Her skin really was so soft.

For a moment, they hovered, cheek to cheek, the corners of their lips almost but not quite brushing. Warm air fluttered against her skin. Fingertips stroked gently against Cora’s neck once before suddenly, cool air was everywhere and that warmth had disappeared. With a heavy blink, Cora opened her eyes. Frazer looked at her, unreadable.

“Take care of yourself. I’ll see you tomorrow, Cora.”

When Cora nodded, Frazer turned and was swallowed by the evening.

Cora pushed the door shut behind her and leant against it.

That was new.

CHAPTER FIVE

Desperately, Frazer gripped her coffee and took a long, grateful sip. Waking up on her couch with a blurry recollection of the past evening was not uncommon, but it was never a fun experience. And it was one that got more painful with age. Bright sunlight was burning her eyes, even through dark sunglasses. She skulked down a back hallway, let herself into her office, and collapsed into her chair.

Why did people drink?

With eyes closed, her head fell back, and the throbbing behind her brow eased slightly. Maybe she could just stay in her office for the next three hours. Never mind all the paperwork that needed doing out on the wards. Was it a full moon? That meant lots of babies tonight and over the weekend, and Frazer could end up having to cover. For a short moment, she considered searching the internet for the answer, but the thought of an incredibly bright screen was not appealing.

God, why had she thought tequila was a good idea? If anyone asks, “Tequila?” the answer should always be no.

Though she was fairly certain she was the one who had suggested it.

A knock at the door had her yanking off her sunglasses, as if that would look better than the red-rimmed mess now on display. Mascara had smudged her cheeks when she woke up, and scrubbing had not really improved the overall look. As the door swung open, she straightened up and tried not to look like a drunken sixteen-year-old whose parents had just caught shushing a chair she’d walked into.

Which, of course, Frazer had never done. It had been a coffee table, thanks very much.

Tia poked around the corner. “Frazer—meeting in ten.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll be there.”

She looked Frazer over, her eyes dancing. “How you feeling?”

“Uh—fantastic. Great. I’m keen to update files, do rosters, and write reports.”

Tia cackled. “Alec will be super excited to hear that. Shall I tell him to play loud rock music in the meeting?”

“Oh, please—and while you’re at it, why not bring in some sugared-up two-year-olds with drums?”

Tia disappeared, her laughter fading as she walked down the hall.

It was going to be a really long day.

With clumsy fingers, Frazer jammed her sunglasses back on. She stared around her neat and ordered office before stopping to focus on the space under her desk. It looked cool and dark. Maybe she could sleep there—just for a little while.