From Substitute To Queen novel Chapter 180

Chapter 180

“Had to wade in after him. Ruined my favorite boots.” Chris grinned. “But at least now we have the most unusual water feature in the county.”

“You really do have the most entertaining work stories.”

Occupational hazard of managing people who work with heavy machinery and questionable judgment.”

The ravioli arrived, and it was every bit as delicious as Chris had promised. For a few minutes, we ate in comfortable silence.

Then Chris set down his fork and looked at me directly. “Sable, I want to be honest with you about something.”

My stomach tightened slightly. “Okay.”

“Last night, when I met you, I was immediately attracted to you. And spending time with you today just confirms what I felt then.”

He paused, seeming to choose his words carefully. “I know this might be too direct, but I don’t want to pretend I’m only interested in being friends.”

I appreciated his straightforwardness, even as it made the conversation more complicated. “Chris…”

“Let me finish,” he said gently. “I can tell you’re hesitant about this-about me. And that’s okay. I’m not trying to pressure you into anything.”

He leaned forward slightly. “But I’d like the chance to get to know you better. Whatever that looks like for you right now.”

I took a breath, gathering my thoughts. This was the moment to be honest.

“Chris, thank you for being so upfront. I need to tell you something too.”

His expression grew attentive.

“I recently got out of a very… complicated relationship. It was painful, and I’m still recovering from it.”

Understanding flickered in his eyes. “I see.”

“I don’t want to start something new when I’m not emotionally available. It wouldn’t be fair to you.”

Chris nodded slowly. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course,”

“Do you think there’s any chance you might be ready for something new in the future? Or are you completely closed off to the possibility?”

I considered his question. “I honestly don’t know. I hope so, eventually. But I can’t make any promises about timing.”

“That’s fair,” Chris smiled. “Here’s what I’m thinking-what if we just take this one day at a time? No pressure, no expectations. Just two people enjoying each other’s company.”

“I don’t want to give you false hope.”

“You’re not. I’m going into this with my eyes wide open.” He reached across the table and briefly touched my hand. “I like spending

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Chapter 180

time with you, Sable. If friendship is all that develops, I’ll consider myself lucky to know you.”

His sincerity was touching. “You really mean that?”

“I do. But I won’t lie and say I’m not hoping for more eventually.”

I found myself smiling. I appreciate your honesty.”

“So what do you say? Friends who occasionally have lunch and laugh at my ridiculous work stories?”

“I think I can handle that.”

Chris raised his water glass. “To new friendships and no pressure.”

I clinked my glass against his. “To no pressure.”

As we finished our meal, the conversation turned lighter again.

I was laughing again when my phone buzzed. Emergency alert from the hospital.

I looked at Chris apologetically. “I have to go. There’s been an accident.”

“Of course.” He immediately signaled for the check. “Let me drive you-it’s faster than waiting for a cab in this weather.”

My car was still at the shop for maintenance, so I took a taxi here today.

I glanced outside and realized it had started raining heavily while we were inside. “Are you sure? It’s out of your way.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Come on.”

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Chris’s car was warm and comfortable as we navigated the rain-slicked streets. He drove confidently but carefully, clearly familiar

with the city.

‘Do you always get called in for emergencies?” he asked.

“It comes with the territory, Surgery doesn’t wait for convenient timing.”

“That must be difficult for your personal life.”

“It can be,” I admitted. “But I love what I do. Saving lives… there’s nothing else like it.”

At a red light, Chris glanced over at me. “You really are remarkable, you know that?”

The compliment caught me off guard. “Thank you.”

“I’m serious. Beautiful, brilliant, dedicated to helping people… if I were the jealous type, I’d be worried about all the other guys trying to sweep you off your feet.”

Something about his tone made me look at him more closely. He was smiling, but there was something else in his expression.

“Chris…”

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Chapter 180

“I’m kidding,” he said quickly. “Mostly.”

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We pulled up to the hospital entrance just as I spotted something that made my heart skip. A black sedan was parked across the street-the same make and color as Caelan’s car.

It can’t be, I thought.

But for just a moment, I could have sworn I saw a familiar silhouette in the driver’s seat.

“Sable? You okay?”

I blinked, refocusing on Chris. “Sorry, I thought I saw… never mind. Thank you for the ride.”

“Anytime.” Chris squeezed my hand gently. “Go save some lives. Call me later if you want to talk about how it went.”

I hurried into the hospital, glancing back once at the black car. But by the time I looked, it was pulling away into traffic, and I couldn’t make out the driver.

Just paranoia, I told myself. Caelan’s not here. He’s handling his own business, whatever that is.

But as I changed into scrubs, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone had been watching me.

***

Hours later, I pushed through the double doors of the prep room, pulling off my surgical cap.

“Dr. Crawford?” A nurse appeared at my elbow. “Room 302 is asking for you when you have a moment.”

I nodded and made my way down the familiar corridor.

That’s when I saw him.

My feet stopped moving without my permission. There, sitting in one of the waiting chairs like he belonged there, was Caelan. He wore a simple black shirt and dark jeans-nothing flashy-but somehow he still commanded attention from every person who walked past.

What the hell is he doing here?

My heart hammered against my ribs.

He spotted me before I could decide, Rising from his chair with that fluid grace he’d always possessed, he turned to face me directly.

“You… I struggled to find my voice. “You’re here,”

“I’m here to see a doctor.” His mouth curved into something that wasn’t quite a smile. “Hi, Dr. Sable.”

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