Chapter 34: Lingering Touches
“Hey, I got a parcel,” Samuel said, breaking the comfortable silence. He reached for a small, neatly wrapped box and a letter lying beside it. “It’s from Aunt Clara. You remember her, right? The psychiatrist in Sydney?”
Kate smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. “Of course! She always had such great stories about her patients. What’s she sending?”
Samuel tore open the envelope, scanning the letter inside. “She mentioned her juniors are joining me at the hospital. Apparently, they’re having trouble finding a place to stay and need a spot to crash for a while. She wants me to help them out.”
Kate raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “So, you’re going to be a temporary landlord? That sounds… interesting.”
“Yeah,” he replied, a grin spreading across his face. “She really pushed for this. Says they’ll get along great, and they’re eager to learn from me. They’ll be coming next week.”
“Sounds like a full house,” Kate teased, her playful demeanor shining through. She took another sip of her coffee, savoring the rich flavor. “You might need to rethink your bachelor pad setup.”
Samuel chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Honestly, I hate the idea of them coming here. It means I’ll have to keep my clothes on when you’re around. How am I supposed to kiss you with them in the way?”
“Is it always necessary to love me so deeply and madly?” Kate shot back, amusement dancing in her eyes.
“Absolutely,” he replied, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “You drive me crazy.” He leaned in closer, his gaze intense as he brushed his fingers lightly along her arm, tracing the curve of her shoulder.
“Samuel!” she laughed, attempting to sound scolding, but a smile betrayed her.
His thumb grazed her collarbone, sending shivers down her spine. “You’re just so tempting,” he whispered, inches from her lips.
With a soft kiss, he drew her closer, his hand sliding around her waist in a warm, lingering touch.
“See? That’s what happens when you drive me crazy,” he murmured against her lips, a playful smile dancing in his eyes.
Kate laughed softly, gently pressing a hand to his chest. “Hey, hold on, doctor. Remember, you can come over anytime and we can pick this up”—she gestured playfully between them—“but not now. I really have to get to the library; there’s some important work waiting for me.”
“Important work?” He feigned disappointment, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’re really going to choose work over this?” He motioned to the space between them. “Is there something more important than us?” His smile was teasing, but his eyes searched hers for reassurance. Samuel sighed dramatically, pretending to be heartbroken.
“Well, no, nothing more important than us,” she admitted, her expression softening. “But I really need to get this done today.” She moved toward the door, his playful hold still lingering on her shoulders.
“Fine,” he sighed, releasing her but not before giving her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Just remember, when you’re done, I’ll be here, ready to continue our little marathon of kisses.”
She laughed, shaking her head as she opened the door. “Just don’t hold your breath, Doctor Samuel.”
“You realize I’m a doctor too, right? I’m busy, but the way you’re busy? that’s no match for me.”
Kate laughed, glancing back at him. “Shall I take that as a compliment?”
“Definitely,” he replied, a mischievous grin on his face. Just then, a thought crossed her mind.
Oh! I almost forgot to tell you—Jason reached out about collaborating on that latest case I’m covering,” she said, settling into the driver’s seat.
The playful atmosphere shifted as Samuel’s brow furrowed. “Jason? That cop? Stay away from him, Kate—I don’t trust him.”
“Are you jealous?” she teased, a playful smirk on her lips.
“Not jealous,” he insisted, though the tension in his voice gave him away. “Okay, maybe a little. But I’ll admit it—I’m possessive.”
“Possessive, huh?” she replied, closing the door with a grin, clearly enjoying his reaction.
Samuel leaned down, resting his forearm on the open window. “Intense, maybe. But only because I know what I’ve got,” he said, his gaze warm and steady. “Drive safe, and try not to get into too much trouble without me.”
She chuckled as she started the engine. “I’ll do my best.” As she pulled away, she caught his lingering smile in the rearview mirror—the kind of look that stuck with her long after she’d driven out of sight.