Page 56 of Tell Me I'm Not Dreaming

Patrick lifts her head up by the chin. “I would have.”

They stare at each other for bit. Aimee enjoys this moment. She takes in Patrick’s face. His boyish good looks have matured nicely. She wasn’t kidding. He really is even more handsome. Aimee’s pussy quivers as her eyes move to his lips. As much as she wants to fuck Patrick again, this is their second chance, and she doesn’t want to rush things. She calms herself and stays on topic.

“Why did you retire from being a surgeon?” she asks.

“You know about that too, huh?”

“Like I said, I’ve been keeping up with you.”

He gives her a shy grin.

“Oh, my God! You still do that, too.” Aimee giggles.

“Do what?” Patrick asks.

“That sweet smile you give when you’re flattered.”

Patrick chuckles and looks down.

“You also do it when you’re embarrassed,” she teases.

Aimee’s heart flutters as his face flushes.

“I’m sorry, please continue,” Aimee insists.

“To answer your question, I loved saving lives, but I found that the best way to truly help people was to create an opportunity for the next generation of Black heart surgeons. So, I’ve dedicated myself to education.”

St. Augustine, the hospital where Patrick has saved countless lives, is a teaching hospital, and Patrick has pivoted from surgeon to the medical director of the cardiology department. He helped develop a program that will bring more Black medical students to the hospital. He took a drastic pay cut, but with the money he inherited from his father and his grandparents’ passings, and making some smart investments courtesy of Ranson’s influence, he’s more than comfortable.

“That’s admirable.” Aimee takes his hand and plays with his fingers.

“It’s not as impressive as becoming a best-selling indie author, and an educator at one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in LA.” He takes her hand and kisses her knuckles.

“You know damn well what you do is more impressive.” Aimee playfully rolls her eyes.

“Not necessarily. A world without art isn’t much of a world to live in. I give people a little bit more time on this blue spinning ball we live on. You create something that makes living on it worth it.” He gives her hand a lingering kiss while looking her in the eyes.

“Patrick, that’s … thank you.”

“Of course. You know, I’ve read all your books.”

“I was wondering if you had.”

“Yep, and I appreciate being the inspiration for the prince.”

“I’m sure you weren’t too pleased that I had a dragon eat your grandmother,” Aimee says sheepishly.

“Relax, it’s fine.”

They stare at each other again until Aimee raises her glass. “To a new start.”

“To forever,” Patrick counters.

They clink glasses and toast.

After they finish their dinner, they stand in front of the restaurant, waiting for the valet to bring Patrick’s car to the front.

“I had a lovely evening,” Aimee says.