Summer on Lovers' Island (Jewell Cove 3)

“You’ve got some time yet. And first ones tend to be a little slower, so don’t panic. You go with Rick, and I’ll meet you there, okay?”

“Okay.” There was a beat of silence and then Lizzie heard Jess’s voice once more. “Josh, I’m scared.”

“Hell, Jess, you’ve been through far worse and at the end you’re going to have a beautiful baby to hold in your arms. You just remember that. And I’ll be there soon. Have I ever let you down?”

“Not once.” Conversation broke off and Lizzie heard long, labored breaths through the phone. Josh simply waited until the contraction was over.

“Phew,” Jess breathed. “Okay. We’re off. Call Mom and Sarah, okay?”

“I will. See you soon.”

He clicked off the phone. “Well. Looks like I’m off to the hospital.”

“She called you first. Before your mom, or sister. Because you’re a doctor?”

Josh shook his head. “No. A long time ago Jess was in a bad situation. I helped get her out of it. It’s made us really close is all. When she’s in a pinch, I get a call.”

“That’s sweet.”

“She’s my sister. Of course I look after her.”

He slid out of bed and Lizzie got a quick glimpse of a beautiful tight butt before he pulled on his underwear. “Look, Lizzie, I’m sorry to run out without at least buying you breakfast.”

“It’s okay. Your family needs you.”

He nodded. She’d half-hoped he’d ask her to go with him, but he didn’t. And deep down she knew it was smart. Work and personal life completely separate, just the way she wanted, right? So why did it sting?

He had to go to the living room for his shirt, so Lizzie slid out from beneath the covers, shrugged on a light robe, and followed him. “Josh, hang tight a minute. You’ve hardly had any sleep. Let me at least make you a coffee for the road.” She turned on the coffeemaker and snagged a pod of Italian roast to put in the dispenser. She only had one travel mug, and it was stainless steel emblazoned with the words “Trust Me, I’m a Doctor” on it. She put it beneath the dispenser and hit the button once the water was hot.

Josh appeared behind her, buttoning the last button of his shirt. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“I would have made you eggs, but I get the feeling time is of the essence. Go ahead and call Meggie and Sarah while it’s brewing.”

He did, saying he was just grabbing a coffee before heading to the hospital, agreeing to meet the rest of his family there. Lizzie heard Meggie agree to call Abby … this was turning out to be a whole family affair. And it would have warmed Lizzie’s heart if she didn’t feel so left out.

Ridiculous.

She put the top on the coffee and handed it to him as he was putting his phone in his pocket.

“Sorry about this,” he apologized again.

“Don’t be silly.” She smiled. “Your sister is having a baby. Big day. She needs her big brother. Go.”

“I’ll text you later with news, okay?”

“Of course. And I’ll handle the office. We have walk-in hours today.”

“Right. Shit.”

She swallowed tightly. Before drifting off to sleep, she’d kind of imagined them getting up, having breakfast, going into the clinic together.

What on earth had she been thinking? What a crazy, dumb idea. It was far too cozy a thought. Certainly not what she wanted. Last night was what she’d wanted for a while now, wasn’t it? Hot, satisfying sex with no strings, no repercussions at work?

“I got this,” she said hoarsely, needing him to leave now. “Go. Jess’ll be looking for you.”

“Thanks.” He hesitated, then leaned forward and gave her a quick kiss. “Thanks for last night. It was…”

“Yeah,” she replied softly. “It was.”