Flirting with the Florida Heart Doctor
Autor
Janice Lynn
Lecturas
18,4K
Capítulos
10
CHAPTER ONE
DR. HAILEY EASTON didn’t like the cold. Tired of northern Ohio winters, her past life, and the toxic relationship she’d left behind, she welcomed Venice, Florida’s sunshine. However, when she’d moved south, she’d been thinking of warm weather and new beginnings, not her heated reaction to Dr. Cayden Wilton.
Having never experienced such awareness, Hailey’s instant attraction to the cardiologist coming down the hallway wasn’t something she could have foreseen, especially not after the drawn-out ten-year destruction of her belief in the opposite sex. Sometimes life threw in surprises. Her surprises had rarely been good ones, but things were going to be different in Florida.
Things were already different.
With a complete head-to-toe makeover, she was different. It was more than just her outer appearance that had changed. She was lighter, freer, and determined to shake her past. In her new sunshine-filled life she planned to erase the wasted years of John demolishing her already miniscule self-confidence and making her believe she hadn’t deserved anything better than what little he’d given. Since she’d stayed for so long in the relationship, hoping he’d change, maybe she hadn’t. Either way, with finishing medical school and acknowledging that it was now or never, she’d said goodbye to her old self, Ohio, John, and to silly dreams. Hello, Florida and the improved Hailey.
“I see who you’re looking at and you’re wasting your time.” Her coworker Renee confirmed what Hailey had known. Dr. Wilton was way out of her league.
No, stop that, she scolded herself.
She wouldn’t let John’s voice reign any longer.
Being realistic wasn’t being negative, though. Hailey was no beauty queen, but she had a good heart, loved people, and as far as looks, well, she had nice teeth and had always liked her eyes. They were her best feature, in her opinion, which was fitting as one’s eyes were the window to one’s soul. Thanks to the corrective eye surgery she’d gifted herself as a finishing-residency present, her thick glasses no longer obscured that window. Even with her radical revamping, she was more along the lines of an average, slightly overweight person, and not someone who turned heads. Cayden Wilton must be a leading cause of whiplash. The man was gorgeous.
“He’s taken,” Renee continued, glancing from the cardiologist to Hailey.
Just as well; she’d made her move to work on herself, to find her inner happiness, not to jump into another relationship. When she was ready to date again, it would be light, fun, about her, and she could play in any league that valued the things that mattered most.
“Taken?” Asking was way outside the old Hailey’s comfort zone, but she couldn’t hold back her curiosity, so maybe all those self-help books she’d been devouring were working. Dr. Wilton hadn’t been wearing a wedding ring, but that didn’t mean he was single. Of course, he wasn’t. Like John, Dr. Wilton was one of the beautiful people of the world—everyone flocked to them with no effort on their part.
“Claimed would be a more accurate description,” the charge nurse clarified from where she sat next to Hailey in the small open office cubby behind the nurses’ station. The hospital walls were a light gray and were offset with stark white ceilings and trim. White tiled floors added to the calming, clean feel. The unit boasted a fresh clean linen scent that was a positive testament to housekeeping. “When he is ready to settle down, everyone expects him to marry Leanna Moore, especially Leanna. They’re the hospital’s very own ‘celebrity’ couple. We refer to them as Caydna.”
Caydna? Venice General Hospital’s drama was on a whole new level. She couldn’t recall any couple name combos at her Ohio hospital other than someone occasionally referring to “Bennifer,” “Brangelina,” or “Tayvis” celebrity couples.
Hailey had seen Dr. Wilton three times. Once from across the hospital cafeteria during her orientation, yesterday during her first shift as Venice General’s newest inpatient physician, and right now. Each time, she’d wondered if she was hitting menopause prior to her thirtieth birthday as she instantly flushed hot.
Dragging her gaze from the scrub-wearing cardiologist walking down the med-surg unit’s hallway was impossible. Tall, athletically built, gorgeous hazel eyes, and brown, slightly wavy hair, he commandeered her attention and refused to let go.
As Cayden passed, Sharla Little rushed from her husband’s room, calling out to him. Melvin Little had required an emergency appendectomy for a ruptured appendix the previous night. After Hailey rounded on him at his transfer to the medical/surgical floor that morning, she had entered the cardiac consult to keep close tabs on his significant history of congestive heart failure. Now, fatigue and worry etched upon her face, Mrs. Little swiped at the tears that had started. Whatever she said had Cayden placing his arm around her shoulder and giving a hug. His unabashed show of compassion surprised Hailey. Good-looking, smart, and kind.
“Leanna Moore?” Why had Hailey spoken on his personal life? She did not want to get caught up in hospital gossip. As she said the name out loud an image of a pretty blonde on a billboard popped into her mind. “The radio personality?”
“The one and only.”
Embarrassed she’d voiced an interest, Hailey forced her gaze to the computer screen where she should be addressing messages—she had a ton of new employee ones filling her inbox.
“It doesn’t surprise me that you know who Leanna is despite having just moved to the area a few weeks ago. Born and raised here, she’s Venice’s darling. She wants Dr. Wilton and doesn’t care who knows it. After they met at a charity event, she convinced him to do a weekly heart health segment during her morning show. He doesn’t go out with any woman more than a few times, but Leanna lasted several months and they’ve kept in touch since, which makes her different from all the rest. Of course, their continued relationship may just be that he’s a softie for raising money for the needy or promoting a good cause. I think he sits on every volunteer committee the hospital has.”
“That’s admirable.”
Watching where Dr. Wilton still spoke with Mrs. Little, Renee nodded. “He’s admirable. In lots of ways that go beyond that fabulous smile of his. Despite his playboy reputation, we all adore him and most of us have crushed on him.”
Hailey arched a brow at the nurse who’d claimed to be happily married when they’d been chitchatting the previous day. “Even you?”
“Touché.” Renee leaned back in her chair and grinned. “Not crush, per se, but my eyes can see. Mmm-hmm. He is fine.”
Hailey smiled as the fifty-something woman fanned her face.
“So, what you’re saying is that for a fun, no-strings-attached evening I should invite him to check out that tiki bar in Manasota that you were telling me about?” She had no intentions of doing so, had never asked out a man, but teasing Renee was fun. Even thinking that someday she might be so bold was mind-boggling. She’d always been demure, letting John dictate their relationship, and doing her best to keep the peace. That hadn’t worked out well.
Renee’s eyes widened as did her smile. “I tell you what, new girl, you forget everything I said and you have your fun. Just keep your heart in check so it doesn’t get broken.”
Her heart had already been broken. Just once, because she’d only had one romantic relationship. It had been a long and painful breaking, piece by shattered piece.
Taking a deep breath and forcing a smile, Hailey shook her head. “I was joking, but like you, my eyes appreciate beauty. Dr. Wilton looks as if he belongs on a television medical drama rather than in a real hospital. He’d be an instant heartthrob.” Ha ha. Look at her making a pun with his being a cardiologist. As far as her own heart, when and if she dated again, she’d keep it locked up tighter than Fort Knox. “Now, tell me about these volunteer committees and charities. I want to get involved in my new hometown.”
She wanted to do more, to give back more, to focus on things beyond just remaking herself, but to also contribute to making the world a better place. In Ohio, John hadn’t wanted her to have a life outside of residency and their relationship. Looking back, she was ashamed of how she’d let him rob her of so much joy. She had gifts to give and wanted to do just that. That volunteering was a great way to meet people and make friends was an added bonus.
Eyes twinkling, Renee turned toward where Cayden was stepping behind the nurses’ station counter. “Good morning, Doctor Wilton. Saw you talking with Mrs. Little. Do I need to enter new orders?” She jerked her thumb toward Hailey. “Also, Dr. Easton wants to volunteer with Venice Has Heart. Can you help her?”
Hailey’s jaw dropped. That was not what she’d meant when she’d asked about the charities. She never should have teased Renee.
Cayden’s gaze shifted toward them, going first to Renee, then settling on Hailey. An amused light shone in his gorgeous eyes. His lips curved, digging dimples into his cheeks that matched the one on his chin. The man had a strong, yet friendly facial structure. From what Hailey could tell, he had great everything, but she’d been wrong before.
“You want to volunteer for Venice Has Heart?” he asked.
She didn’t even know what Venice Has Heart was, but that didn’t stop her from saying, “Renee thinks I should and suggested I talk to you about doing so.” Hailey glanced toward the charge nurse who looked all innocent although she was far from it, then returned her attention to him. “Where do I find out more?”
“That’s great. We’re always looking for more volunteers.” His phone dinged and he glanced down at the message that appeared on his watch face. “Sorry, one sec.” Brows veeing, he typed out a quick response, then smiled at Hailey, causing a major rhythm hiccup. “As far as where to find out more, I’d love to tell you about Venice Has Heart. I’ve got to round on a few patients, then get back to the clinic, but maybe we can meet this evening, I can give you the lowdown then.”
Hailey’s face heated. Meet that evening? How long was giving her the “lowdown” going to take? Unless he was using her volunteering as an excuse to make plans with her and if so, how did she feel about that? She’d just moved to Florida a few weeks before. She’d intended to focus on building a life, not a romantic relationship.
Drastic makeover or not, she knew Cayden was just being kind as he had been with Sharla Little. She shouldn’t read anything into his invitation other than at face value he wanted to tell a new colleague about a beloved charity.
Beside her, Renee elbowed her arm. “Hailey was just saying she wanted to try out that fabulous tiki bar in Manasota and check out some of our Florida nightlife.” Her coworker smiled big at Dr. Wilton. “Maybe you could have dinner, listen to the band, watch the sunset, tell her about Venice Has Heart, and all the reasons why moving to our little sunny part of the world was a great decision.”
The hospital floor could just open and swallow Hailey, chair and all. The sooner, the better. But Cayden didn’t seem to mind. If anything, he seemed intrigued by Renee’s comment.
“That sounds like a great idea.” He looked directly at Hailey, making her forget to breathe as she stared into eyes that were a deep green with golden flecks and rimmed with an intense blue. “Shall I pick you up at six?”
Feeling panicky, she reminded herself that it was just an innocent meeting between colleagues to discuss a volunteer opportunity and shook her head. “My shift ends at six, Dr. Wilton, but I’ll meet you there at seven.” Look at her taking charge with the time suggestion. Such a small thing, but after years of following John’s dictates, pride filled her that she hadn’t just said yes.
“It’s Cayden. Thought I mentioned that yesterday,” he said, his smile revving up her heart rate even more. His phone dinged a second time, and, glancing down at his watch to view the message, he sighed. “Sorry. Duty calls. I’m going to see Mr. Little and the other cardiac consult.” He shot one last smile toward her. “Looking forward to seeing you at seven, Hailey.”
“Okay.” She didn’t say Cayden back, couldn’t even wrap her brain around doing so, which was silly. She’d been on a first-name basis with coworkers in the past. But saying Cayden’s name out loud felt as if it would be more than something casual and not something she should do in front of Renee.
What is wrong with me?
He moved to leave the nurses’ station area to head down the hospital hallway. Renee grabbed her arm, giving an excited squeeze, and mouthed, “Girl!” However, the nurse rapidly straightened when Cayden turned back toward them, standing just to the other side of the counter separating the nurses’ area from the hallway but still in close proximity of the office cubby along the back wall. A fresh heatwave infused Hailey’s face because no way had he missed Renee’s theatrical shimmy.
His gaze dropped to where Renee’s fingers wrapped around her arm, then lifted to Hailey. A twinkly light shone there, making the golden flecks glisten. “We should exchange numbers in case something comes up and one of us is running late.”
“Or if one of us needs to cancel.”
His brow lifted. “Changing your mind already?”
“I meant in case you were too busy to meet and just wanted to call.”
“Why would I do that?” He made it sound as if the idea was preposterous.
Taking a deep breath, she cleared her throat. “You’re a cardiologist. I can think of a few scenarios that could prevent you from meeting me.”
“A few,” he agreed, grinning as he handed her his phone to punch in her number. “But I’m not on call tonight, so we should be good. I was more concerned that you might get hung up here at shift change.” A realistic possibility, she thought as she typed in her number with shaky fingers. He took the phone, glanced down at what she’d input, then hit Dial, causing her phone to vibrate in her scrub pocket. “Now you have my number, too. I’m looking forward to a relaxing evening of a good food, music, sunset, and great company. See you at seven.”
This time when he turned to leave, it was a stunned, wobbly-legged Hailey grabbing Renee’s arm.
“I thought you weren’t on call tonight,” Hailey reminded Cayden from where she sat catty-corner from him at an outdoor table at The Manasota Mango. After he’d pulled out her chair and waited for her to sit, she’d thought he’d move across from her. Instead, he’d chosen the closer seat to where they could both easily see the band on the far end of the outdoor patio. When the hostess had seated them, he’d requested to be in easy line of vision, but not so close that the music would be too loud for them to hear each other when talking. The young lady had chosen the perfect spot.
“I’m not.” Cayden slid the phone back into his pocket. “But, as you could tell, that was the hospital. You know how it is. In our profession, you’re always working on some level. I like to keep up-to-date on any changes in my hospitalized patients.”
Taking a sip of the fruity nonalcoholic drink she’d ordered, Hailey nodded. She did know how it was for many in her profession. With solely overseeing inpatient care as a hospitalist, she didn’t get a ton of after-hour calls. At least, she hadn’t in Ohio as a resident and wasn’t expecting to in Florida.
Although she’d been nervous when she’d first arrived at the restaurant, she’d mostly relaxed as they’d eaten their meal and chatted, assuring herself that Cayden’s invitation had been nothing more than a casual one of convenience for telling her about Venice Has Heart. His easy laughs, frequent compliments, and seeming fascination with whatever she said was enough to make a woman’s head spin, though.
“That was Dr. Bentley who came on at the end of your shift,” he continued. “Melvin Little has increased shortness of breath. Dr. Bentley ordered a chest X-ray and additional labs. He questioned if there were any other tests that I’d like done prior to my rechecking Melvin in the morning.”
“Sorry to hear that his breathing has worsened.” Neither Melvin nor his wife had mentioned anything when she’d rounded prior to the end of her shift. “I’ll be there in the morning.”
“Ah, so if you completely avoid me, I’ll know I failed miserably tonight.” His eyes twinkled.
She made a noise that was a somewhat embarrassing cross between a snort and laugh. “You already know you’re a success. Your passion for educating our community on heart health through a fun event completely wowed me. All you’re missing is my name signed on the dotted line to have me locked in for a full day of providing medical consults with anyone who has an abnormal screen.”
“I’ll bring the ironclad contract in the morning,” he teased. “My grandfather died of a heart attack when I was young. I’ve often wondered how different things would have been if he’d just known how to take care of himself, things like a proper diet and lifestyle habits.” His expression had gone momentarily serious, then he smiled. “But you’re right. Tonight is a success because I got to spend time getting to know you.”
Remember what Renee said. Have fun, but don’t take him too seriously.
“Yes, since we’ll be seeing each other with the Venice Has Heart event.” Cheeks burning, she took another sip of her pineapple and coconut drink, thinking maybe she should have gone for the real deal for liquid courage. She’d not wanted to dull her senses while talking to him in hopes that she would be less likely to say or do silly things. But, being with him, knowing people were looking their way and likely wondering why he was with her, twisted her stomach into knots.
Quit, she reminded herself. Quit. Quit. Quit. Cayden asked you here, is smiling at you, and seems to be enjoying himself. Being with him was great practice for if you ever do risk dating again.
Just like her “as friends” Saturday night plans with a neighbor was great practice. She’d bumped into Ryan several times at neighborhood events and the gym. His offer to introduce her to his friend group had been kind and she looked forward to the cookout. When ready, she’d need all the help she could get she’d not been on a first date in ten years. Although she and John had officially called their relationship quits with Hailey moving into their guest bedroom three months prior to leaving Ohio, she’d not dated. Having done so in Ohio would have antagonized an already bad situation. Not to mention that she’d had zero interest. Apparently, the Florida sunshine was thawing something inside her, though, because her body was logging all kinds of interest where Cayden was concerned.
“You’ll definitely be seeing me with Venice Has Heart.” His smile deepened his dimples.
“Um, yeah.” Hailey gulped. She was a novice when it came to men, but good grief, what she saw in his eyes. His gaze burned so hot it was a wonder she didn’t spontaneously combust. “I look forward to volunteering. I love that you have the local nursing programs involved to take blood pressures and random blood sugar readings.”
Could she sound any cornier? She wasn’t used to having dinner with gorgeous single, flirty men. The emotions hitting her and having to deal with them weren’t things she could learn about from her self-help books, that was for sure.
“It’s a great experience for them on a lot of different levels as they get real-world experience. Their instructors always provide positive feedback that the students have shared.”
“Anytime one can get hands-on experience is a good thing. The band is good.”
His brow arched. “Do you like classic rock?”
Although somewhat familiar with it, she didn’t even know the name of the song that was currently being sung. “I like most music,” she answered honestly. “But even if not my favorite genre, I appreciate the band’s musical skills. They’re talented, don’t you think?” She smiled. Wasn’t that what her books said to do and to do frequently? Smile because a smile went a long way to making most situations better.
“They are.” Something in the way that he said it made her wonder if he had paid any more attention to what song was playing than she had. “What’s your favorite genre?”
For years Hailey had listened to rap because that had been John’s favorite. Her favorite hadn’t been something she’d thought much about, maybe ever. For far too long she hadn’t thought about what her favorite anything was. No more. In her new life, she was finding herself, her likes, and her dislikes. She’d never be purposefully oppositional, but she wasn’t going to be a doormat ever again. She considered what she’d listened to while she’d been unpacking her few belongings into the house she’d bought not too far from where they currently were. “I listen to a variety of music, but when alone, I tend to listen to pop. I’m going with that as my favorite.”
“When you’re not concerned about whether or not someone else is enjoying what is playing, you listen to pop.” His observation was so on the money that she blushed. He took a drink from his bottle, then placed it back on the table. “Who is your favorite artist?”
“Elvis,” she said without hesitation, smiling as memories assailed her of listening to the Memphis crooner with the couple who’d rescued her from bouncing from one foster family to another. He’d been her adopted parents’ favorite and she’d grown up listening to him and other iconic performers from the sixties and seventies. She’d been eleven when she’d been adopted by the older couple who’d never had children of their own. Hailey equated the singer with having a home and a family because she never had prior to being introduced to his silky voice.
Cayden chuckled. “Not what I was expecting you to say. As the known King of Rock ’n’ Roll and not a pop artist, I have to ask, why Elvis?”
“Why not Elvis? After all, like you said, he is the ‘King of Rock ’n’ Roll.’ But if you meant a more modern artist or band, I’ll go with Ed Sheeran.”
“Nice. I saw him in concert back during my early college days,” he surprised her by saying, although she wasn’t sure why she was surprised. No doubt Cayden had an active social life that had included numerous concerts over the years. “He is a super-talented musician. My friends and I had a great time.”
“He did a show in Columbus at the beginning of my freshman year. A group of classmates sold a kidney or two to come up with enough money to go see him and invited me to tag along.” She smiled at the memory, trying not to question herself too much on why she’d let John systematically cut her off from everyone in her life. With moving from one foster home to another and her adopted parents opting to homeschool her, she’d never had any close friendships. She had been thrilled when her classmates had asked her to go with them to the concert. She’d thought she was on top of the world—making friends and having a boyfriend for the first time ever. The concert had been one of her few friend outings. John had thrown a fit. He’d thrown a fit for her breaking things off and moving to Florida, too, telling her she’d regret leaving and come running home, lonely and begging for his forgiveness for her “stupidity.” There was no level of loneliness that would send her back to him. Being with John the past ten years had been some of her loneliest and with her childhood, that was saying something. Thank God she’d had her lifelong dream of being a doctor to focus on and keep her from sinking into despair.
“Willing to sacrifice body parts for great music—making a note of it,” Cayden teased, taking a sip of his drink and pulling her back to the present. A present where she had achieved her greatest goal and now planned to heal the holes in who she was, to get to know that person, and learn to love herself completely and know that she was enough and didn’t need anyone else in her life. “You went to school in Columbus?”
“I had a scholarship to Ohio State for my undergraduate studies. Staying for medical school made sense.” John had been there. After her parents died, without him she would have been completely alone in the world, as he’d pointed out on a regular basis. Looking back, she wondered what her life would have been like if she’d left Ohio. Better in many ways, but she had learned powerful lessons. She hadn’t been a fast learner, but she had eventually caught on. She’d never wear that in-a-serious-relationship cage again. “What about you? Are you originally from Florida?”
Cayden took another drink from his bottle. “I grew up around Gainesville, did residency in Kentucky and a fellowship in Kansas. I missed the ocean enough to know I didn’t want to live anywhere that didn’t offer a sunset over the water.”
Having already fallen in love with being near the sea, Hailey understood. She ran her finger over condensation forming on her glass. The moisture was cool beneath her fingertips and as welcome as the breeze cutting the evening’s heat. “Because sunsets are what you like best about being near the ocean?”
“More that I wanted to remind you that Renee mentioned our watching the sunset.” He grinned in a way that had Hailey gulping. His smile was lethal. Maybe he couldn’t help himself and just naturally flirted with every woman. Not that she’d seen him do so with anyone else, not even the hostess who’d definitely given him the eye. “I’m fine with staying here, listening to the band,” he continued. “Or we could walk across the street and watch the sunset from the beach. There are just enough clouds in the sky that the colors should be spectacular.”
A spectacular sunset over the water with a gorgeous man sounded surreal. Scary, too. But Hailey had moved to Florida to be different, to step outside her comfort zone, and to create the life she wanted. That life should include spectacular sunsets.
“Watching the sun set while sitting on the beach would be great and something I’ve not done since moving here.”
He feigned horror. “What? How is that even possible? That should have been one of the first things anyone who moves here does.”
“It’s not that I haven’t wanted to.” She glanced toward the band who’d started singing a Lynyrd Skynyrd classic. “But I wasn’t sure how safe it would be for me to be on the beach and walk back to my car by myself after dark. I’ve not heard of any safety issues, but I’m new to the area and trying to make good choices, not put myself in compromising situations.”
Unlike the past. She’d made a terrible choice with John and compromised for almost a decade. Had she stayed so long because she’d been grieving her parents, in school, then in residency, and she just hadn’t had the energy to break free? Was that why she’d turned a blind eye and forgiven so many things? Or had the fear of being alone kept her there?
“I doubt you’d have any problems, but it’s always best to be safe.” Cayden finished his drink, placed the bottle on the table, then motioned for their waitress to bring their check. Hailey reached for her purse, pulled out her wallet, but Cayden shook his head. “Tonight is my treat.”
Clutching her wallet, she met his gaze and hoped her face wasn’t as rosy as it felt. “I don’t expect you to pay for my meal.”
His brows scrunched together. “When a man invites you to dinner, you should expect him to pay. My advice is that if he expects you to pay, next time, tell him to hit the road.”
“Duly noted.” She was so used to paying for everything with John that she’d just automatically planned to do the same. John’s thoughts had been that she should just be grateful for the opportunity to support him. If she’d let him, he would have broken her financially the way he had her heart. Fortunately, most of her parents’ estate had been tied up until a few months back. Acid burned her throat, and she took another sip of the virgin drink, letting the cold liquid glide down her throat to ease the heat. The fruity sweetness did little to dissolve her bitterness at her own foolishness that she’d once again let John into her head. Maybe it was natural for him to pop into her mind since tonight was the first time she’d ever had dinner with a man who wasn’t John.
“To be fair, though, Renee instigated our dinner tonight.”
Cayden shook his head. “Renee might have made the initial suggestion, but I asked. Dinner is my treat.”
“In that case, thank you.” She slipped her slim wallet back into her cross-body and assured herself that it was okay that she was letting him pay even though doing so felt awkward. The new her did not pay when she met a man for dinner. Okay, got it. “For the record, what about if I ask someone to dinner? Who should I expect to pay then?”
Not that she’d probably ever be so bold, but this new Florida Hailey was a work in progress. She refused to be boring, walked-all-over Ohio Hailey ever again. Talking with Cayden was insightful and wonderful and reinforced that she’d been right to start fresh in a place of her choosing. The hospitalist position in Venice had been a godsend.
Cayden shrugged. “That one is okay either way. If he insists, its fine for you to let him pay. But he doesn’t lose points if he lets you since you asked.” He paused, then added, “Not the first time. If there’s a second, call me old-fashioned, but he needs to man up.”
It was difficult to think of the charming man sitting across from her as old-fashioned, but there was something about him that made her think he had an old soul. She liked whatever that something was.
“Tonight is enlightening.” And an unexpected bonus to her new Florida life. “You’re easy to talk to and seem quite the expert. Being new to the area, I should come to you for all my dating advice.”
Hilarious. Unless one counted tonight, which she didn’t since it wasn’t one, she hadn’t been on a first date in years. With the way John had shredded her heart, she might never risk letting someone in to mess with the woman she was working to become.
Certainly, she’d fight to protect the new her and would steer clear of anyone who threatened her hard-won peace. There were worse things than being alone.
She didn’t need Cayden’s, or anyone’s, advice to know that.
Life had taught her that painful lesson well.
