Dane's POV:
God, she looks beautiful.
Hair still damp, cheeks flushed, probably because she rushed here without even checking the time—she never could.
She tells me to take my shirt off for the ECG.
I unbutton slowly.
She looks away, but not before the pink rises on her cheeks.
Good. Physically, I still get to her.
When I slide the shirt off, her eyes betray her—straight to my chest.
"What's this scar?" she asks.
I stiffen before I can stop myself.
Of course she noticed.
Of course she would notice the one thing that blew everything apart years ago.
"It's nothing," I say.
"Nothing? So you just… forgot how you got it?"
Her tone sharpens—classic Rain, always cutting straight through any lie.
I try to shift the spotlight.
"That Dr. Salva. I saw the way he looks at you."
"Don't try to distract me. Explain the scar."
Always one step ahead. God, how I missed this version of her.
"It's nothing," I repeat, firmer this time.
She reads my ECG. Obviously normal. It was supposed to be.
I planned every part of this.
I've been tracking her for two months.
The minute I found out she was here, I made sure to end up in this bed.
She has no idea.
"So you didn't get any taller," I tease. "Do you need a stool in the OR too?"
Rain—five feet, dark hair, soft face, striking eyes, those lips.
And her body… damn. Curvier, confident, devastating.
If I think about it any longer this pathetic hospital gown is going to give me away.
"Stop with the jokes. Your ECG is normal. I'm calling Dr. Salva."
She's angry. She has every right to be.
And I want to tell her everything—everything—but not yet.
Not until I know she's safe.
"Rain, what are you doing tonight?"
She gives me that look like I've lost my mind.
"I'll be working. Or studying."
Great. Getting her alone will be hell.
I reach out and hold her hands—both.
She freezes.
Her skin is softer than I remember.
It twists something sharp in my chest.
"What the fuck? Let me go," she snaps.
"Rain. Just listen. Once. Please."
"Let me go, Danny." Her voice trembles—not with fear, but with everything she's been holding back for years.
The shame hits me like a brick.
But I can't stop now.
"I'm seeing you after so long. For old times' sake—meet me tonight at the café opposite the hospital."
She looks conflicted.
Good. That means part of her still feels something.
"Dr Salva is coming. Say yes or I'm not letting go."
"You—I will kill you—let me go, Danny!"
She called me Danny. I can't even stop the smile.
"Yes or no?"
She shakes, furious.
"Dr. Rain, how's the patient?"
Salva is ten steps away.
"Fine—fine—I'll come. Just let me go."
I release her abruptly. She stumbles, pissed, adorable.
She gives her report to Salva while I shamelessly look at her—especially the curve of her ass under those scrubs.
Salva notices.
He looks at me, then at her.
"Rain, let's get breakfast after my next patient?"
He says it loudly.
For my benefit.
I stare right back.
Hard.
He smirks.
Okay.
Game on.
"Oh—ahh—ouch—Rain… I don't feel so good," I groan.
She's at my side instantly, concern breaking through her anger.
Salva's smirk drops.
"Dr. Salva, I need another test to rule out MI," she says, all professional.
"You can go enjoy your breakfast though."
He has no choice but to leave.
She's still fussing over my vitals when I shift the cart slightly.
She loses balance, falls right into my chest.
I catch her easily.
Her breath stops.
Her heartbeat stutters.
Her body fits against mine like it always used to.
"Careful, Rain," I murmur. "It's only been an hour and you're already falling for me."
She scrunches her nose, furious and flustered—a combination I've always loved.
She smacks my cheek, calls the nurse, orders more tests.
But before she leaves, I say it quietly, firmly:
"7 PM. Coffee shop,Be there, Rain."