Heartthrob (The Bennett Brothers 3)

She rolls her eyes, and Lora pops her head around the corner looking uncomfortable. “Claire, Maggie’s parents are here, Evie’s looking for you, and Dr. Cross has a question about Jason.”

She tosses her head over her shoulder and smiles at Lora. “No problem, on it. I’ll start with Dr. Cross. Let Evie know I’ll be there soon.”

Lora nods, disappearing.

“I’ll handle Maggie’s parents. What’s the plan?” I ask.

“You’re off. Go home.”

“And miss the unicorn party? Not on your life.”

She frames my face with her hands, kisses me quickly, and scoots away. “Maggie’s parents brought enough for everyone, even for those with dietary restrictions. Set up in the recreation area. All the kids are invited if they feel up to it.”

“I’ll take care of them.”

She shoots me a smile of gratitude and rushes off.

I make a mental note to check out Clint and head to meet Maggie’s family for a unicorn celebration.

The front door opens, and I listen to Claire shuffle quietly to our bedroom. Lighting the candle on our kitchen table, I make the final preparations and lean against the doorway waiting for her. She comes out of the bedroom confused, but when she sees me, her face gives her away. I barely have time to brace until she’s in my arms, her legs locked around my waist and hands framing my face.

“I should kick your ass for not giving me a heads up.”

“If I told you anything, I’d miss this.” I lean in and sweep my lips across hers.

“I can’t believe they chose me! I’m going to Boston!” She squeals, waving her hands in the air and jiggling against me.

“We’re going to Boston,” I correct her.

“We’re going to Boston.”

“It’s quite an opportunity. I’m proud of you.”

“Back at ya, Dr. Bennett.”

“Did Evie give you a rundown on what to expect?”

“Long days on my feet, countless hours in a training room, and team exercises with cut-throat bitches and assholes?”

“Think she covered the essentials, but you’re going to be introduced to some of the most cutting-edge treatments and technology currently being tested.”

“What about you?”

“Exactly the same, except I’ll be with self-absorbed bitches and assholes with entitlement syndromes.”

She scrunches her nose at my description. “That sounds awful.”

“It’s not that bad. I’ve done this a few times and can typically spot the down to earth doctors right away. Seeing as two other pediatricians from our hospital are attending, I’ll know some familiar faces.”

“And you’ll have your protector if anyone gets any ideas.”

“I’ll have my protector.”

Something catches her eye, and she peers over my head, her breath hitching. “Is that Champagne?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you have to go to work?”