Chapter 3

I nearly lost it and laughed out loud.

Two hours? Jayce was really going all out with his peacock display.

"Dr. Wilson, my stomach hurts," I said, clutching my belly and frowning dramatically. My acting was so convincing, I could've won an Oscar.

Jayce's expression changed instantly. He stepped forward, concern written all over his face. "Where does it hurt? Is it intermittent or constant?"

[How could she be in pain? I sewed her up perfectly! Could it be an adhesion? Or maybe an infection? Reyna, don't scare me. If anything happens to you, I swear I'll quit being a doctor for good!] Jayce's voice sounded in my head.

He reached out and pressed gently on my abdomen, his touch so careful it was like he was afraid I'd break if he pressed too hard.

"Is it here?" he asked.

"No, just a bit lower," I said, purposely guiding his hand.

Jayce's fingers stiffened, and his eyes darkened.

[A little lower? Seriously? Reyna, you're totally doing this on purpose! You're playing with fire! Can't you give me a break with all these interns watching?] Jayce's thoughts sounded.

"Dr. Wilson, that feels amazing," I said, tilting my head up and flashing him a mischievous, dazzling smile.

The interns around us were frozen in place, jaws practically hitting the floor.

Jayce's face was so dark, it looked like he'd swallowed ink.

"Reyna, watch your words," he said, his voice tight.

[Good, my ass! My palms are sweating like crazy! This woman's a real temptress, sent here just to torment me. I wish I could kick all these interns out and lock the door,] Jayce's voice sounded.

"Dr. Wilson, I'm really hurting. If you don't believe me, feel my heart. It's beating so fast," I said, grabbing his hand and pressing it against my chest, right over my heart.

At that moment, the air in the ward felt like it had frozen solid. The interns all stared at their shoes, desperate to vanish into thin air.

Jayce's hand was pressed against my chest, and I could feel his fingers trembling just a little.

[Her heart's pounding. Mine's about to explode, too. Reyna, what the hell are you trying to do? Are you trying to make me lose it in front of everyone? Why does the sound of your heartbeat still drive me crazy, just like it did back then?] Jayce thought in my head.

He yanked his hand back like he'd just touched a hot stove.

"Heart rate's elevated. Probably just post-op stress. Keep an eye on her," he said, then turned and walked out, practically storming off.

[I need to get out now! If I stay here any longer, I swear I'm going to kiss her right in front of all these interns! Jayce, you're such a loser!] Jayce's voice rang in my head.

I watched him bolt out of the room, laughing so hard I was practically in tears.

A young nurse leaned in, eyes sparkling with gossip. "Dr. Jules, did you and Dr. Wilson know each other?"

I wiped the tears from my eyes, flashing a mischievous smile. "Yeah, we go way back. He used to be my little pet."

By the third day in the hospital, I was already up and about.

Jayce still showed up on time every day, with that eternally grumpy face of his, but by now, I'd totally figured out his secret language.

One afternoon, I was just scrolling through my phone, bored out of my mind, when the door to my hospital room swung open.

Jayce walked in, lugging a big insulated food container.

"My mom heard you were in the hospital and insisted I bring you some soup," he said, setting the container down on the table with a thud, his tone stiff and awkward.

[My mom doesn't even know you're here! I spent four hours simmering this soup myself! I went through more than a dozen recipes just to perfect the taste! Reyna, you better finish every last drop, or else I'll just make another pot!] Jayce's thoughts exposed him.

I glanced at the insulated container. My heart felt warm and cozy, but I couldn't help poking fun at him, "Your mom is so thoughtful, but Dr. Wilson, with that expression, you'd think you were slipping poison in the soup."

Jayce snorted, "Take it or leave it."

[Drink it, please! I tried it myself, and it actually tastes pretty good. You're way too skinny. You need to get some nourishment. If it tastes good, just say something nice. That's all I want,] Jayce's inner voice sounded concerned.

I lifted the lid, and the rich aroma instantly filled the whole room.

I took a sip, my eyes lighting up. "Wow, this soup is out of this world! Dr. Wilson, please thank your mom for me. Tell her this soup is even better than anything from a five-star hotel."

Jayce's lips just barely curled up in a hint of a smile, but he quickly suppressed it.

"I'll let her know," he said, trying to sound casual.

[Ha! She said it's good! Better than soup from a five-star hotel! Jayce, you absolute genius! Maybe I should just quit being a doctor and become a chef, so I could cook for her all the time,] Jayce mused in my head.

As I sipped my soup, I kept sneaking glances at him. He was sitting on the couch, pretending to read a patient chart, but he was actually holding it upside down.

[She looks so cute sipping her soup, like a little squirrel. I could just watch her all day. Why did we ever break up back then?] Jayce's voice sounded in my head.

[If we hadn't broken up, would we already have kids by now? What would we even call them? Reyson? Jayna?] Jayce mused in my head.

I nearly choked on my soup.

Seriously? How could he already be thinking about baby names?

"Jayce," I said, setting my bowl down and looking at him seriously.

"What?" he asked, glancing up, his eyes back to their usual cool, distant look.