Chapter 191
Irene barely made it to her roof before collapsing onto the bed, still fully dressed in her parly clothes. The Hayes vintage had knocked her sideways, leaving her more drained than any twenty hour surgery shift ever could.
The bedroom door creaked open as three small figures tiptoed in. Alex clutched a damp washcloth, all business,
“Mom, we’ll clean you up,” he whispered.
Lucas appeared with a basin of warm water while Lily carried a hand towel. They surrounded her bed with the coordination of a tiny surgical team.
Alex dabbed at her forehead. “This should help,” he said, working with surprising precision.
Irene tried to protest but couldn’t find the energy as her children took turns wiping her face and hands. Lily slipped off her shoes while Lucas adjusted the pillows.
From the doorway, Joseph watched with a quirked eyebrow. His accomplished granddaughter–the brilliant surgeon–being tended to by three five–year–olds. The corner of his mouth twitched upward before he quietly backed away, leaving her in their capable little
hands.
Sunlight stabbed through the curtains, landing squarely across Irene’s face. She groaned, turning away as her head pounded. After lying motionless, she finally pushed herself upright, massaging her temples.
“What time…?” she mumbled, squinting at her phone. Late morning already. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept past
eight.
As her vision cleared, something out of place caught her eye–a suit jacket draped over her chair. Irene froze.
“Whose is…?” The question died on her lips. She already knew.
Her stomach clenched, and not just from the hangover. Fragments of last night crashed through her mind: leaning against Adam’s shoulder, his clean scent, her head spinning as she clutched his arm. Worst of all, her own voice echoed back: “Why do you make me feel so safe?”
“Oh god.” She buried her face in her hands.
More memories surfaced: Adam fanning her with a folder when she complained about the heat, his firm grip when she started fidgeting with her dress, the way he’d adjusted her clothing without taking advantage. The gesture struck her now–both, gentlemanly and intimate.
The jacket seemed to mock her from across the room–evidence of her lapse in judgment. She couldn’t even remember how it ended
up here.
Downstairs, her children swarmed her immediately, forming a tiny inspection committee.
“Mom, better? Head hurt?” Lucas scanned her face like reading vital signs.
Alex pointed toward the kitchen. “Got hangover stuff ready. Want some?” His tone carried a hint of pride at knowing adult remedies.
Made toast too!” Lily added. “With the good jam!”
Irene managed a smile. “I’m fine. That little bit of wine can’t take me down.” Her head still throbbed, but their worried faces made her stand straighter.
1/2
Chapter 191
Not what it looked like last night,” Joseph cut in, entering from the iving room. His sharp gaze assessed her in one sweep. “If you can’t handle booze, don’t drink it. Lucky Adam brought you home. What if you’d been alone at that party? Then what?
The edge in his voice barely marked his concern.
Irene recognized the worry beneath his gruffness. “Grandpa, I get it. Won’t happen again.”
He seemed satisfied, nodding once. Irene’s thoughts, however, circled back to the jacket upstairs and its owner. The simple garment had transformed into something loaded with meaning–a bridge she wasn’t sure she wanted to cross.
After breakfast, her phone rang. Matthew’s voice came through tight and clipped.
“Emergency. That brain surgery patient from a few days ago just hite ER.”
Doctor mode engaged instantly, pushing aside hangovers and awkward social dilemmas. “On my way,” she said, keys already in hand.
Chapter Comments
LIKE
POST COMMENT NOW
L
SHARE
