“You’re from California?”

“No, I grew up in Cincinnati. I ended up on the West Coast for undergrad and then medical school.”

The doors ding open. I take a step forward, only to realize we’re on the second floor, not the ground level.

Rose is standing there, yawning. She perks up when she sees me and Ben. “Hey, guys.”

I arch a brow as she steps inside. “You’re taking the elevator down one floor?”

“Don’t judge, Collins. I had to drop something off in the lab. You had the same long-ass night I did. Did you get any sleep?”

I shake my head. “None.”

Rose yawns again. “Same. I told Ellie and Sara I’d get brunch with them. Of course, they didn’t get a single code last night.” Another yawn. “You guys are both welcome to come. There will be coffee.”

“I’m gonna grab a doughnut and a nap,” Ben answers. “My brother is coming into town tonight, and he’ll want to go out.”

“Is this brother cute and single?” Rose asks, unashamed.

Ben laughs and shakes his head.

Rose makes a face, then looks at me. “Evie?”

“Uh, I can’t. I’ve got plans.”

“With the hunky soldier?”

“He’s not a soldier, but yes.”

“Are things serious between you two?”

“No. We’re just…no.”

“Uh-huh.” Rose gives me a look but doesn’t say anything else.

When she pressed me for details after Gray showed up in the cafeteria last week, I told her we went to high school together, but I didn’t delve into the brother’s best friend, next-door neighbor, chief’s son of it all. I also told her we have a firm expiration date, which Rose seems to have conveniently forgotten. Or maybe she just needs a reminder. I sure do.

When we reach the locker room, I change quickly, swapping out of my scrubs for a sundress. The temperatures are steadily rising as July creeps closer, beginning to regularly reach eighty degrees and occasionally brush ninety. I brush my teeth, wash my face, and say goodbye to the other interns in the locker room before heading out into the parking lot.

Gray’s Jeep is pulled up alongside the curb. He climbs out when he sees me approaching. The sight smacks me in the center of my chest. It feels good—right—to leave work and find him waiting for me. A soft, gooey sensation of contentment.

The sun is just beginning to rise in the sky, dappling everything in soft light. I study what he’s wearing, searching for clues about our destination. The athletic shorts and faded Colorado Avalanche T-shirt give me none.