Chapter 401
Sophia Lowell shuffled toward the kitchen, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
A tall silhouette was outlined against the frosted glass.
She froze.
Her pulse quickened.
This couldn't be real.
She pinched her arm hard.
The sharp pain confirmed she wasn't dreaming.
Ethan Roscente stood in her kitchen.
His broad frame looked comically out of place in the cramped space.
He had to hunch slightly to avoid the low ceiling.
The muscles beneath his dress shirt flexed with each movement.
A cheap floral apron—probably from a discount store—was tied around his waist.
Strangely, it suited him.
Morning sunlight streamed through the window, gilding him in soft gold.
Sophia held her breath.
She'd assumed he'd left hours ago.
Last night's tenderness as he'd lulled her to sleep hadn't been a fever dream after all.
"Awake?"
Ethan turned.
His lips curved when he saw her rooted in the doorway.
"Come here."
As if under a spell, she obeyed.
Cool fingers pressed against her forehead.
"Fever's gone."
He nodded, satisfied.
His familiar sandalwood cologne wrapped around her.
For a disorienting moment, Sophia didn't recognize this version of Ethan.
Yet her traitorous heart fluttered.
"Still groggy?"
He ruffled her bedhead.
That uncharacteristically gentle tone made her stomach flip.
Sophia jerked backward.
"Why are you still here?"
"Never left."
One dark brow arched.
"Patients require supervision."
The words sent an electric jolt through her chest.
She looked away.
"I'm fine now."
"Kicking me out so soon?"
Amusement laced his voice.
"At least let me finish breakfast."
The porridge on the stove bubbled softly.
The rich aroma filled every corner of the tiny kitchen.