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We make our way back to the roundabout again, and this time I have a hard time enjoying the scenery as I walk past more statues and fountains and other impressive sights. My mind is completely preoccupied with the imposing man walking next to me, leading me with his hand still resting snugly on my lower back.
I hate to admit it, but his hand feels amazing; strong and sure and possessive.
I really should tell him to take it off me, to keep his hands to himself, but I'm having a bit of trouble—quite a bit, actually—figuring out if that's what I actually want. It's the right thing to do, obviously, but no one ever said doing the right thing was easy.
I try to focus on the cool wispy blades of grass beneath my feet and the cold air blowing over my skin instead of the large, warm hand on my back and the sexy, woody cologne emanating from his body.
We're finally at the roundabout again, and there are still people pulling up with their cars, just arriving on the scene. This is obviously meant to be an all-nighter. I wonder how long Nicole intends for us to stay. I'm betting it's probably how ever long Mindy wants.
I feel Frost's hand leave my back, and he checks his phone before turning to me again.
"Wait here," he says, pulling his jacket off. He brings it around me, and I realize I've been clutching my body the whole time, trying desperately to keep myself warm even though I didn't notice it because I was actually using the cold to keep my focus on something other than him—even if it was unpleasant.
He brings the big jacket around me, and I'm already waving my hands in refusal and shaking my head.
"No, it's okay. I'm staying," I say, still wrapping my arms around myself.
He frowns slightly, but proceeds to cover me with the jacket anyway, easily draping it over my shoulders. The giant coat tents me, and its crisp, thick fabric brings instant warmth with it—warmth and his super sexy, musky cologne.
I'm suddenly encompassed by the indirect heat of his body and the incredible smell of him. I feel my body sway ever so slightly as my senses become momentarily overwhelmed by him, and I can't stop myself from swooning inside.
"I thought you just agreed to let me take you home," he says, sounding a bit irritated and bringing me out of my very brief reverie. "You clearly don't want to be here."
"I'll get home the way I got here," I say, avoiding his frosty eyes.
His name is actually quite fitting for the pair of icy things. They give him an extra menacing edge, and I have to wonder how that works out for him whenever he's dealing with his patients. I have absolutely no doubt that this man intimidates most, if not all, of his patients, or has at one point or another.
Just then, a red Porsche pulls up just a few feet away from where we're standing, and from it emerges yet another person I wasn't planning on running into tonight.
Mindy.
She's dressed in all white, from her lace dress to her platform heels and her Chanel clutch. Her blue-black hair is up in a sleek ninja bun, making her bangs look even more blunt and severe on her face. They definitely frame her eyes well; eyes that quickly zone in on me as she walks up to the curb to hand her keys to a valet.
She looks between Dr. Frost and I as she continues to walk up to us, her brow arched in surprise, but the questioning expression on her face is quickly replaced when he looks her way with a friendly smile.
"Raven, darling," she says, coming in for an embrace and giving me air kisses. I know she's only doing it for show.
"Uh...Mindy..." I begin, unsure of what to say. That seems to keep happening to me quite a lot tonight. I seriously feel like I'm in the twilight zone.
She glances at the jacket tenting my body, and then at my bare feet before moving her attention to Frost.
She extends her hand out to him. "Doctor Frost, so good to see you here. It's been too long," she smiles, her eyes focused solely on him as he takes her hand in his.
He kisses the back of her knuckles, and I feel a sharp jabbing sensation hit me in my side as I watch it happen. I don't know why seeing him kiss her hand is pissing me off. I must be insane, but I don't want to watch him kiss anyone, even if it's in greeting.
I don't want to be around any of this anymore.
I don't want to be around him anymore.
I start to shake off his jacket, pushing it off my shoulders, but just before I can take it off completely, Mindy shoots me a look, almost like a warning, but I'm not sure what it means.
"Mindy, I was just about to head back inside—" I start to speak, but she cuts off my attempt to explain.
"You two sure seem to be getting along nicely," she says, smiling between the both of us, the implications of her words as clear as the starless night sky above us.
More people continue to trickle in around us, several of whom give Frost long, undivided stares—the women's based on obvious lust, and the men's on obvious disdain. However, I can't help but notice that quite a few of the male guests seem to share the women's sentiments as they walk by him.
I suppose it should be expected. Dexter Frost is objectively very attractive and an obvious sex magnet. I mean, he's pretty much the embodiment of super mind-blowing sex on a pair of long, super-toned legs.
"You're not leaving already, are you?" Mindy asks him.
"Unfortunately, I am," he says, glancing at his watch. "Have to be up early tomorrow."
I glance at my watch as soon as he does. I'm not even sure why I do it. It's a little after one; typically late for me but obviously still early for everyone else who plans on staying.
"I could only come because I wasn't on call tonight," he explains to Mindy. They're conversing like I'm not even here.
"I guess a doctor's work is never done," Mindy says with a chuckle.
Her attention turns to me once more. "And I take it you're leaving as well?" she says.
I start to shake my head. "Uh, no I 'm—"
But as soon as I do, her eyes narrow at me again, and I quickly realize she isn't asking me a question. She's telling me that I'm going to go home with him; that I don't have a choice in the matter if I want to work for her.
I immediately backtrack. "I mean, ah, yes...yes, I'm tagging along with him," I say, hating how unsure I sound.
I feel Frost's eyes on me again, and I hate how they're both staring at me so hard. I hate being put on blast like this. This is not the kind of attention I like.
I chance a look in his direction, and his expression is questioning, almost as if he wants to ask me why I just had a sudden change of heart, but he doesn't.
Instead, Mindy speaks again. "Alright, then. You two drive safe." She turns to me. "I'll tell Nicole you left early. Text me when you get home."
She turns her attention back to Dr. Frost once more.
"It's been really good seeing you again, Dex," she smiles. "You should come out more. Like the old days. And make sure you get her home safely."
"You don't need to tell me that," he smiles.
She gives him an acknowledging nod, right before she gives me one last glance and walks past us into the main entrance, leaving us with a short but noticeable silence.
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