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I stared after Carla and thought about what she said. Seriously, I wanted to be that cool when I was older.

Or ever.

18

Ha-joon

My day was looking up when Ellie dropped off a bunch of matcha baked goods after her coffee with her half sister. She seemed down but also lighter, like she’d heard something difficult but knew she’d made the right decision to go.

“I think you’re amazing, and seeing you accept the past to move forward gives me a strength I never knew possible, my sweet kimchi,” I whispered. I hadn’t wanted to let her go yet but we both had work. Still, I’d chased after her to say one last thing and give her a kiss that I hoped conveyed my support.

“I should be furious with you that you just did that in yourwaiting room, but it’s too sweet,” she grumbled and smacked my chest. “You’re too old to be this blind.”

I winced and glanced around my completely full waiting area… All of whom were watching us like we were the best daytime drama they were catching. I flushed lava hot and covered my face. “I’m sorry. Shit, you get to leave and I have to see them all in an exam room.”

All of them erupted laughing and even Ellie chuckled. “That’s your punishment for making a spectacle.”

“And for being sweet?” I asked, hoping I wasn’t in trouble.

She kissed my cheek and left.

That meant I wasn’t in trouble, right?

The waiting area died again when I asked my office manager that.

“Doc, I think you’re going to get all the fun tonight,” one of my male patients drawled. “That woman had hearts dancing all around her after she’d been sad. Bring home flowers and you’re set.”

“How do you give such good advice and have never been romantic like that with your own mate?” the woman next to him demanded.

Oh well… I got the hell out of there. I mumbled a thank-you and focused back on work.

But I did listen to the man’s advice and brought home a large bouquet to Ellie. She simply chuckled and told me that I wasn’t in trouble. That the flowers were exactly what she needed to brighten her day too.

So double win?

She’d brought home groceries which was odd for her. She normally had them delivered Sunday after she relaxed Saturday night and made the list. Yes, we saw each other on Saturdays, and besides the occasional schedule hiccup, Ellie kept her spa Saturdays.

I was simply included now too. We still normally had sex, but it was softer—making love and no marathons.

Besides the occasional horny times.

And I didn’t just meanmine. My woman was right there with me most of the time which was honestly impressive for a vampire.

Or maybe not? What did I really know most days… Especially about women.

Something was up with the groceries though. I didn’t push or ask what was going on, simply offered my skills. I wasn’t a great cook, but I was a damn good sous chef. Ellie had complimented my prep and knife skills many times. I told herthat I’d always liked the kitchen in my house because my siblings didn’t normally go in there.

And our chefs were nice people. I’d learned a lot, but I wasn’t the type to push people aside or push my family to try my cooking. I’d been too busy always trying to blend and stay out of more trouble.

Well… Until recently when they’d pushed me too far.

When she was done, we sat down and she told me what the different dishes were, clearing her throat as she moved her napkin to her lap. “After I ran, I found a family—farmers who let me stay with them for help. The grandmother taught me how to make these, and her family couldn’t tell when they were from her or me because I’d help when her arthritis flared up.”

“It all smells delicious,” I praised, my stomach having growled several times while she’d been cooking. “Armenian?”

“Yes.”

I took a bite and moaned, gesturing with my fork. “This is fucking fantastic, Ellie. Shit, I’m going to beg you to cook for me instead of us always picking up food.”