How much do you actually get?” she asked, still scanning titles.
“Enough to follow the concepts. Not enough to perform surgery. The small joke slipped out unexpectedly.
Irene smiled, continuing her exploration when suddenly she gasped like she’d been shocked.
“Oh my God!” The words escaped before she could filter them.
Adam looked up, startled. “What is it?”
“This book!” Irene pointed to a leather–bound volume, her face lighting up with the kind of excitement most people reserved for finding money. “Do you have any idea what this is?”
“Feel free to take a look,” Adam offered, watching her reaction with curiosity.
“Can I?” She was already reaching for it, handling the book like it contained sacred texts. “This neurological research has been impossible to find. I’ve been hunting for it for years.”
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