alj4890

[alj4890]

Update for the umpteenth time

I know it's been a while and I've seen the messages and concerns. I can't apologize enough for not responding. I've been going through a lot: health wise (broke a rib, have had some serious test results come back worse than expected and will have more extensive testing the next few weeks), in-law put on hospice, pass away, stress of trying to help pay for everything they need while trying to maintain own household, the stress of moving remaining in-law across the state to be closer to us, more financial burden due to that, unable to travel to be with my husband, boys, and my mom to help with the packing and grief because of broken rib and testing.

Basically everything is snowballing like crazy and I'm struggling. I've been on my own the last couple of weeks, not feeling so good and feeling even more guilty for not being able to help my family. I'm sorry for all the radio silence on my end. I'll be back to myself, hopefully sooner rather than later, and can return here in a better frame of mind.

Take care dear ones

[alj4890]

Hey dear! I know you're not on much - and may have zero interest in writing - but if this valentine's day prompt sparks something for my favorite pairing, I wouldn't object <3 Hope you're doing well! A bubbly bath together

Gah, I'm sorry I'm so late with everything lately. My health's been kicking my butt again, but hey, when isn't it? I desperately want to get back to losing myself in daydreams about my favorite pairings, so even though this is late (like really, really, really late) in coming, here we go, @jerzwriter 🤗.

Masterlist

Pamper Away

Edenbrook...

"Hmmmm." Ethan hummed while scanning an article from an old journal entry.

Chris bit her tongue to stop from snapping. With very little sleep and even less patience, she did her best to keep her irritation from springing forth and attacking the doctor sitting across from her.

The last few weeks she'd been cramming for the upcoming Boards. Between that stress and the typical daily stress of being on the diagnostics team, she was nearly at her breaking point.

The vibration from her lab coat pocket, made her nose wrinkle in disgust. The last thing she wanted to see was another panicked text from Sienna about another possible study session.

Her expression smoothed out into a sad smile when she saw who had sent her a message.

Tobias: Hey, remember me?

She snorted softly while quickly responding.

Chris: Vaguely. We went out once, right?

Tobias: Ha. Ha. Those better not be part of your vows.

Chris grinned at the thought. She was almost tempted to torture him at their wedding in a month by saying that very thing.

She sighed softly in relief that this was the one thing she didn't have to stress about. Tobias was spending a lot of his saved time off in Connecticut with his mom while face timing her mom to finalize all the wedding plans. His time away gave her a chance to focus completely on studying while also grilling Ethan with her questions.

Chris: Don't worry. I'll be sure to say something about love and all the typical wedding mess.

Tobias: Ouch. Am I really the only romantic in our relationship?

Chris: Right now? I'd say you are.

Her brow furrowed as she thought of how exhausted she was.

Chris: I'm so tired. Lack of sleep and too much studying has killed a lot of the romance in me. I love you so much, but grouchy snark is all I have to give today.

She bit down on her bottom lip. His lack of response made her feel even more guilty.

Chris: I promise that I'll make it up to you once you're home.

"Come on." She muttered while waiting on him to respond to her text.

Ethan peeked over his journal at her, cocking a brow in question when she noticed him staring.

"It's nothing." She grumbled, shoving her phone back into her pocket.

Snorting softly, Ethan went back to reading.

Chris glared at him.

Sighing, he set the journal aside.

"Go ahead." He ordered.

Eyes narrowing, she remained stubbornly silent.

Not even trying to mask his frustrated groan, Ethan let his head drop back before focusing on her.

"Why do you make everything so damn hard?" He muttered under his breath.

"Me?" She snapped. "Have you looked in the mirror lately?"

"I'm trying to be considerate." He snapped back. "Be the friend you said you wanted me to be "

Squirming somewhat at that reminder, she shook her head. "This isn't something that I think I should discuss with you."

"It's Tobias, right?" Ethan prodded.

"Yeah." She slumped down in her chair. "I've been spending all my free time studying."

When she fell quiet, he leaned forward.

"And?" He prodded.

"And I feel guilty." She mumbled.

"You know Tobias understands, right?" He returned to his journal. "God knows we forgot there was a world out there as we crammed for the Boards."

"Yeah, but I should be doing more." Her nose wrinkled. "I mean I'm getting married! Now should be nothing but romance."

He rolled his eyes. "Only you would decide to get married before your Boards."

Chris gasped in outrage. Her eyes narrowed while her temper snapped. "Hey! I nearly died a few months ago, you arse! I am not going to waste another second of my life without--"

Ethan held his hands up in surrender.

"Easy there, Chris. I didn't mean it as an insult. It's just not that surprising given how you tackle everything else in life."

"Oh." She slumped back with a bit of chagrin. "Sorry for calling you an arse."

"Better than a lot of the other names you've called me in the past." He grumbled.

Bursting into laughter, she met his humor filled eyes.

Holding out her hand towards him, she thanked him.

Hesitating, Ethan took her hand and gave it a brief squeeze.

"Anytime."

The two went back to reading.

Ethan pulled his phone out after a few minutes of blessed silence then rolled his eyes over the text he'd received.

Chris looked up when he stood and began to gather his things.

"Come on." He ordered. "It's well past time you and I got out of here."

"I guess you're right." She sighed and stretched.

"I'll give you a ride home." He added.

"Thanks." She slung her book bag over her shoulder and followed him out.

************

"Wait a second." Chris noticed where he was driving.

"What?" Ethan asked.

"I meant to go to my old apartment." She explained. "Since Tobias is out of town, I've been spending the night with the gang and studying."

"I think you've studied enough for one day." He turned on Tobias's street. "You need rest."

She chuckled. "Far be it from me to not follow a doctor's orders."

"Could you repeat that?" He teased. "I'd like to record it for posterity's sake."

She playfully swatted his arm when he pulled up in front of the townhome she shared with Tobias.

"Goodnight Dr. Ramsey." She got out, smiling at him. "And thank you."

"For what?" He asked.

"Listening to me, mostly." She gathered her things. "And for the ride home."

"No problem, Chris." His eyes lingered on her face then he cleared his throat. "See you in a few days."

She nodded, shut the car door, then dashed up the front steps of her home.

Unlocking the door, she turned to give another wave to Ethan knowing he wouldn't leave until she was safely inside.

She then dropped her book bag by the coat rack and made her way to the couch to collapse.

"Rough day?" A deep voice asked.

Chris let out a shriek. Scrambling off the couch, she hurled herself at Tobias.

"I didn't think you'd be home until Friday!" She exclaimed between kisses.

"Maybe I missed you." He teased.

"You better have." She grumbled playfully.

"You know I did." He squeezed her close then took her hand to pull her along behind him.

"You must have really missed me." She teased when he led her into their bedroom.

"I did, but that's not what we're here for." He pushed open the ensuite's door.

Chris paused as her eyes adjusted to the dim candle lit room.

"What are you up to?" She asked, snuggling back into his arms.

"Just being my usual, amazing self." Tobias teased. "Now, let's get you out of those clothes."

"Ah, so it is our typical reunion." She began to discard her scrubs.

"Not at all." Tobias gestured to himself. "As you see, I am still fully dressed."

Chris paused in undressing. "Then what's all this?"

"This," he stepped forward and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead while helping her finish removing her clothes, "is me taking care of my fiancee."

He turned her towards the tub filled with steamy water and bubbles.

"I figured you could use some time to relax." His arms slipped around her waist. "You've been under so much pressure lately that I think it's time you had an evening to completely unwind."

"You are really going all out in winning the best fiance of the year award." She turned in his arms, draping hers along his shoulders.

"Please." Tobias scoffed. "We both know I'm going for the best fiance ever title."

Chris shook with her laughter as she pressed a sweet kiss to his lips.

"I think you won." She glanced back at the large tub. "You know, I've really missed you these last couple of weeks."

She slid her hands his chest to begin unbuttoning his shirt.

"I don't want to relax without you." She said when he asked what she was doing.

Tobias eyed her naked body and then the tub.

"You know what will end up happening if I get in there with you." He reminded her.

Biting back a grin, she nodded.

He groaned softly then urged her on into the tub so he could finish undressing.

"I'll try and behave." He explained with a wink while stepping out of his pants.

Laughing at the notion, Chris moaned softly as she sank down into the hot water.

"Okay, sounds like that is going to make my behavior harder to control." He teased, slipping in behind her.

Chris giggled as she reclined back within his arms.

The two sat there simply enjoying a quiet moment together.

"I'm sorry." She said softly after a few minutes of reflection.

"For what?" He nuzzled her neck, tightening his arms around her.

"For not being more romantic." She lifted a bubble coated hand and gestured around the room. "Look what you did, what you thought of, to make me feel special."

"You deserve it and so much more." He muttered, kissing along her jawline.

"Not lately." She grumbled.

He groaned over her attitude towards herself and squeezed a squeal out of her.

"Hey?" He nudged her face towards himself. "No more, Chris."

Her brow furrowed. "No more what?"

"Talk like that." His hand gently caressed her cheek. "You've been studying for one of the most difficult exams given. You work with a very, very demanding Ethan. You are still recovering from nearly dying." He pressed a heated kiss to her lips. "And you're about to marry a man who absolutely adores you even though you aren't as romantic as he is."

She laughed, shaking her head at his words.

"You are being too hard on yourself." He cuddled her closer, hands drifting along her curves. "Relax and think of nothing but us, here, together, and soon to be out of this tub doing all kinds of naughty things to make up for lost time."

Chris shook with her laughter. She couldn't believe she'd found someone who could not only make her weak in the knees but also possessed the ability to make her laugh until tears came to her eyes.

"I love you." She turned around, sloshing the water dangerously close to the edge of the tub. "So very, very much."

She leaned forward, wrapping her arms around his neck to kiss him.

Tobias met her half way, then stood up, pulling her along with him.

"You lasted longer in there than I thought you would." She teased, kissing him deeper than before. "I'm impressed."

He chuckled, lifting her until her legs locked around his waist.

"You think that's impressive?" His lips curved. "I'm just getting started."

[alj4890]

Just a quick update for those asking. Sorry, I've had a lot of sickness. A lot. It's like my body realized it could fall apart once my husband healed from his surgery 🙄Still sick right now. I've seen the requests (so, so sorry I haven't gotten to them), seen the sweet messages, and will eventually be back on here hopefully soon. Take care dear ones and don't stop tagging me. I promise to catch up on your posts when I'm better.

[alj4890]

Hey! I saw this and it inspired me and left me yearning for content! :) If it inspires you, can you create something (fic/edit, etc) for my absolute favorite OTP (You know who! lol)? It could be HC or AU - before they meet or after - just have fun with it! I want crazy parties! :)

Okay, I know I'm late for a prompt like this. It's been a long, long time since I've written anything with all that's been happening with my husband. So naturally, I had to start with one of my fav OTP's to kick off what I hope will be a long and productive writing streak.

So...here we go 😂

Not a part of any AU's of mine, but I wouldn't be opposed to this starting a new one for Tobias and Chris. I'm assuming this is the couple you wanted, @jerzwriter 😉

Masterlist

**************

History Repeats Itself

Mass Kenmore Hospital....

"Woo!" Will slung an arm around Tobias's shoulders. "Now this is a party!"

Tobias downed his fourth glass of heavily spiked holiday punch then nodded in agreement. "That it is."

"The only thing missing," Will slightly slurred, "is someone to heat it up a notch or two."

"Agreed." Tobias clinked his empty glass against Will's. "Tis time for old friends to divide and conquer."

Will clumsily saluted him before shuffling off to look for someone to keep him warm the rest of the night.

Tobias scanned the throng of tipsy doctors and nurses for someone new. He really wasn't interested in revisiting old hunting grounds if he could keep from it. Just when he thought he might have to leave to find more interesting company, he spotted Aurora with a woman he didn't think he knew.

Once his intern walked away, Tobias decided to make his move.

*************

"Hi." Tobias leaned back against the wall.

The red head next to him grinned. "Hello you."

Narrowing his eyes, he tilted his head in wonder at that type of greeting. "Have we met?"

Mischief seemed to dance in the green eyes while she shook her head. "I don't think we officially have."

His eyebrows lifted over that type of evasive statement.

"Are you new here?" He asked.

"This is my first time visiting Mass Kenmore." She replied.

"So you don't work here?" He prodded, feeling more hopeful for some fun without any consequences.

She shook her head, humor still dancing in her eyes.

"I'm Tobias." He held his hand out.

"Nice to meet you." She shook it. "I'm Chris."

"Well Chris," he leaned closer to her. "What brings you here?"

"The party." Her smile grew brighter. "Who doesn't love a good holiday bash?"

"I know I do." He winked at her. "Especially when people like you show up."

Chris laughed, ending with a mock sigh. "That was smooth."

Tobias bowed his head.

"Thank you. Though, I must say that you make the words a lot easier to say."

"Impressive." Chris turned towards him. "Are you always like this or am I just that lucky?"

"Normally, I'd say it's fifty/fifty." He teased, grinning even more at her when she moved closer to his side. "Now I'm thinking it might just be you."

"Me?"

He nodded. "No doubt about it, it's definitely you."

"Hmm." Chris's eyes drifted over him, liking everything she saw. "I always knew I was lucky."

She stepped away from Tobias, snagging his hand in the process.

"Where are we going?" He asked.

The sultry look she shot over her shoulder made a flash of heat go throughout his body.

"To see if you're as lucky as I am."

**************

A year later...Edenbrook...

"You okay?" Sienna nudged Chris when she noticed her becoming unusually quiet.

Grasping her hand, Chris pulled her friend away from the holiday party in full swing and into a supply closet further down the hall.

"Okay." Chris ran her hands through her hair and took a deep breath. "A year ago, I went with Aurora to a Christmas party at Mass Kenmore."

Sienna began to smile. "If I remember it correctly, you didn't come home that night."

Chris closed her eyes at that reminder. "I'd had way too much spiked punch and I might have acted a little more," she searched for the right word, "flirty than usual."

"You slept with someone." Sienna finished for her. "We've all had those one night stands."

"Wait." Chris stopped her reassurance. "My tipsy one night stand was with someone I work with." She searched Sienna's eyes for understanding. "Closely work with."

Sienna's brow furrowed. "Dr. Ramsey was there?"

Chris closed her eyes and shook her head. "No."

Sienna's jaw dropped.

"You and Dr. Carrick!" She screeched.

Chris slapped her hand over her mouth.

"He doesn't remember!" Chris whispered.

Sienna stilled. "What?"

"He was very tipsy too." She explained. "And I left his place before he woke up!"

She dropped her hand and slumped back against the door. "I was confused about Ethan. His hot and cold ways were getting to me and I wanted a night without trying to figure out what was going on. Then Tobias hit on me at the party and I thought...why not enjoy myself?"

Sienna's shock wasn't helping Chris feel any better.

"So he doesn't know..." Sienna mumbled.

"Nope."

"And you won't tell him..." She continued.

"Never!"

"Though you two have been flirting for months now..." Sienna finished.

Chris groaned over that observation.

Sienna sidled over and leaned next to her friend.

"So you two like each other, but he doesn't know you already have a great history?" She teased.

Chris snorted. "That's it in a nutshell."

Sienna giggled before pushing her out of the closet.

Linking arms with Chris, she tugged her back towards the party. "I think it's time for history to repeat itself."

**************

"There's my favorite partner in crime!" Tobias greeted, scooting over to make room for Chris between himself and Ethan.

"Why does that not make me feel any better in teaming you two up on patients?" Ethan grumbled.

Tobias snickered, draping his arm along the back of Chris's chair.

"Please." Tobias winked at the woman between them. "You know you don't regret any of it. Having your two most brilliant doctors together has been nothing but a boon for our diagnostics team.

Ethan rolled his eyes. He couldn't deny it, yet there was no need to overinflate Tobias's ego any more than necessary.

"On that note," he pushed away from the table, "I'm going to get another drink."

He eyed the two remaining seated. "Can I get you anything?"

Chris shook her head while Tobias said he was good.

Once Ethan left, she took a deep breath and prepared to admit to something.

"Hi." Tobias instead said, shifting his chair closer.

"Hello you." Chris almost squeaked, feeling an uncomfortable deja vu.

Tobias's brow furrowed at her tone. "You okay?"

She nodded. "Never better."

"Good." He took her hand. "How about a dance?"

Her eyes widened. "Umm..."

"I'll take that as a yes." He teased, tugging her out of her seat.

A slow song drifted over the crowd as couples took to the makeshift dance floor.

Chris briefly closed her eyes. She hadn't been this close to him in a year and he didn't even know they'd been even closer to begin with!

She began to recall all that had happened after that one night stand: Tobias rushing to save her during the attack without mentioning anything about their past, seeing him around Edenbrook with no recognition, then his working closer with her and absolutely nothing.

Feeling a bit miffed now that she thought about it, she began to think she shouldn't waste her time on someone who found her so unforgettable.

Easing back, she made the mistake of looking up at him.

His lips curved softly as his hand dropped low on her back, pressing her even closer.

"Enjoying yourself?" She asked.

"Very." He murmured. "You?"

"I suppose." She glanced away then cut her eyes towards him. "Who doesn't love a good holiday bash?"

"I know I do." He grinned. "Especially when people like you show up."

Chris gasped in outrage before shoving him away from her.

"UGH!" She flung her hands up in disgust before storming away from him.

Ignoring the startled looks coming from the other doctors and staff, Tobias chased after her.

"Chris!" He called out, picking up speed to catch up with her. "Hold up!"

"Why?" She snapped. "So you can use the same old pickup lines on me again?!"

"No thanks." She huffed, slamming her hand against a side exit door. "I don't need to hear anymore. I don't want to be that lucky again."

She slipped outside and made her way towards the parking lot.

Tobias paused, a slow grin breaking over his face.

"I knew it!" He exclaimed before chasing after her.

Sliding across the ice, he caught up with her, neatly pinning her between him and a random car.

"Tobias, what the--"

His lips captured hers in a heated kiss.

Chris tried to ignore all the feelings creeping up with each brush of his tongue against hers.

Unable to deny herself, she rose up and wrapped her arms around his neck, molding her body to his.

His moan made her toes curl as she fanned the flames between them.

He broke away to smile at her.

"You have no idea how long I've wondered if I just really wanted you to be the one I had that great sex with or if I actually had somehow gotten that lucky?"

Chris burst out laughing. "And here I thought you found me unforgettable."

"I think about that night all the time." He kissed her again. "But since you never hinted that we'd hooked up, I didn't want to ruin a chance with you by asking if we had."

Chris pulled away from him. "Tell me something." Her eyes searched his. "Are you drunk?"

He stepped away from her, kicked some snow away from a parking line and walked it perfectly.

Chris struggled to keep a stern expression upon her face. "Now tell me this."

Tobias cocked an eyebrow in question.

"How lucky do you think you are?" She asked, biting her lip to keep her smile at bay.

Sauntering back over to her, Tobias propped his arm above her head and leaned close.

"That all depends." His eyes darted over her face. "You see, I hope I'm lucky enough for tonight and all the nights that follow."

"Hmm." Chris slightly frowned in thought. "That would make you an extremely lucky man."

"The luckiest." He murmured, brushing his lips against hers. "I'm hoping you can make that happen."

"I suppose I could be talked into it." Chris teased, looping her arms around his neck.

"I have been known to be very persuasive." He said between kisses.

"I guess you'll have to prove it." She eased out of his arms, leaving her hand in his.

"Where are we going?" He asked, grinning at history not only repeating itself but somehow becoming even better than before.

"Somewhere to see if you are the luckiest man in the world." She replied with a wink.

Tobias had no doubt whatsoever that he was.

[alj4890]

Something New

(Maxwell Beaumont x MC) in a Choices The Royal Romance Drabble

January 2025 prompts: New Relationships

Masterlist

A/N I know it's been a really long time since I last posted. My husband's cancer and surgeries have taken center stage these last few months and now that he's been deemed cancer free, I felt inspired to write something. Plus, yesterday was our wedding anniversary, so writing something a little bit sweet and romantic was a must, LOL. Taking this from Book 2 at the homecoming ball.

Also for @twinkleallnight I know it's been a while for any Royal Romance fics from me. Hope you enjoy this one.

*****************

The Cordonian Palace grounds...

Something new was on the horizon. Riley could feel it thrumming along with her nerves that were on edge. She was simply waiting on that one last little something to show her what course to take.

Glancing to her left, she saw the handsome man walking beside her. She took in his lean muscular form dressed in his typical black dress shirt and charcoal gray pants and jacket. Eschewing a tie, he left the first few buttons unbuttoned to give a more fun, relaxed appearance.

Her eyes lifted to his profile. For once his easy going smile was not on display. An unusually somber expression graced his face. Those ocean colored eyes of his were focused ahead of the cobblestoned path they were walking.

Unsure of what to do next, Riley cleared her throat to break the silence.

"So?" She tentatively asked. "Where are we going?"

Maxwell shrugged. "Dunno. Never really have a set path whenever I take a walk around the palace. Just go wherever the whim takes me."

Riley snorted on a laugh.

Maxwell's dimpled grin popped up at that unladylike sound.

"I think going wherever the whim takes you describes you and me pretty well."

He tilted his head while considering that and nodded, smiling even more. "I guess it does."

"I know it does." She declared, beginning to tick off the evidence on her fingers. "One: I go out with you, Liam, and Drake after being your waitress."

"And Tariq," he reminded her.

Her nose wrinkled. "Yeah, but he wasn't as much fun as you three so he doesn't count."

"Understood." Maxwell replied.

Riley then continued. "Two: I agree without any thought to your proposal to come to Cordonia to be the Beaumont's suitor for Liam." She stopped him once they reached a fountain in the side courtyard. "For the record, I only agreed to it because I wanted to get to know you better."

Maxwell's eyes widened. "You did what?"

Riley huffed, tossing back the few strawberry blonde tresses that had escaped her clip out of her face.

"You were the only reason I began this wild journey." She admitted.

Color rose up her neck, engulfing her face in what she not so fondly deemed her, "tomatoe paste complexion".

She knew the time had come to admit everything to Maxwell if this was truly the beginning of them being together.

After refusing Liam's proposal, she'd only had a brief chance to talk about her feelings to Maxwell before they succumbed to temptation and basically just made out on the hotel's rooftop. Not that she was complaining, but she had intended to go into more depth about her feelings for him.

The last thing she wanted to do was to make him think he had not been her first choice from the very beginning.

"It was always you, Max." She told him. "I only agreed to be Liam's suitor to help you and Bertrand. Plus, I knew it'd give me a chance to see if what I felt for you was just a crush or maybe something more."

Clutching the folds of her white skirt, she kept her eyes upon his face watching as shock gave into rueful joy.

Rubbing the back of his neck, his lips parted, then he sighed.

"I uh, I invited you because I felt the same way." He admitted.

"What?!" Riley practically screeched.

Laughing, he shrugged. "I couldn't help but fall for you." He gestured towards her. "You're fun, sweet, and sexy as hell. What's not to love?"

"Oh my gosh." She placed her hands upon her hips. "Are you telling me that we are both this dumb to let all these months go by without ever saying a word?"

"Pretty much." Maxwell snorted. "God, we're idiots."

"The biggest in the world." She mumbled. "Now what do we do?"

"Whatever we want." He grasped her hand and tugged her closer to the fountain.

"I could live with that." She decided. "As long as you hopefully want what I want."

"What do you want, Riley?"

Straightening her posture, she took both his hands in hers. "I want you, Maxwell Percival Beaumont. I want you to continue to be my best friend. I want you to take that huge step and become my love. I want everything that comes with that new relationship while sprinkling in all we have with our old one. I want to be with you and only you for as long as you want me to."

She was fairly certain her face would remain beet red for the rest of her life. She couldn't remember ever saying this much feelings wise to any other guy she'd been in a relationship with. Granted, none of the others had come remotely close to being a Maxwell Beaumont type.

Silence fell between them making her want to squirm and find some hidden nook to crawl into until her embarrassment killed her.

Maxwell tried to speak. He had a huge speech ready to give her, telling her all that he'd kept carefully hidden all these months just in case she only saw him as a friend. Granted all the signs had been there that she liked him more than that. Always hanging out with him, dancing mostly with him, sneaking into his tent, etc., rose to his mind that his feelings definitely hadn't been one sided.

But now, he couldn't get the words out that he was madly, head over heels, probably always had been, from the moment they met, in love with Ms. Riley Brooks of New York.

He picked her up and swung her around in his arms. Her startled squeal turned into laughter as the world went by in a blur.

Once her toes touched the ground, his lips ensnared hers in a passionate kiss.

He held her close as he savored the taste and sensations only she could give with those lips of hers.

When the kiss ended, he stared into her spring green eyes and grinned.

"I want all that too Riley." A hint of bashfulness appeared in his vulnerable gaze. "I always have. I just hope I don't screw this up."

She cupped his cheek, feeling the weight of the world slide off her shoulders in the very words she had so desperately longed to hear.

"Listen to me." She said softly. "There is no way, in any possible universe where there is another Riley and Maxwell, that you could ever mess up what we have."

She gave him a playful shake. "We're the dynamic duo who win every single time!"

He swopped down and kissed her once more.

"Got it?" She asked a touch breathlessly.

"Got it."

Maxwell cuddled her close and simply held her as they looked at the fountain.

"This is our beginning." He said with nothing but absolute joy.

"Yes," she teased, "and it's about time."

[alj4890]

Rules: without naming them, post a gif from ten of your favorite films and then tag ten people to do the same.

Here are my guilty pleasures. Very hard to choose favorites. As you can tell, I love the classics and a lot of dark humor films. I can't tell you how many I left out, mostly because I couldn't find gifs I liked, LOL. I am such a movie freak. Thanks for the tag @jerzwriter

Tagging whoever wants to share their favs ♥️

[alj4890]

Rules: without naming them, post a gif from ten of your favorite tv series and then tag ten people to do the same

tagged by @jerzwriter so, here's mine. Better late than never, LOL. Each month I rewatch at least three of these before moving on to the next set.

Tagging whoever wants to show their favorites ♥️

[alj4890]

Hey! For Tobias/Chris:

"ah, you've made the mistake in thinking that just because this is a couples/family costume that you get any kind of say in it. you don't, actually." From this list

AHHH! I tried so hard to get this done before the clock struck midnight on Halloween night. Sadly, it not only struck midnight, but also one a.m. and then two 🤦🏻‍♀️ We'll blame sickness, more doctor appointments scheduled on Halloween, and the fact I erased what I originally had and decided to go this route, LOL. I love this for them. Ideas immediately hit especially with Karen Gillian as Chris's FC. I think Halloween is a perfect time for Tobias and a few others to bring up the fact she looks eerily like her. This follows my original head cannon for these two and takes place time wise at the end of Chris's recovery after the attack in Book 2. It also takes care of something I realized I'd never written for them 😉 This one's for you @jerzwriter and not just because you requested it, but because you love and encourage this pairing.

Masterlist

Treat for Two

October 31st, Edenbrook, Chris's locker...

"Oh no." Chris sputtered. "No. No. No."

Instead of seeing her sweater and jeans neatly folded where she left them at the start of her shift, she instead saw a large white box graced with not only a bow but with an envelope with a very familiar handwriting.

"He wouldn't." She mumbled.

Bracing herself, she skipped the envelope and peeped into the box.

She slammed it shut. Eyes narrowing, she whipped out her phone and called the man who was responsible for this.

"Did you try it on yet?" Tobias said in lieu of greeting.

"I did not." Chris snapped. "I know I allowed you to order the costumes, but I thought you were going with my idea for us to go as something more romantic."

She peeped inside once more and rolled her eyes at what he'd chosen for her.

"Ah, you've made the mistake in thinking that just because this is a couple's costume that you get any kind of say in it." Tobias replied. "You don't, actually."

Chris struggled not to laugh. She knew Tobias claimed Halloween as his holiday. With being able to dole out both tricks and treats, she honestly could see that the day was made for him.

But this...

She was so going to be relentlessly teased the moment people saw her in it.

"Try it on." He insisted.

"I will at home." She decided.

"Oh no." She could practically hear his evil smirk appear as he spoke. "I'm waiting outside in the parking lot to take you directly to Dean's law office. The party starts in exactly thirty minutes."

Chris groaned while looking at the box.

"If I'm wearing this, then which character are you?" She demanded.

"The one able to sweep Karen Gillian off her feet." He replied.

"Your crush on her is getting out of hand." She grumbled. "I look nothing like her."

"Riiiight." Tobias drawled. "Only every person we meet does a double take in thinking you're her. With your Scottish accent on top of that, I'm surprised you don't get asked for autographs all the time."

"Is that why you asked me out?" Chris attempted to kill as much time as possible in the hopes that no one would be around when she finally stepped out in the costume he'd chosen for her. "Because I'm a red head from Scotland like Karen is?"

"I mean," he teased, "it didn't make me want you any less that you're a Scottish redhead who is a dead ringer for Karen Gillian."

Tobias couldn't help snickering when he heard her huff something about him being ridiculous and he was sure there was a hint of one of her unique insults added to it under her breath.

"Come on." He cajoled. "If you wear this tonight, I promise to give you a treat that no one could have seen coming."

"What do you mean?" Her curiosity rose some at that cryptic offer.

"Trust me. You're going to want to see what I have for you." He promised. "And hopefully you'll want to wear it."

"Oh Lord, Tobias. Is it another Karen Gillian costume thing?" She groaned while pulling out the current one he had for her. "I'm not dressing up as two of her characters, no matter how sexy you think she is."

"It's not another character." He chuckled. "Though, now that I think about it, you would look great as--"

"No!" Chris snapped. "This is the only one I will wear. One and done, doctor."

"Weird, I had the same thoughts about your treat. Great minds do think alike."

Chris held up the outfit and her eyes widened over the amount of skin she'd end up showing.

"You know? It's cold outside. Perhaps I could wear a coat. Since it's at home, I could just get dressed there--"

"Tick tock." Tobias reminded her.

Sighing, she told him she'd be right out.

"Stupid men and their stupid fantasies." She mumbled while pulling the leather halter top on. "Why can't he daydream like I do about the celebrities that are sexy?"

She softly groaned when the very short shorts went even higher than she expected. After donning the belt, fingerless gloves, and wrist bands; she settled on the bench to lace up the boots.

Her eyes fell on the envelope she'd yet to open.

Snatching it up, she pulled out a Halloween card in the shape of a coffin. Opening it, her lips couldn't help but curve over the two skeletons embracing. Inside Tobias had written, Forever my love, until the very end.

Well now she really had to walk out like Karen's Jumanji character.

"The man knows how to get his way a little too well." She said to her reflection while fluffing out her hair.

Making a pouty face, she shook her head.

"I don't see it." She added. "I look nothing like her!"

Giving herself one last doubtful look, she stepped out of the locker room.

Peeping around corners, Chris did her best to hurry down the halls unseen.

She received a few curious looks from a couple of nurses yet managed to avoid giving them a chance to register what she was supposed to be. Their looks, she argued to herself, probably were from the fact that she was dressed for summer when they'd had a major dip in temperatures recently.

Thinking she might be home free, she realized she'd left her purse in the diagnostics office.

"Mother--" she huffed and darted into an empty elevator.

"Please, please, please." She pleaded to the heavens that no one join her in the confined space where she would be forced to explain who she was supposed to be.

Sighing in relief when she made it to the eighth floor without company, she nearly sprinted down the hall to what was supposed to be an empty office.

Skidding to a halt halfway inside, her eyes widened to see the two people she'd hoped above all to avoid.

Ethan and Bryce looked up from their discussion over a shared patient. Their greeting died while jaws dropped at the sight of her.

Chris was ready to die. She'd thought the poison during the attack would have done the job, but no. This, this right here, was what was going to kill her.

Folding her arms across her bare midriff, she lifted her eyes to the ceiling and waited on them to say something.

"Holy--"Ethan breathed.

"Jumanji!" Bryce exclaimed at the same time.

"Ju-what now?" Ethan asked.

"Jumanji!" Bryce waved over towards Chris. "She's Ruby Roundhouse from that movie!"

"Ah." Ethan attempted to stop staring at her.

Bryce didn't and even walked around her to take in every inch.

"I knew you looked like Karen Gillian," Bryce told her, "but I had no idea just how much until now."

Chris's cheeks flushed the longer they both studied her.

"This isn't my idea." She blurted out. "Tobias is taking me to a party and picked out my costume."

"Karen Gillian..." Ethan rubbed his hand over his chin while lost in thought. "Was she on that show with the time traveler and the police box?"

Chris closed her eyes. She'd heard it all throughout college and med school that she looked like Dr. Who's Amy Pond.

"Yep." Bryce tilted his head while a grin grew. "Maybe we should start calling you Dr. Pond."

"No." She griped. "You shouldn't."

Huffing in disbelief, she snatched up her purse.

"I'm surprised Tobias didn't have you dress as that character." Ethan said, making her pause on her way out.

"Why?" She asked.

"Because he was always watching that show and making me say whether or not that actress was attractive." Ethan rolled his eyes. "It was obvious she was, but we didn't have to watch that ridiculous show every week just to see her."

"I guess now that he has you," Bryce teased, winking at her, "his Dr. Who days are over."

Chris was saved from having to think of a clever retort by Tobias calling to see what was keeping her."

"Goodnight." She called out over her shoulder to the two doctors still checking her out in her costume.

"Happy Halloween!" Bryce yelled back. "I know it'll be a good one for Tobias."

Blushing even more, Chris did her best to walk as if she wasn't hoping the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

*************

Death would be too good for him.

Chris saw red when she realized that Tobias wasn't dressed in any shape or form like someone from Jumanji.

"Wow." His eyes drifted appreciatively over her body. "You look amazing!"

He stepped around his car to open the door for her.

"What," she hissed, "are you supposed to be?"

He straightened his bowtie, smiling even more at her. "Don't you like my tux?"

Normally, she'd have said yes. There would have been a moment of her moving into his arms to kiss him and going into great detail just how sexy she found him when he dressed up. But with her freezing parts of her body off in a costume that in no way, shape, or form remotely matched what he had on, he was lucky she wasn't screaming at him.

He slipped his arms around her bare waist and tugged her close for a kiss.

She turned her head at the last minute, causing his lips to graze her cheek instead.

Undeterred, he merely grinned and kissed slowly down her neck.

"Tobias." She bit back moan.

"Hi." He managed to capture her lips in a tender kiss.

Unable to stop from smiling at him, she shook her head. "Seriously, what are you supposed to be?"

"Can't you tell?" He stepped back and did a quick spin.

"No."

He took her back into his arms. "I'm dressed as the man who wants to win you."

Chris burst out laughing while giving him a playful push. "Yeah, right."

His grin grew at how lovely he found her when she laughed. Opening the door for her, he told her they better hurry if they were to make it in time.

"What about that treat you promised me?" She asked once buckled.

He started the car and winked at her.

"You'll get it as soon as we escape for a breather at the party."

**************

Chris found that it wasn't nearly as annoying as it once was to be told by multiple people that she could be Karen Gillian's twin when she had Tobias whispering that she was so much prettier than the actress.

He kept his arm draped around her waist as they circulated and found Dean and a recently arrived Will.

"Damn, Chris." Will said. "You can take me on a jungle adventure anytime."

"I already used that line on her." Dean smacked the back of his head. "Get your own material to flirt with her."

The four laughed while pointing out other costumes the party goers were wearing.

"If you'll excuse me," Dean told them, "I see a Wonder Woman who looks like she could use some company."

After he walked off, Will grinned at them.

"And if you'll excuse me, I see a friend who deserves to have his chances with Wonder Woman ruined for that head slap he gave me."

He left the couple laughing as he hurried off in the same direction Dean had taken through the crowd.

"So?" Chris prodded once they were alone. "Where's my treat?"

She gestured down her body. "As you see, I'm in the costume you picked out."

"I guess I could give it to you now." He cocked his head toward the elevators. "Follow me."

"Where are we going?" Chris sank against him when the doors shut, pressing kisses along his jawline. "I'm hoping you say somewhere private."

He met her lips with a passionate kiss. "It's not private, but we can go back to my place after that to be alone if you want to."

Keeping her close, he walked her out to his car.

****************

A few minutes later...

"This is where we first met!" Chris exclaimed in delight.

The diner was nearly empty with only a couple of customers sitting at the counter.

Tobias grinned as she hurried over to an empty booth and picked up a menu.

He sat down across from her and slipped his hand into hers.

A waitress came by and took their drink over.

Once they had their drinks, Chris peeped at him from over her menu.

"I brought you here for something other than food." He began.

"Oh?" Chris set the menu down with a flirty smile. "So this isn't my treat?"

He shook his head. Taking a deep breath, he reached into his breast pocket. "I thought the diner should be the setting for this."

Her eyes widened when he pulled a little black box out and set it down before her.

"After all, we began here." He added. "Seems appropriate to be here to begin what I hope will be the next phase of us."

Chris bit down on her lip while slowly opening the box. Sitting against the black velvet was the type of ring she'd been hoping for ever since they fell in love.

"I love you, Chris." Tobias said softly. "I've known for a while that you were the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with."

He grinned when she slipped the diamond ring over her finger. Ignoring the pear cut diamond vintage Cartier ring glistening under the lights, she focused on the man giving her the words her heart knew were true and had been for a long time.

"I take that as a yes to what I'm about to ask." He teased, gesturing to his ring already gracing the spot it was meant for.

"It is." She took his hands in hers, squeezing them. "As if there was any doubt."

"There was a little doubt." He admitted with a shrug. "But I was prepared to spend the rest of my life convincing you that I would do everything in my power to be the husband you'd want."

Smiling, she scooted out of her side of the booth and moved over into his. Draping her arms around his neck, she kissed him in between saying how much she loved him.

"This is a really good treat." She teased. "Makes me almost want to dress as Karen Gillian more often just to see how appreciative you can be."

He groaned on a laugh. "Honestly, this is more my treat than yours."

"I disagree." She smiled into another kiss from him. "After all, I got engaged to the man I love."

"Yes, but on my favorite night of the year, I got my dream girl to not only dress as my favorite actress," he lifted his eyes to hers, "but to also agree to be mine until death do us part."

Holding her close, he rested his forehead against hers.

"You are my treat, Chris. And I will spend the next fifty years or so making sure you are thoroughly thanked for it."

[alj4890]

Complicated

(Tobias Carrick x F!MC) in a Choices Open Heart one shot as requested by @kyra75 with the Flufftober prompt "Do you trust me?"

A/N thanks so much for the request. I came up with two other scenarios for these two with this prompt, one was even a period piece LOL, and I deleted them and went with this one. One day, I'll do that regency era Open Heart idea I've been working on, but not today! 😂. I need more prompts because I'm stuck on all the other wips in my folder. So if you see anything else that screams my pairings, send them my way. This one shot takes place during book 3 and isn't a part of any of my AU's for this pair.

Masterlist

**************

Tobias sat down on the bench and stared without seeing at the lockers in front of him. Half changed out of his scrubs, he thought over his first day at Edenbrook.

Rubbing a hand over his face he recalled the look of shock gracing the diagnostics team's faces when Leland announced he was their new member.

Ethan's anger he'd expected. Harper's guarded expression was a given.

But Chris...

His lips curved somewhat as he remembered her shock giving way to what could only be described as utter delight. The automatic, yet warm welcome coming from her had surprised him most of all.

She'd even pulled out the chair next to hers for him to sit and discuss possible cases.

His thoughts of how the rest of his day went were interrupted by a laugh he'd come to know quite well during the team's lunch.

"I'll see you tomorrow!" Chris said over her shoulder as she walked into the room. Not bothering to look around, she began to undress on her way to her locker.

Her movements froze when she heard someone clear their throat.

Whirling around with her top halfway up her head, hiding her hair, she squinted into the dim light to see who else was in here at this late hour.

"Hey." Tobias said, not bothering to hide his smile.

"Hello." She smiled back. "What are you doing here? I thought you left ages ago."

"I decided to explore some and get a better handle on where everything is." He stood up and began to get dressed.

Chris leaned against his set of lockers, quietly watching him with arms folded. She'd forgotten about her shirt now draped over her hair.

He glanced over at her when he dropped his pants. "Something on your mind?"

Biting her lip and keeping her eyes up, she nodded.

He quirked an eyebrow in question while pulling on a pair of jeans.

"How was your first day?" She asked.

He snorted.

Chris knew it couldn't have been easy. She'd seen how the others reacted to his presence. Given how she felt about him, what she owed him, she hoped that he wouldn't let them chase him off.

"Let's go with, it was surprising, and leave it at that." He told her.

"Oh." She winced over that being his diplomatic answer.

Tobias noticed and sat down. Patting the spot next to him, he sighed.

"Come on, Valentine. Go ahead and tell me what I did to make that smile of yours disappear."

Biting her lip, she sat next to him. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"That's the first time I've ever been told that." He teased.

He nudged her with his elbow and felt an unexpected warmth fill him at seeing her smile pop up again.

"I'm serious." She playfully pushed him. "Your first day should have been great."

"I didn't say it was a bad day." He argued. "Surprising isn't always bad."

"I think it was what you left unsaid that really said it all."

"Do you have to be so perceptive?" He teased. "You could have laughed or simply nodded, finished undressing, and allowed me to escape back home."

Chris rolled her eyes and caught a glimpse of her shirt hanging off her head. Groaning at her own state of dress, she hurried over to her locker to finish changing.

Tobias chuckled while following her.

"Talk to me." She ordered. "It'll make you feel better."

"It might." He conceded.

When he remained silent, she lifted her eyebrow in an imitation of his own silent prodding.

Unable to wipe the smile off his face, he shook his head. "Not here."

Chris looked about at the empty locker room. "We're alone if that's what you're worried about."

"I'm not worried about that." He slipped his hands in his pockets while a thought came to mind. "How about we discuss this over dinner?"

Chris paused for a half of a second.

"Okay."

He blinked. He didn't expect her to agree. He knew she'd been all for him taking the team to lunch to smooth things over, but she hadn't expressed any interest in being alone with him. Honestly, he thought that Ethan would have warned her to give him a wide path.

"Okay." He picked up her jacket and helped her put it on. "Anywhere in particular you'd like to go?"

"The Haven." Chris decided. "We need some comfort food."

"I don't know if Scottish fare is what I'd call comfort food." Tobias teased.

She began to laugh. "Fine, I need comfort food." She finished dressing. "You could use a pint."

"You know?" Tobias followed her out of the locker room. "I think that is what I need."

*************

The Haven, outdoor seating...

After a couple of drinks and their entrees arrived, Chris asked once again how his day went.

Tobias took a long sip of the pint Chris ordered for him then finally began to open up.

"I knew when Leland offered me the position that there would be some," he paused while searching for the right word.

"Reluctance?" Chris offered.

"That's a nice way to put it." He replied. "I knew with my history with both Ethan and Harper that I would not be their first choice." He snorted while taking another sip. "I doubt I'd even be on their list of possible candidates."

"You probably would be on the list." A hint of mischief appeared in Chris's eyes. "I would have made sure you were just to give Ethan a mild heart attack."

"Thanks so much." Tobias grumbled playfully. "Good to know I'm not being used to actually kill anyone."

He picked at the food on his plate while Chris dug into her Shepherd's Pie.

"I'm sure you know about my history with Ethan." With her nod, he continued. "And given how I tried to get Harper to come over to Mass Kenmore, I get why she isn't thrilled to have me working with your group either."

"You did use her niece." Chris reminded him.

"In a way." He defended. "I also asked Aurora because I saw how quick she was to diagnose a problem." He shrugged. "Anyone would want to hire her."

"Are you saying you hired her for her talent or to get Harper?"

"Can't it be both?" He asked. "I saw it as a no brainer. A win/win for everyone. I'd have two talented doctors to work with and they'd have a chance to shine."

"I see." She mumbled, returning her attention back to her plate. "Well, at least you get to work with them now."

"True." Tobias fell silent once more.

He took a bite of the salmon Chris insisted was some of the best in Boston and found himself agreeing with her assessment.

They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes before Tobias began to move some in quiet agitation. He wasn't certain what it was he wanted to say to Chris or exactly how he felt, yet he knew he needed to talk more if he was to have any real peace about coming to work at Edenbrook.

Sensing that he had more to say, she looked up at him and waited.

"Do you trust me?" He blurted out.

He winced over his own outburst. He hadn't realized how badly he needed at least one person he worked with to actually trust him until the words tumbled from his mouth. How could he begin to discuss various treatments if everyone questioned his every single word and action?

"Yes." A smile formed the longer Chris considered her feelings. "I do trust you."

"You do?" He couldn't hide his disbelief. "You trust me like you do Harper and Ethan?"

She choked on her food. Reaching for her pint, she gulped down a few swallows and shook her head no.

Tobias slumped in his chair. He knew she didn't really trust him. Why should she? After all he'd shown her--

"I actually trust you more than them." Chris added without much thought to how that would be construed.

"What?" His eyes widened.

She sighed, leaned back in her chair, and did her best to avoid having to explain her mixed feelings about those two particular doctors.

"You and I," she began, "we don't have a complicated history."

She smiled softly at him.

"You saved my life and that's one of the reasons why I trust any of your input with our patients. I've seen your intelligence and drive. Who wouldn't want that as part of their team?"

"Hold on," Tobias interrupted her compliments towards himself. "Go back to the complicated history."

She rolled her eyes. "I have a rocky past with Ethan and Harper."

"Both?" He prodded.

"You're really going to make me give you the whole story?"

He grinned, totally unrepentant, and nodded.

"You told me I needed to talk to you to feel better." He reminded her. "Sounds like you could use a dose of your own medicine, Dr. Valentine."

Chris grumbled about her lot in life being surrounded by know it all doctors before she launched into her own past at Edenbrook.

Tobias's eyes widened when she described her complicated romance with Ethan that ended badly. Of all that he'd suspected, he'd never have guessed how that relationship or lack there of had crashed and burned. Her history with Harper didn't surprise him as much given what he knew about the famous stickler for the rules of a surgeon and the glimpses he'd gotten of Chris when they were competing.

"And Harper still suspects me of breaking the rules." Chris finished. "Every time there is even a hint of someone doing something out of bounds of protocol, she immediately thinks I had something to do with it."

"And this is why you have difficulty trusting them?"

"It isn't necessarily that." She considered her feelings once again. "More that I know what I can and cannot trust each of them with.'

She met his steady gaze. "I think you might be that rare person I can trust with anything I need to share."

"I think you might be that for me too." He said softly.

The seriousness of the moment caused them both to avert their eyes.

"So..." Tobias said in an attempt to break the awkward silence. "No complications means we're good?"

"You and I are as right as rain." Chris began to work on the sticky toffee pudding that was placed between them.

They ate a few more bites of dessert before Tobias began to tease her.

"So what would I have to do to make it complicated?"

"Are you willing to ruin our budding friendship?" She narrowed her eyes.

He sat there, a hint of a smile forming as he contemplated the young woman sitting across from him. He'd always liked her and after today, especially after seeing her genuine concern and openness, it made him want something he hadn't expected.

"No." He responded. "Just curious."

"Act like either Ethan or Harper and then we will have a complicated relationship."

"I don't think I have it in me to act like Harper." Tobias continued, ignoring her warning glare.

He finished off his last bite and regarded Chris over his pint glass.

Her cheeks flared with spots of color under his half lidded perusal.

"Are you saying you'd act like Ethan did?" She demanded.

"God no." He shuddered over that type of self-destruction. "But..."

When he didn't continue, Chris threw her napkin down upon the table in a huff.

"But what?"

"I might like to make things a little complicated between us." He admitted.

"How?" She asked, uncertain if she really wanted to know.

He merely grinned while reaching for his wallet.

"Tobias?" Chris reached for her purse. "How would you--"

"My treat." He handed his credit card to their waiter before she had a chance to get her wallet out.

She blinked. "You don't have to pay. I should since I insisted you talk to me and picked the place to eat at. Plus you already bought me lunch."

"Maybe I enjoy being generous." He stood and offered his hand to her after signing the receipt.

She took it without thinking, allowing him to tug her out to the parking lot.

"Wait." She stopped right at the car door. "What did you mean about making things a little complicated?"

He stepped closer, squeezed her hand that had remained in his during the short walk, and focused on her lips. "I might like to start having dinner with you more often."

Her eyes widened.

"Then we might start seeing some movies. Maybe dancing. We might even do something every once a while where we need to dress up."

"That sounds like..." She trailed off.

"Sounds like?" He prodded, gently tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

Her smile, a touch more delighted than when he'd appeared at the diagnostics office, formed.

"It sounds like things are going to become very complicated between us."

[alj4890]

Hello! Question for you: In your HC, does Chris have any long-term effects from the chemical attack or its treatment?

I meant to answer this a long time ago 😬 We'll ignore how much I forget to check my inbox.

Yes. She has both psychological and physical effects from the chemical attack. Psychologically, she suffers with PTSD, especially where it concerns aerosol cans. Anytime she hears one being administered, if she's unaware someone is about to spray something like Lysol, it triggers a massive panic attack. It gets a little better as the years go by, but she still breaks into a cold sweat and struggles to breathe when caught off guard.

Since it was an inhalent, I've head cannoned that she now has asthma. Her lungs are slightly scarred and she is more prone to respiratory infections than she was before the attack. She easily comes down with a case of pneumonia each year, despite getting vaccinated. She also suffers with muscle weakness and tiredness that she continues to work on.

As for the treatment, I think that Ethan and Tobias would have conducted numerous tests on Chris to try and combat any possible side effects once they saw she was out of danger. They'd have pulled Baz in on solving whatever new ailment the cure caused before it became too serious. If anything, I think it would be like most powerful drugs with the usual headache, nausea, body aches, etc. that eased with time.

[alj4890]

Hi! 👋 Just a friendly little note to remind you how awesome you are. You’re capable, strong, and doing better than you realize. Don't be too hard on yourself. Take a deep breath and keep going—you’ve got this! I hope this week is kind to you! 💛 (PS—drink some water)

Thank you @lovealexhunt 🤗 Hope your week is great.

[alj4890]

💌send this to the twelve nicest people you know or who seem to have a good heart and if you get five back you must be pretty awesome.💌

Right back at ya @peonierose

[alj4890]

Searching

(Tobias Carrick x F!MC) in a Choices Open Heart One Shot

Rewriting Book 1's Chapter Four: Dolores

A/N Honestly, this chapter bothered me on so many levels. As someone who has gone through two high risk pregnancies and been to the emergency room more times than I'd like to think about, my obgyn (or one from the group) was the one to always treat me as soon as the E.R. doctors found out I was pregnant. So to have an intern and Ethan treat Dolores and allow HER, the patient, to make life threatening decisions on postponing the surgery just *hits head on wall repeatedly*. So, even if I hate to continue this line of treatment to a fictional pregnant woman (and since this is a rewrite I'm definitely changing the canon ending for my own sake!), here's how I would think this chapter would have gone with what we see from Tobias in Book 3. He was never one to hesitate in making decisions, which was shown in the chapter with the man having seizures. For the Ethan stans (which I love him too!) I never understood PB's reasoning to let him, this brilliant doctor, allow Dolores to talk him into postponing emergency treatment. I don't think with what we know of him that he would have waited either.

Masterlist

****************

It'd been hard to tell an old friend that she and her child were in danger. After Chris ran the tests, he saw immediately what the next necessary steps were. Tobias sent for the oncall obgyn to get their opinion. They next prepared Dr. Tanaka's surgical team for what needed to be done. Both NICU and the obstetrician were scrubbing up to assist in surgery.

"Tobias, no!" Dolores cried out as she was wheeled from the E.R. to surgery. "Please, give me more time."

"We don't have time." He squeezed her hand as he walked beside the gurney. "It isn't safe for you or the baby to wait another second."

Tears streamed down her cheeks. "What will happen to my baby?"

"He'll have the best care in NICU." He promised her. "And you'll be able to watch over him while he's there."

She sniffled as more tears fell. As much as she trusted him, hearing the news that her baby would be born so early scared her more than anything. Thoughts of if she did something wrong flooded through her mind. Those thoughts gave way to the plans she'd made to give her son the best of everything in life and that included the right beginning.

She still didn't have his nursery ready. Her sister was coming into town the following week to help her pick out a crib. She'd bought nothing, save for a little frog. Once she saw the soft blanketed stuffed animal, she knew it was perfect for her own little tadpole.

"I wish I had his little frog. He needs his first toy. I planned on giving it to him when he was born." She mumbled.

Dolores felt ridiculous. Here she was thinking of a stupid toy when her world was turned upside down. In that panic filled moment, she would give anything to not have lost it in the fire.

Tobias let go of her hand once they took her into surgery. He stood there outside the automatic doors with a heart heavy with worry. He knew the chances of their survival were slightly better for her than if the fire had never happened. He couldn't imagine her alone in her apartment when a seizure struck.

"Dr. Carrick?"

He turned towards Chris. He'd completely forgotten about basically taking her patient away and not giving her a chance to treat Dolores.

"Sorry about taking the decision from you, Valentine." He apologized. "But--"

"No, you did the right thing." Chris interrupted.

"It was the only decision that could be made." He added, hoping she really understood. "As much as Dolores fought against it, this was the only way to give them both a chance at survival."

"I know." She mumbled, arms folding across her torso as if chilled. "And I know how difficult it has to be to tell someone something like that, especially if you're close to them. Honestly, it's hard to stand there and tell a patient I don't know that it doesn't look good."

He nodded, his lips firming in a grim line. He knew it was difficult for some doctors to state the truth. He was one of the lucky ones who could separate his feelings in that moment and tell someone their illness was terminal or that their chances were not as great as one would hope.

No one doubted he cared as he treated his patients. People soon realized that the reason he could so easily tell someone they were dying was because he was the kind who would want a doctor to tell him the absolute, non-sugarcoated, truth if he had a terminal condition. He knew the only way a person could cope was if they had all the facts.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he slumped against the wall.

"I think this is worse than giving a patient bad news." He told her. "Waiting to see what happens with a necessary treatment makes the job, at least for me, harder."

Chris leaned beside him. She quietly studied his dejected demeanor and felt a longing to comfort him. It wasn't the usual feelings when she saw a friend or patient sad. Something about Tobias made her want to be the only one he would turn to in times like this.

Nudging him with her elbow, she tried to keep his spirits up.

"You did everything you could to give this a chance to work." She reminded him. "There's a great team in there fighting for both Dolores and her baby because of you and your quick diagnosis."

Tobias snorted softly. Her fervent words were spoken with such conviction that it made him wonder just what she felt for him. Was it simple admiration or possibly something more heartfelt?

"Careful, Rookie. That sounds dangerously close to hero worship."

Her laughter was a stark contrast to the eerily quiet hallway. It brought a smile to his face as he listened to the joyful sound. Something about the way Chris laughed made him want to join in. It didn't matter if he was able to cause it or if he happened to overhear it. He simply wanted to be near her and enjoy the infectious feelings that came over him whenever he knew she was happy.

With a smile lingering, she quipped back, "I admire you a great deal, Dr. Carrick, but hero worship might be pushing it."

"I'll get there one day." He teased.

Still smiling she shook her head. After a few moments of companionable silence, a yawn slipped out.

"What time does your shift end?" Tobias asked.

"About two hours ago." She replied.

"Go home." He ordered. "Me and everyone else here will need you well rested for whatever we have to face tomorrow."

"I want to stay and see how Dolores is." She argued. "I know you took over her case, but I--"

He reached out and gently squeezed her hand, cutting off her argument.

"You still need some sleep, Chris." He tugged her closer, making her heart skip about, then turned her towards an oncall room. "I'll wake you when we know something."

She hesitated. The last thing she wanted was to leave him alone to face whatever was to happen. She knew there was a chance, one too horrible to contemplate, that Dolores and her baby might not survive. The thought alone broke her heart. She couldn't let him deal with the outcome without someone there to comfort him.

She knew if it was reversed, she'd want him by her side.

"I don't think I could fall asleep." Chris checked the time. "Why don't we get out of here?"

His eyebrow lifted while a flirty smile popped up. "Me and you?"

"Easy there." She teased. "As fun as that would be, I thought we could go look for Dolores's frog."

He glanced once again at the surgical doors. She could see both his wanting to leave and his need to stick around until the end warring within him.

"I think it would make this a little easier on her if we could find it. If we can't, maybe there's a store nearby where we can find a replacement." Chris added.

Tobias studied her for a few seconds in silence. He'd suspected she had a tender heart from the first time he'd seen her with a patient. He was pleased, especially in this particular situation, to see that he was right.

"Let me get my car keys." He jogged off towards the locker room.

***************

"So?" Chris began once they left. "How long have you known Dolores?"

"Ten years." Tobias replied. "She was my first patient fresh out of medical school."

"Have you kept in touch?"

"We have, though not as much as we did when we first met." He grinned over the memories. "She and her sister had me and my old roommate over for dinner a lot that first year. Then we'd meet up occasionally. Now we mostly exchange Christmas cards and talk through texts."

"Did you two date?"

Chris couldn't believe her own nerve for asking that.

"No." He replied, chuckling at the notion. "Dolores and her sister have certain tastes in significant others and I didn't line up with what they were looking for."

"Why not?" Chris persisted.

Tobias cut his eyes at her. "Is that disbelief I hear in your voice that someone didn't find me attractive?"

She began to laugh while shrugging her shoulders. "I mean, partly. Mostly I'm curious as to why you didn't line up with their own desires."

"I don't exactly have a reputation for long term relationships." He admitted.

"So I've heard." Chris teased. "In fact, second dates seem to be a rarity in tales of your exploits."

He pulled over near Dolores's office, threw the gear shift into park, and turned towards the woman next to him.

"Does that bother you? Those tales you've heard?"

Chris met his curious gaze and slowly shook her head.

"Not at all."

A flirty smile flashed his way, making his own pop up.

"In fact," she opened her door, "your history reminds me a little of my own."

Tobias unbuckled and hurried after her.

"So you're a heartbreaker?" He asked.

"There might be a few men who would call me that." She glanced at him over her shoulder. "Nowhere near enough to give your reputation a run for its money."

He chuckled as they began to search around the recently burned building.

"Maybe I should be scared." He teased. "I never would have thought you were a love them and leave them kind of person."

"You shouldn't be scared." Chris abruptly stopped to make him bump into her.

The moment his hands landed on her waist to steady them both, she swiftly turned around to face him and draped her arms over his shoulders.

His breath caught when she moved closer to him, head tilting as if she was getting ready for a kiss.

"The ones I left never complained about the loving part." She whispered close to his mouth. "Just imagine how much better it is when I stick around."

Stepping away before he could make a move, she motioned him towards a storm drain.

"Looks like this is where most of the water is going. Maybe the toy got swept down there."

Tobias shook himself out of his shock of having her that close. Once her words registered, he found himself ready to put her to the test. They'd been dancing around the issue for weeks now. With how he felt and how often she flirted with him, he knew without a doubt they were going to happen.

She just had to go and remind him of why they were out here.

One day, he thought, I'll have that perfect moment alone with her and we'll finally begin.

Knowing that standing near a half burnt building wasn't the atmosphere he would want for that to happen, he flattened himself on the pavement.

"It's too dark to see anything down there." He grumbled.

Chris handed him her phone to use as a flashlight.

"I see it." He pushed up off the ground once he realized he couldn't easily get through the opening. "I think I might get stuck if I reach for it."

Chris eyed how his damp shirt molded over his muscles. Her hands ached to see just how they'd feel beneath her palms. She'd caught him a time or two changing in the locker room. It'd taken all of her self control not to ogle him.

He caught her staring. A flash of heat went through him over the way she was checking him out. He couldn't stop his smug smirk from forming.

"I need your mind in that gutter, Valentine."

Chris snorted on her laugh as she forced her eyes off of him to analyze the best way to rescue the toy.

"You think you could use all those muscles I see to not only hold me but also keep me from tumbling down that hole?"

"I can do a lot more than hold you." He winked at her.

"I intend on giving you a chance to prove that one day." She quipped back.

Without complaint, she got down on the wet pavement and scooted towards the drain. Tobias held onto one of her arms while she reached for the toy.

"I can't quite reach it." Chris looked up at him. "Hold my waist so I can scoot further in."

Tobias wrapped his arms around her, smirking when he felt her momentarily stiffen against his body pressed against her lower half.

"You okay?" He couldn't resist asking.

His voice, deeper than usual, made her want to sink against him and see what would happen next.

"More than okay." She looked back at him over her shoulder. "Don't let go."

"I always knew you'd say that to me."

Chris laughed as she reached for the toy.

"If you get stuck down there, Chris," Tobias joked, "I'm leaving you the moment a clown pops up."

"I'm pulling you in with me once I see he has a balloon." She giggled when he playfully pretended he was going to let her go.

She reached a little further and finally managed to snag the edge of the frog's blanket with the tips of her fingers.

"I've got it!"

Tobias pulled her out.

Chris grimaced over the dirty street water coating the front of her scrubs.

"Don't worry." Tobias reached up to wipe a muddy smudge off her cheek. "You're still cute."

"As long as you think so." She smiled over his hand lingering against her damp skin.

"I do." He grinned. "Now let's see what all the fuss was about."

The two examined the dirty little frog.

"Think he's salvageable?" Chris asked.

"We'll see once he's cleaned up." Tobias responded. "If not, I know where the spare key is to the gift shop. I'm sure there's some kind of frog thing in there."

As they walked back to his car, she nudged him with her elbow.

"We make a pretty good team."

Tobias opened the passenger door for her.

"You're just now realizing this?" He teased.

She paused in getting in, folding her arms along the top of the door so she could lean closer to him.

"I suspected we would." Her eyes drifted over his handsome face when he leaned even closer. "Now I'm certain of it."

"Good." He nodded towards her seat. "Let's get you, me, and this pitiful frog cleaned up."

***************

A few hours later, the pair wheeled an exhausted Dolores towards NICU. She was hugging the sterilized frog close to her chest while fighting back tears.

"One of the doctors told me that the first night is the most crucial." She mumbled. "I don't know what I'll do if he..."

Her words were cut off by a gut wrenching sob.

Chris reached down to hug the frightened woman.

"He's a fighter." She whispered. "And having you there will make him fight all the more."

Dolores squeezed her tight while trying to calm down. "Okay. I can do this."

Tobias pushed her wheelchair into the nursery.

"Oh!" Dolores exclaimed when she saw her baby for the first time.

With tears falling she reached out and gently touched her son's hand, laughing some when he gripped her finger.

"My little tadpole." She said while stroking his cheek with her other hand. "I'm so happy to finally meet you."

Tobias placed his hand on her shoulder. "We'll give you two a chance to talk."

Dolores nodded, never taking her eyes off her baby.

Chris wiped at her own tears once they stepped outside.

"Sorry." She sniffed while searching for a tissue. "I know I should be more stoic."

Without saying a word, Tobias draped his arm around her.

She turned towards him to press her face against his shoulder while her body shook with muffled sobs.

He gently rubbed her back.

"It's okay to feel things as a doctor, Chris." He reminded her.

"Not according to one of my professors." She blubbered. "I just know how much harder this could be if we'd lost one or even both of them."

"Yes, it could have ended badly." He hugged her close. "Tonight though, we got a win. We won't always, but for tonight we'll rest in knowing we beat the odds once more."

[alj4890]

Look at you, bringing the angst in. Love it!!!

Makes me almost regret making things a little too easy for Tobias and Chris 😂

I CAN'T wait to see how you do the other chapters after that misunderstanding! Gah, I so felt for Casey. I've doubted myself so much in the past when flirting that I always stepped away before whoever I flirted with could.

And Bryce! He's a doll and I adore him, but we all know who I'm rooting for here 😉

And just in case you're wondering, you're the one to inspire ALL the Tobias content I create 🤗 Thank you for that dear one.

I'm ready for the next part!

Second Thoughts If it were cannon... AU

A million years ago, someone asked me if I'd write a series that mimicked canon but with Tobias Carrick as head of the Edenbrook Diagnostic Team. While I don't have the bandwidth to take on a series at this point, as I'm doing my Open Heart re-read, I will rewrite select scenes that I think could be interesting.

Part one was the first night at Donahue's when there was a serious connection building between Dr. Tobias Carick and new intern, Dr. Casey MacTavish. But now, they've had a chance to sleep on it, do things look different in the morning light? Lack of sleep, misunderstandings, and a dash of fear lead Casey to make a choice. Will it be one she comes to regret?

Book: Open Heart Book 1 / Chapter 3 Pairing: Tobias Carrick x F!MC (Casey) Featuring: Bryce Lahela, Jackie Varma, Landry Olsen Rating: Teen Words: 2,200 Series: If it were canon... AU Summary: See above

A/N: A quick thank you to @angelasscribbles for helping me come up with a new nickname lol I was at a loss. And thank you to @alj4890 - because of you I'm inspired to continue with this!

The second day of her internship was not going as planned. Casey hardly managed to get any sleep in the miniature closet she called her room. At least the stairs above her came in handy today. She accidentally set her alarm for 5:00 PM instead of 5:00 AM, and if not for someone stomping down those steps, she would have overslept and likely decided to return to Philadelphia in shame. Now, with barely 30 minutes before her shift began, she threw on a ratty old Henly that paired perfectly with the wrinkled pair of jeans at the foot of her bed. Hair and make-up? Not today. A messy bun and brushed teeth would have to suffice. Somehow, she managed to arrive at Edenbrook with ten minutes to spare; when she saw a group of surgical interns playing basketball outside. Bryce Lahela was amongst them, and suddenly she wished she had spruced up just a little bit more.

“Up top! I’m open!” A shirtless Bryce barely got those words out before he flew by her, catching a pass and dribbling confidently toward the hoop. He dunked the ball, then screamed out in celebration. “Ha! Who’s the king now?”

“King?” Casey laughed, “You nearly killed me getting to that ball! I think the king should at least get a traffic infraction."

“Damn! I didn't realize. I would  have gladly given up two points for a chance to collide with you.”

Casey laughed as the other interns whooped and hollered when she saw the ball suddenly flying in her direction and caught it with both hands.

“Well, come on then, MacTavish!" Bryce goaded. "You gonna play, or you gonna send that back over?”

With a determined smirk, Casey slowly dribbled the ball, taunting him. “Come see if you can get it from me." Bryce sauntered toward her with what she’d come to know as his signature grin firmly in place.

“You’re making me look good,” he whispered upon approach. “I really am the king.”

“King of the surgical interns,” she laughed. “I guess that’s something, but....” without another word, she dribbled the ball around him, rushing toward the hoop with Bryce at her heels.

“Gonna make it tough on me, huh?” he laughed, wrapping his arm around her waist and spinning her around, but not before she shot the ball right into the hoop.

“That’s gotta be a foul, Ref,” she hollered, giggling in Bryes’s arms.

“It’s not a foul if you’re on my team,” Bryce defended. “And you are definitely on my team.”

Casey caught her breath as he put her on his feet, crossing her arms defiantly. “Says who?”

 “Says me!” He replied with a playful shrug. “But seriously, you want to join in?”

“Nah, my shift starts in five, and I’d really like to make myself look decent before it starts.”  

“You’re already looking good, MacTavish. Don’t go too crazy; I don’t want competition for hottest intern.”

“Ha!” she laughed, reaching up and flirtatiously pinching his cheeks. “I’ve already got that in the bag, Lahela!”

"Quite possibly," she beamed. "Hey, lunch later?"

"Sounds like a plan."

He smiled as he watched her run to the hospital entrance, pushing her way through a group of staff who had stopped to watch the game and assess the new talent.

“Excuse me. Pardon me,” she pushed through.

“You looked really good out there,” a pretty nurse winked.

“Thanks,” Casey smiled. Completely unaware that her handsome attending was quietly sipping his coffee nearby.

“She was impressive, wasn’t she, Dr. Carrick?” The nurse asked.

“Yep," he nodded. "She sure was.”

After a quick change, sprucing up her hair, and even applying a dab of lip gloss, Casey was the last of the interns to enter the atrium, but still on time. She was eager to meet her senior resident, and when Dr. Ines Delarosa called her name, Casey gently pumped her fist. “Yes!”

“Why are you so excited?” Jackie asked.

“I met her yesterday, she’s amazing! Bubblegum and rainbows incarnate!”

“Gross!” Jackie grimaced. “I’d rather take my chance with the grumpy ass I've got. I’ll catch you on the other side!”

Ines clapped her hands with joy to gather her charges. “All right, young ones! You’ve got your assignments! Go forth and shine bright!”

And Ines greeted her interns with the same enthusiasm when they returned a few hours later. “I hope you’re all excited! We’re about to begin rounds!”

“Woo-hoo!” Casey yelled as Ines gave a thumbs up with approval.

“That’s the attitude I want to see! You’ll be even more excited when I tell you we have a very special guest! Dr. Tobias Carrick will be joining us for rounds today!”

Casey turned to see Tobias leaning against a wall, looking up from his clipboard at the mention of his name. He curtly nodded at the interns, and Casey’s mouth went dry. Why did he have to be so beautiful? One glance made her knees go weak, and when his ice-blue eyes locked with hers, she could feel her cheeks begin to flush. She had been fueled by liquid courage when she approached him at Donahue's last night. What kind of intern flirts mercilessly with her attending on her very first day? But with his eyes still on her, she felt the heat rising. Yeah, she thought, that’s why I did. But when he turned away without acknowledging her, she began to question her judgment again.

“Let’s do this,” Dr. Carrick said gruffly.

“We’re doing rounds with Dr. Carrick? This is amazing! Also, I’m going to puke!” Landry whispered softly but loud enough to hear.

Tobias stopped short and looked over his shoulder, catching Landry chatting with Casey. “Less chatting and more moving!” He scowled. “Or do you think you’ve learned enough to keep your patients alive with just one day on the job?”

Casey’s brow furrowed. He didn’t seem at all like the man she met yesterday: the one who patiently guided her through an emergency procedure before her shift even began, one whose jovial attitude kept the interns energized throughout the day, or with whom she flirted shamelessly last night, perhaps that last one was the problem. Still, she shook her head and whispered to Landry.

“He was so cool yesterday. Why is he acting like such a jerk today?”

Dr. Carrick screeched to a halt again, causing several interns to trip over themselves to avoid toppling on top of him.

“Something to say, Dr. MacTavish?”

Her wide-eyed peers whispered amongst themselves. How did he already know her name? Dr. Carrick didn’t expect an answer, but Casey was giving him one all the same.  

“Yes, actually. I was wondering why you were so irritable today. I liked the Dr. Carrick I met yesterday much better.”

Tobias crossed his arms, biting his cheek to stifle a laugh, and Ines looked nervously between them. “Ha-ha!” She laughed. “Dr. MacTavish is so funny... haha! That will help make you a good doctor, but why don’t we get on with our rounds.”

“Wait,” Tobias held up a hand. “Dr. MacTavish, what role do you think attendings will play in your residency? Do you they – myself in particular -  are here to amuse and appease you?”

“Nope," she replied, not backing down. "Not at all.”

“Good. Because all of us will be putting in long hours, sometimes you won’t sleep for days on end. You’ll be dealing with life-or-death issues, and sometimes, the losses will nearly destroy you. No one is going to be rainbows and sunshine all the time. So I suggest you learn to deal with irritable colleagues and patients alike. It’s as much a part of this job as anything else.” He looked directly at Casey, and even as he was admonishing her, his gaze still made her melt. “Is that clear?”

“Crystal,” she grinned as Tobias forced himself to look away. Casey was completely unaware, she had the exact same effect on him. b

“Good. So why don’t we start rounds with your patient then?”

Landry wanted to question Casey as they walked away. He wasn’t sure if she was his hero, if she was out of her mind, or a combination of both, but he didn’t dare speak after that exchange.  

Casey and Landry went on to present. Or better said, Casey did. Landry was so starstruck by Dr. Carrick’s presence that he couldn’t bring himself to utter a word. Casey eyed him nervously, but when it was clear he was stalled, she jumped in to bail the duo out. Calmly and succinctly explaining that their patient had been in an accident and had internal bleeding as a result. She offered their prognosis and defended their treatment plan, even reassuring the patient when he expressed concerns about the length of his stay. Tobias was impressed with her, and halfway through her presentation, he couldn’t help but wonder why he was being so grumpy after all. It wasn’t like him at all.

“... so we have to get you healthy, Mike,” Casey said sweetly. “There are people counting on you.”

“Excellent, Dr. MacTavish,” Tobias approved, looking pointedly at Landry.

They proceeded to watch Elijah, Sienna, Jackie, Aurora, and other interns present.

“Congratulations!” Ines chirped. “You survived your first morning rounds! That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“Depends on who you ask,” Landry droned.

“Landry,” Casey frowned. “Don’t worry, you’ll get a chance to...,” but Tobias began speaking and drowned her out.

“All right, doctors! Your patients are all alive... let’s make sure they’re still that way when I see you tomorrow. You’re dismissed.”

Casey turned and walked away with the other interns, but she didn’t get far when Tobias called her back.

“Not you, Newbie. You have one more patient to see.”

“I... I do?” she stammered.

“And do I?” Landry asked.

“Did I say you?” Tobias glared.

“Nope,” Landry gulped, turning to Casey. “I guess I’ll see you later.”

Casey walked toward Tobias; while some interns gossiped, not even attempting to hide.

“What’s with them? One asked “Nothing! She just made a good a good impression on him.” “Yeah,” Another sneered. “A good impression on him at the bar last night!” “Well, I guess that’s one way to get ahead.”

Tobias didn’t hear, but Casey did, and she couldn’t conceal a frown as she walked his way. Seeing her distressed, he hoped his attitude had nothing to do with it. He greeted her with a warm smile.

“Hey there, Newb. Why so glum? You doing OK?”  

“I’m good,” she sighed. “Very sleepy, but good. Hey, I want to apologize; I’m sorry if I was a jerk back there...”

“Nah,” he replied, and she realized his graveled voice had the same effect on her as his damn eyes. This would not be easy. “I was the one being the jerk. That’s why I wanted to talk to you...”

“Wait,” she crossed her arms with narrowed eyes. “Are you telling me there’s no patient? You just wanted to talk to me?”

“Two things can be true at once, grasshopper,” he smiled. “That’s good to remember in medicine. But I am sorry for being grouchy. It’s not like me; I guess we all have bad days.”

“And we're all entitled to them every so often,” she winked. “Just don’t let it happen again.”

She wasn’t your standard intern, and he couldn’t help but laugh when he caught a nurse looking at them intently. She scattered away when he met her stare, refusing to shift his gaze. Casey followed his eyes and understood at once. She lowered her eyes as he returned his attention to her, his voice taking on a more serious tone. “Listen, about our talk last night..”

Casey felt herself becoming sick, and she didn't think skipping breakfast was the culprit. Her cheeks turned red, and her breath quickened. What would all the gossips say about the two of them standing this close? She was a kid from the wrong side of the tracks in Philly, worked her ass off to get here despite all those who said it was just a dream. She wasn’t going to have anyone saying her success was a result of flirting with her attending. But, God, she wanted to pursue him. She hadn't felt a connection like this in so long, and he had said they could find a workaround. Then she felt her blood go cold. Listen, about our talk last night...

Oh, God! She thought. I made a total ass out of myself, didn’t I? I’m an intern, for God’s sake. He’s Dr. Tobias Carrick; he likely has his choice of any person in this hospital. Any person in Boston! What the hell was I thinking? Convinced he was about to tell her he wasn’t interested. Her blatant flirtation was about to make her look like nothing short of a desperate fool, and Casey never wanted to be a desperate fool.

“It’s alright!” she interrupted, though right now, nothing felt alright. “We both had a few drinks, and it was late... it’s not surprising that we both said some things we didn’t mean.”

“Oh,” Tobias said, clearly taken aback. “I didn’t realize that...”

“Hey, Casey,” Bryce smiled, walking past with his team. “See you at lunch!”

“Oh,” Tobias repeated, images of the two of them kissing and their flirtatious game on the hospital court rushing to his mind. He recovered quickly this time. “It’s fine. I’m glad we’re on the same page then; this way, we don’t have to be awkward. We’re cool?”

“We’re cool,” she faked a smile, not understanding why his apparent dismissal brought the sting of bitter tears to the back of her eyes.

“Good! So, I do have a patient for you,” he said, nodding in the direction they were about to walk. “Her name is Kyra Santana, and her doctor thought a golf outing was more important than being here today. But, his loss is your and Ms. Santana’s gain...”

Casey took notes as he spoke. She never needed notes; she remembered almost everything, but she'd find any excuse to avoid looking into those eyes.

 “Hey, Dr. Carrick,” a beautiful nurse winked. Casey looked up momentarily but rushed her eyes back to the pad in her hand.

Thank God she quickly covered, she thought, her cheeks flushing with a mix of relief and embarrassment. He was Tobias Carrick. As if he’d have any real interest in her. It was bad enough that she had it this bad for her attending—the last thing she needed was for him to find out. That would be no way to start this phase of her life.

Tobias stood before the door, and, damn it, he smiled again. "You ready, Dr. MacTavish?"

"I like to think I am," she smiled as she walked through the door.

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

Tagging others separately.

[alj4890]

Say It

(Ethan Ramsey x F!MC) in a Choices Open Heart One Shot

As requested by @hopelessromantic1352 with the quote: "Say it!"

A/N Alright my sweet friend. Here's your last request for Ethan and Chris. Once again, I'm going back to Book 1 for you so Tobias can't interfere LOL.

Masterlist

"Chris?" Ethan stood there shocked at seeing her at his door. "What are you doing here?"

"Can I come in?" She asked a touch hesitantly.

Without a word, he stepped back and allowed her inside.

He followed her into his kitchen, curious as to why she would bother to come see him of all people. After all, he was the one to disappear on her. After everything that happened between them and with his failure to cure Naveen, he'd hoped to never have to face her again.

How could he possibly stand to see the disappointment he'd caused in those expressive eyes of hers?

"Can I get you something to drink?" He offered, reaching past her for the half empty bottle of scotch he'd been nursing the night before.

"Yes." She snatched it out of his hand then searched his cabinets for a glass.

Ethan's eyebrows lifted. He didn't think he'd ever seen her nervous before. Yet with the way she was acting, he'd swear it was himself putting her on edge.

She poured a good three fingers of scotch in a Baccarat glass tumbler. Without looking his way, she lifted it to her lips and downed half of it.

"Easy there." He said with a great deal of surprise. "You're starting to drink like I do."

She reached for the bottle again after finishing the last dregs in her glass. Glancing at him, she poured another large amount.

"Hold on." He took the glass from her. "What's going on?"

"You honestly don't know?" She asked.

"What?" He drank a few gulps then handed it back to her. "About your upcoming hearing?"

Her nose wrinkled as she leaned against his counter to sip what remained. "Yes."

He sighed, running his hands down his face. "I heard about it when it happened."

Chris's head shot up.

"You knew?" She bit out. "You knew and didn't bother to call and check on me? You arsehole."

Ethan cursed. "What in the hell could I have possibly said to you?"

"Anything!" Chris snapped. "You could have said I'm sorry you're going through this! Or how about asking me if I needed anything? Hell, I'd have preferred a kiss my arse than silence!"

Ethan glared at her. Snatching the glass out of her hands he finished off her drink then refilled it.

"Welcome to a lifetime of disappointment, Chris." He mocked in a toast to her. "Because I'm not the man who can give you what you need."

Chris took the glass and bottle away from him. Before he had a chance to argue, she dumped the remains in his sink then whirled towards him.

"What is wrong with you?" She yelled at him. "My life is crumbling and you stand there as if you don't care!"

She gripped his collar and gave him a violent shake. "Are you the heartless bastard everyone claims?"

"You think I don't care?" He growled, tearing her hands off of him.

Stepping towards her, he pinned her between himself and the counter.

"You certainly act like you don't." She replied defiantly.

"Damnit Chris!" Ethan yelled back. "I begged Harper to let me testify in your hearing. I argued with her for over an hour when she refused."

She shoved him away from her. "I don't believe you."

Ethan released a string of expletives over her stubbornness and that quick temper she possessed.

"She knew I shouldn't testify. As soon as I got up there, everyone would see why I was fighting so hard for you, which is why I can't."

Chris's chest rose and fell with each furious breath. Her cheeks were flushed as her eyes darted over him.

"Everyone would see what?" She demanded.

"You know damn well what they would see." He snapped.

"No. I don't." She hissed, stepping forward once again. "Be a man and say it!"

When he remained silent, she gripped his shirt once more. Before she could stop herself, the words she'd held back for so long came rushing out.

"Say it, Ethan! Say you don't want me! Say that I mean nothing to you!" She ordered, voice cracking with emotion. "Say that you don't think about Miami every single night like I do!"

Her eyes drifted down his body.

"Say that you want me to walk away. Forget everything between us. Find someone new."

She lifted her eyes back to his.

"Say you want me to touch and kiss someone else the way I only touched and kissed you."

She gave him a hard shake.

"Say it so I can move on!"

He grabbed her, mouth slamming down on hers, and backed her against the counter once again.

Her hands slid up his chest, arms winding around his neck as he lifted her up onto the granite surface. She pulled him closer, locking her legs around him as the anger fueled kiss went on.

"I'll never say it." He swore against her lips.

His once cold blue eyes burned with desire. Hope, one that she'd never let die, began to flicker a little more strongly with his harshly spoken words.

"And you know why I won't."

"Then tell me you want me." She pleaded, needing him to finally admit it.

He softly groaned as he kissed her once more. She moved restlessly against him. The intensity of his next kiss made her yearn for what was always out of reach when it concerned him.

"God, I want you, Chris." He said a touch breathlessly. "I've always wanted you."

She cupped his heavily stubbled cheek and brushed the corner of his unforgiving lips with her thumb. A sad smile formed the longer she looked at him.

"Why do you still fight it?" She asked.

"Us?" He shrugged, turning to kiss her palm. "I have no idea."

"Then stop." She pressed her lips to his for a tender kiss then slowly moved them down his throat. "Stop for me."

His head dropped back, eyes closed with the feel of each caress. His hands slid into her silky red hair as she continued the achingly sweet touches his heart had yearned for so long.

"Chris." He moaned under her hands. "I think we should--"

"Unless your next words are to tell me to get into your bedroom, I don't want to hear it." She snapped.

A harsh laugh slipped from his lips. He loved how even that temper of hers could not only set him in his place but also make him want her even more.

"Get in there." He ordered, his tone laced heavy with desire.

Chris smiled through another kiss before sliding off the counter. As she walked into his room, she dropped one piece of clothing after another like a trail of bread crumbs so he'd be sure to follow.

Ethan did so without any hesitation whatsoever, ripping his own clothes off to join hers, eyes never leaving her body.

After all this time fighting against it, he was finally giving in to the inevitability of them.

[alj4890]

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You

(Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis) in a Choices The Royal Romance Crackship

A/N Sorry this took so long. Life always finds a way to interrupt my plans with all my series. This chapter takes place the night of Liam's coronation ball.

Masterlist

Chapter 7

"Where is the appeal?" Madeleine hissed.

Olivia shrugged. She wasn't about to humor the countess with commenting on what was unfolding before them.

The press were swarming around Riley and Hana as they made their arrival in a horse drawn carriage.

"We've been top contenders this entire time." Madeleine furiously whispered. "How in the world did some random American win over everyone?"

Olivia frowned somewhat as Riley gushed to the press about how sweet Hana was in giving her a lift to the ball.

"She's nice." She observed. "People tend to like that in others."

"Nice does not mean you can effectively rule a nation." Madeleine reminded her. "It doesn't help you know the ins and outs of life at Court nor does it give one the finesse of dealing with foreign powers."

"Then you better hope that Liam agrees with you." Olivia taunted. "Or else, you're looking at our future queen."

Madeleine glared at her. "And that doesn't bother you? You who have pined for Liam since birth can watch him choose this nobody? Where's that infamous Nevrakis loyalty to our country?! Would you curtsy to someone like her?"

Olivia rolled her eyes over how dramatic Madeleine was being.

"If she is Liam's choice, then who am I to argue against him? He's our king now, Madeleine. Like every other Cordonian, we have to learn to accept the decisions he will make."

Gathering her skirt, she left the countess staring in disbelief.

***************

Oliva went directly to her chambers shortly after dinner for a chance to prepare for what was still before her.

Once alone, she took a deep breath as she began to plan for how the rest of her night would go. She knew she still needed to give Liam his gift, then she'd be forced to mingle and be seen at the ball.

She would have to find a way to sneak out and meet Maxwell at some point from the beginning of the ball until Liam made his choice. Then, if things progressed like she planned, they might even meet up again after the ceremony.

A thrill went through her at the thought. She'd done little throughout the day except think of how she felt in Maxwell's arms. It surprised her how easily his touch set her nerves to singing. She actually wanted to see just how much he could make her burn.

She walked over to the window, gazing out at her chosen spot. Her brow furrowed with the sight of servants going about the hedge maze to light lanterns at each of the numerous twists and turns.

"That's out." She decided.

The last thing she needed was to be caught under one of the lanterns in an illicit embrace with Cordonia's most fun loving lord.

She twirled about and began to pace. She needed a more private spot, one either dark or barely lit to begin this affair.

She considered other hidden nooks in the palace. The conservatory was somewhat ideal, but it smelled too much like wet dirt and fertilizer. The music room was far enough away from the ballroom and even soundproof, but there was no lock on the door. The library always had people coming in and out to have a break from the crowded ballroom. Even the various dens and studies left little to be desired in terms of privacy.

Her eyes darted to the king sized bed in her room.

We will have to be careful coming up here. If anyone saw the two of us going into my room, would they think we were meeting for something else or for sex?

Did she really care what conclusion anyone came to? Liam was choosing Riley this evening. It wasn't like Olivia was being unfaithful to him. And where would be the proof, even if someone did see her with Maxwell? Once the door shut and was locked, no one would know what went on behind it.

"It'll have to be here." She said to herself. "There's nowhere else we can go tonight."

Once her mind was made up on any subject, she did not like waiting around for it. Her lack of patience combined with her innate determination made being with Maxwell a forgone conclusion.

She wasn't above admitting she wanted him. The question that reverberated in her mind was a simple one: did she want Maxwell for life or merely for sex?

She knew his feelings for her went beyond a simple affair...but did hers?

Wrinkling her nose over something she wasn't quite ready to answer, she turned on her heel to check her reflection one last time.

Movement out of the corner of her eye made her still.

Glancing at the door, she noticed a letter that was slipped underneath.

Jerking her door open, she looked up and down the hallway filled with various nobles and dignitaries going in and out of their suites.

"Bastien!" She called out to one of the guards.

"Yes, your grace?"

"Did you see anyone stop by my door?"

The guard's eyes briefly touched on the envelope in her hand.

"No, your grace." He nodded towards the mysterious letter. "Is something wrong?"

"No." She gave a brisk nod of farewell and shut the door.

It must be from Maxwell, she thought with a hint of a smile. He used to write letters to me all the time.

Ripping into it, she eagerly began to see just what romantic nonsense he'd come up with this time.

Her smile disappeared the moment the words registered. Line after line revealed information on her parents and their mysterious death. Every single traitorous activity they participated in was gone into great detail. Then, at the end, there was the threat to reveal everything if she didn't withdraw and leave before Liam picked his chosen queen.

"No." She clapped a hand to her mouth.

It can't be true! They were heroes! They loved this country! All they spoke of was making it and Lythikos better. Their loyalty was beyond reproach. They would never risk everything for a chance to rule Cordonia.

They'd never risk leaving me alone.

Her temper took over her initial devastation.

It's a trick! Someone wants to make me doubt them. Make me leave here in disgrace.

But who?

One of the suitors?

Madeleine's desperate to win this. She lost her chance to be queen once before. To leave a loser again probably weighs on her, but she's above blackmail. Penelope knows she doesn't stand a chance. She's too stupid to ever think of something this clever. Kiara's too intelligent to use baseless lies to get her way. Hana doesn't seem to have enough nerve to ever do something like this. And Riley...

She stilled.

Maxwell swore Riley was genuinely kind. Could she be the snake in their group, pretending to be all that is good in the world?

Livid, Olivia shoved the letter in the pocket of her dress.

Swiping up Liam's gift, she stormed out of her room.

*****************

"I know it was you." Olivia hissed.

Riley whirled around, eyes wide in confusion.

"Excuse me?"

"I don't know what kind of game you're playing," Olivia glared at her, "but it won't work."

"What are you talking about?" Riley asked.

Olivia studied her and realized it couldn't be her. Riley had no idea about anything that went on in Cordonia, much less it's history. Why would she concoct some story about Olivia's parents when it was well known they were heroes? She already knew she was Liam's favorite. What would she have to gain in destroying Olivia's peace of mind and forcing her to withdraw out of disgrace?

"You didn't send it." She whispered.

Riley gently touched her arm.

"Send what?"

"Forget it." Olivia jerked her arm away and stepped up to Liam.

She somehow got through talking to him about her gift and then managed to calmly walk into the ballroom.

Her green eyes darted over the crowd, wondering who was out to get her.

She nearly flipped the person over her shoulder when she felt someone's fingers brush her hand.

Eyes narrowed, she turned around to see Maxwell.

"Hey." His tender smile appeared. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks." She mumbled.

"So?" He leaned closer. "When should we meet at the hedge maze?"

"That's not happening." She folded her arms, while glancing over his shoulder at the few nobles meeting in groups and pointing at each suitor.

They're either trying to figure out who Liam will pick or something worse. Am I the only one who received a threat tonight?

She then noticed the devastation forming on Maxwell's face.

"We're not happening?" He whispered.

"No, we are." She snapped. "Just not at the hedge maze."

Huffing in irritation, she hissed, "Meet me in my room in exactly one hour and ten minutes."

Before he had a chance to agree or say anything remotely how excited he was, she left him to mingle.

*************

"You seem excited." Riley teased as she tried to remember the dance steps.

"I am!" Maxwell grinned at her. "Tonight's the night where all our dreams will come true."

"I know I'm dancing with our future queen." He squeezed her hand before twirling her. "You will have your happily ever after. Liam will be with the love of his life. Bertrand will calm down and make it to forty without having a stroke."

"You really believe that." Her smile grew over how his words never ceased in boosting her confidence. "I love how you never doubt that everything will turn out like we hope."

He sighed softly as he thought of the one thing that made him feel so completely happy.

And I somehow ended up with the woman of my dreams.

"Have I thanked you for, well, everything?" Riley asked.

Maxwell's grin turned bashful. "I didn't do much to be thanked."

"Only encouraged me every single second. You have been by my side the entire time and made time for me and Liam to be alone." She reminded him. "You were the only person to believe I belonged here. You gave me the chance to see if Liam and I could have something more than some flirtation."

When the dance ended, she hugged him.

"You'll always have my thanks, Max, no matter how tonight ends."

He hugged her tight then noticed the stares they were receiving.

"Come on." He pulled away and tucked her hand in the bend of his arm. "Let's go see what they have to snack on."

**************

Between keeping an eye on the clock and discreetly interrogating the other suitors, Olivia's nerves were on edge.

There were times she'd stepped outside to reread the letter in an attempt to guess at who wrote this. One thing that bothered her about it was the amount of detail. There were dates and locations of where her parents had gone. This wasn't some simple threat that someone made up. There were claims of pictures and documents that would prove to the public the depth of her parents' betrayal.

Could it be true? Could they have done all this?

She knew her ancestors were notorious for doing whatever was best for themselves. A Nevrakis was known, not only for strength, but in using that strength to secure as much power as they possibly could by any means necessary.

Could her parents have been of that mindset? She recalled all the training they put her young self through. The speeches of how she needed to know how to handle herself if she was to one day rule.

Dear God. I thought they meant to rule as the Duchess of Lythikos. Did they really mean for me to rule as queen?

Her attention snapped from the letter to one of the outdoor bars. Sliding into the shadows, she hoped to overhear something that might point her towards a possible culprit.

Bertrand Beaumont was clinking glasses with, of all people, the former crown prince.

"It's been too long since we had a drink together." Leo added after taking a long sip. "How have you been?"

"Fine." Bertrand took a healthy gulp of his glass of bourbon. "I'll be even better once this night is over."

"I think everyone will." Leo snickered. "Liam is hiding it, but I think he's anxious."

"He has every right to be." Bertrand added. "He did just become king."

"It's not that." Leo rubbed the back of his neck. "It's about his choice. I think I might have ruined that for him."

Bertrand paused with his drink halfway to his lips. "How?"

"When I decided to abdicate, I thought Liam would have time to adjust. I didn't expect Father to make him immediately choose someone to marry, much less put him through this asinine social season." Leo grumbled.

"I understood why Father made me do it." He added. "I caused trouble everywhere I went." He downed the rest of his drink. "But Liam, he's always been the one to follow the rules. He never rebelled. Never gave anyone a reason to make public apologies on his behalf."

He sighed, motioning to the bartender for another round for the two of them.

"I worry that his sense of duty will deny him a chance at true happiness." He added.

"Perhaps not." Bertrand picked up his new glass. "King Liam seems to be rather fond of our suitor."

"Riley, right?" Leo grinned. "I've heard a lot about her these last few days."

"Nothing scandalous I hope." Bertrand shuddered. "House Beaumont can't afford even a hint of scandal."

"Nothing like that." Leo chuckled. "In fact, I think that..."

Olivia felt her heart drop. Bertrand's words echoed in her mind, drowning out their conversation, as she looked down at the letter in her hands once more.

House Beaumont can't afford even a hint of scandal.

If this letter ever got out to the public, her life would be ruined. No one would trust her. Any children she might one day have would be forced to hide in shame. Maxwell would be tainted by association.

He might even be forced by Bertrand to never see her again.

Gripping the letter that had the ability to implode her very existence, she quietly slipped back into the palace.

**************

Maxwell did his best to walk both discreetly and as if he wasn't in any hurry to wherever he was going. He glanced over his shoulder every few feet to make sure no one was following. The few times he caught someone behind him, they paid him little attention and ended up turning down a different hallway.

His heartbeat picked up speed once he was a few doors down from Olivia's room. He wasn't exactly sure how far tonight would take his relationship with her, but he knew he was willing to go any distance she wanted.

Tonight would be, at least he hoped, the beginning of many, many nights together. His mind was filled with plans for their future. Dates to sweep her off her feet were considered. Special places from their past were thought of as possible backdrops to when he finally professed his love to her. Time spent in each other's home to think on which one to use for a possible wedding if he was lucky enough to receive a yes to his proposal.

All this and so much more was within his grasp. After all the years of yearning and trying to get her to see him, he'd finally won. The dream was a reality. He could at least relax and know that nothing stood in his way.

Pausing before her door, he took a deep breath, glanced once more around him, and quietly knocked.

Olivia opened it, grabbed his shirt collar, and yanked him inside.

He didn't have a chance to say anything. The moment the door shut, she shoved him against the door to kiss him.

His body instantly reacted, pulling her close and kissing her back with all the passion he had just for her.

She moaned in delight, hands quickly getting to work on unbuttoning his shirt.

She broke away from his mind numbing kiss to unbutton his pants. Her eyes closed the moment his lips touched her neck.

"Get those off." She demanded when he seemed to ignore her efforts.

"What's the hurry?" He kissed her again.

She bit down on her bottom lip. She knew why she was hurrying. This was probably their only chance to be together.

Her decision to leave before Liam announced his choice was made the moment she realized that scandal would ruin her chances with Maxwell. She needed to discover the truth about this letter, and unfortunately that meant investigating on her own.

She couldn't involve anyone else. If she did, she might have to stand there and watch them walk away from her. It was best for everyone if she left them. Then, her heart would be protected. She wouldn't have to face being turned away in fear or disgust that she shared a bloodline with possible traitors if she distanced herself from those she actually cared about.

But for now, she'd allow herself this one chance to see what life might have been like, if she was free to be with Maxwell.

"We can't stay up here too long." She explained, unzipping her own dress. "People will definitely talk if we aren't waiting on Liam's announcement with the rest of them."

Her shimmery red dress pooled at her feet. With the way the gown was cut, it was impossible to wear a bra. Since she knew what they would get up to, she'd also decided against wearing any underwear whatsoever.

She felt her skin tingle in anticipation. Maxwell's bright blue eyes had darkened as he gazed upon her form. He hadn't moved a muscle as her dress slipped down her body. He'd only followed its path, taking in every bit of skin revealed.

Without a word nor taking his eyes off of her, he slowly shrugged out of his clothes.

Olivia felt her desire notch even higher. The serious expression on his face took her by surprise. She'd expected him to practically rush into her arms once she was naked. This unexpected side of him made her be the one to move towards him.

She draped her arms around his neck, pressing her pale body against the toned, hard planes of his own. She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.

"Touch me." She nearly begged against his mouth.

His hands cupped her face, thumb brushing against her lower lip. Silently he moved them down her body, only pausing when she gasped or moved restlessly against him.

The lower he went, the more she wanted. Grabbing his wrists, she pulled him over the to bed.

She sat down on the edge and tilted her head up when he remained standing. Her eyes met his.

"Say something." She pleaded, feeling suddenly nervous over his continued silence.

Swallowing, Maxwell knelt before her. His hands ran along her smooth legs, his eyes never leaving hers.

In a gravely voice, he said.

"I want you. I've always wanted you."

He surged up, pushing her down on the bed, lips crashing on hers.

She moaned, pulling him as close as she could. Her breath hitched when he broke away to kiss down her body. Scrambling back some to give him more room, she cried out in ecstasy when his tongue brushed against the tips of her breasts. The moment his lips closed around and sucked, she ran her hands through his hair, keeping him there as he sent desire through her veins.

His moans and whispers of how perfect she was made her heart ache as he continued to worship down her body. His determination to kiss and lap at every single inch made her writhe and scream his name in a litany that surprised her. Every touch of his hands, his lips, and body made her wish for the impossible.

She didn't want to have to walk away from him.

The moment he slid within her, she couldn't help but think how right it felt. It wasn't all supposed to clock this easily or this quickly. Shouldn't her experiment need more time? Had she been denying the truth in front of her longer than she first thought?

Unnerved by the realization, she cupped his face and kissed him more tenderly than she'd ever done with anyone.

The slow momentum he'd begun stopped the moment she wrapped her legs around his hips. She urged him on, moving faster towards what they both needed.

He harshly cried out her name when she clinched around him. A breathless whisper of his own name escaped her as she succumbed to the sensations he'd caused.

They laid there, still connected and holding tight to one another as their breaths began to slow.

Maxwell rose up some on his elbows to look at her face. A tender smile formed as he saw the brief look of wonder in her sated expression.

"Wow." He said, softly kissing her. "My imagination really, really sucks."

She snorted in disbelief that he could make her want to laugh at a moment like this.

"Does it?"

He nodded, lips brushing hers once more.

"Nothing in my fantasies could possibly live up to tonight."

"I take it you enjoyed yourself?" She couldn't help but smile while thoroughly enjoying the feel of him pressing her into the mattress.

"Couldn't you tell?" He eased off of her, rolled into his back, and pulled her on top of him.

"Oh I could." She settled more comfortably against him. "In case you are the least bit curious, I liked it too."

His grin blossomed in hearing that. A part of her was tempted to go into how much she loved being with him and in how she didn't want it to end.

She knew she couldn't. This would have to be a one and done experience.

At least until I finish my investigation and destroy whatever evidence I discover.

And possibly dispose the body of my blackmailer.

It was odd to willingly remain in his arms to bask in the afterglow. Normally she couldn't leave or kick her lovers out fast enough. She never wanted to talk or simply be held. They'd provided a service to her passionate nature and were no longer needed.

But Maxwell...

She wanted this. She wanted to hear any ridiculous thing that came to his mind. She loved the fact that he needed to touch her. His hands drifting down her back in lazy caresses was exactly what she needed while gazing at his handsome face. She loved seeing how perfectly content he was in this moment.

It reflected her own feelings with him.

Knowing he would insist on when their next night together could be if she didn't say or do something, she pressed a lingering kiss to his lips.

His arms wrapped around her with body already responding to her touch once more.

Moaning in frustration that they didn't have time for another round, she forced herself to leave his arms.

"We better hurry." She said while swiping up her dress on the way to the ensuite.

Maxwell hopped off of the bed and caught her before she made it inside.

He wrapped his arms around her from behind when she relaxed back against him and pressed a sweet kiss to her neck.

"Tonight meant everything to me, Liv." He admitted in a heartfelt tone.

Tears blurred her vision. She turned to respond with a deep kiss, holding him close for one last time before escaping.

Leaning against the bathroom door, she whispered.

"It meant everything to me too, Max."

**************

A short time later, Olivia found Liam talking to Riley in one of the acloves along the outer edges of the ballroom. Preparing herself for the inevitable, she told him she needed to speak to him.

When he seemed reluctant to leave Riley's side, Olivia blurted out that she was leaving.

"Why?" He searched her eyes for a sign of why she would leave before the ceremony was completed.

"There's no reason for me to stay." She glanced at Riley, hoping he would think it was because of her she was leaving.

She couldn't tell him the truth, especially when she wasn't certain what the truth was.

Liam stepped closer, lowering his voice to a whisper.

"What about the person you told me about? Don't you want to see if it's love or--"

She shook her head. "That's not going to happen now."

Saying goodbye before he could question her further, she turned on her heel and left all while ignoring the couple calling out for her to wait.

She made it outside and down the steps of the palace before being stopped.

"Wait a second!" Riley breathlessly pleaded. "Are you okay?"

"Like you care." Olivia snapped.

"I do." Riley gripped her hand. "I wouldn't chase you down if I didn't."

"Why would you?" Olivia grumbled, wrenching her hand free. "It isn't like we're friends."

"I thought we were on our way to being just that." Riley argued.

Olivia rolled her eyes. "I don't have time for this."

"Yes, you do." Riley moved and blocked her way into the waiting town car. "Now what's going on?"

Olivia handed over the letter. She didn't know what possessed her to trust this woman with it, but she suddenly wanted someone to know the truth of why she was running away. For some reason, she believed Riley would keep this secret.

Either I'm a fool for giving her something to hold over me, or she really is all that Maxwell claims.

Without a word, Riley scanned the contents, her mouth dropping open when she got to the end.

"Who did this to you?" She demanded.

"That's what I'm going to find out." Olivia snatched the letter back .

"We need to find them and demand the truth." Riley said, her own temper snapping at the thought of someone blackmailing Olivia.

"We?" Olivia laughed without humor. "There is no we in this. I have to find them. You," she sighed, "you have to go be with Liam."

"You're going to need help." Riley insisted.

She reluctantly stepped out of the way so Olivia could get into the backseat.

With the window rolled down, the fiery duchess reached out and grasped her hand in quiet gratitude.

"I'll be fine on my own."

"Do you think it's true?" Riley asked.

"I don't know." Olivia went to let go and found Riley holding tight to her hand once more.

"I promise I'll help you. I won't tell anyone that you're being blackmailed. Just tell me what you need and we'll get to the bottom of this. You shouldn't have to--"

"Stop." Olivia pleaded. She was surprised by Riley's fervent speech to help and by her own temptation to accept it. "Thank you, but you can't."

Easing her hand away, she nodded towards the palace.

"Go be with Liam. He needs you more than I do." She lowered the privacy barrier and told her driver she was ready. "And Riley?"

"Yes?"

"Watch your back." Olivia warned.

[alj4890]

🤣 Liam was awesome in this! Doesn't even hesitate in making decisions for all of them.

At the same time, I feel for Drake when Liam dropped down to his knees to ask her to officially be his Royal consort and to have a baby with him. And Riley 😂 I love how she always gets her men.

Loved that they found a way to make it work where they'd all be happy 😉

What Happen in Vegas

Series: None, this is a one-shot and you can find those here.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Riley x Liam, Riley x Drake

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: mature themes I guess

Word Count: 1,796

A/N: Credit/blame goes to @aussiegurl1234 for putting this in my head with the simple statement that the Vegas fling should have been a threesome. To be clear: There is no smut here, this isn't set in Vegas, but rather the aftermath and results of what happened.

My other stuff: Master List.

Liam's head guard entered the council chambers to whisper in the king's ear. "Sorry to interrupt, but the Duchess of Valtoria is asking to see you. She says it's important."

Riley was on the short list of people that had unrestricted access to him at all times. "Thank you, Alec." He nodded to dismiss the guard, then turned back to the council members. "Are we about done here?"

"Well, there was one last item—" The Earl of Dunwick pointed to the line item on the agenda about a proposed construction project and a lake full of some protected fish.

"Anything that can't wait until next week?"

"Well…. The project management company has been waiting for an answer for six months already…"

"So, what's one more week?" Liam grinned. "Meeting adjourned!"

The king of Cordonia damn near skipped through the halls to the private sitting room where the woman who made his heart beat was waiting.

His smile faltered when he found Drake waiting with her.

He had hoped Riley was there to spend some quality time with him. He didn't see her near as often as he would have preferred. Ever since the advent of her marriage to his best friend, their trysts had diminished. Not ended mind you, but it wasn't like it had been during the social season when they had been sneaking off every chance they got to the hedge maze, the rooftop, or an empty guest room.

Then the coronation debacle had happened and everything had gone sidewise.

He had hoped to be able to repair their relationship during the engagement tour and he had, to some extent.

Riley had told him up front when she started sleeping with Drake, but somehow, every time she reminded him of her new relationship, the two of them ended up in bed together. "I'm with Drake now, remember?" Always ended with her screaming his name.

Pushing his disappointment aside, he embraced and kissed her on the lips before turning to acknowledge Drake's presence. Greetings were exchanged, then he directed his attention back to Riley. "Not that I'm complaining, in any way, I am always happy to see you, but why are you here?"

Riley cut straight to the chase. "I think I'm pregnant. My period is late, and I can't remember if I had it last month or not." Life had been busy since assuming the mantle of Duchess and starting married life with Drake.

Liam did some quick backward math. His eyebrows shot up as he looked from her to Drake and back again. "Vegas?"

"Vegas," she nodded.

"So…whose is it?"

Riley threw her arms up in the air. "I don't know. Does it matter?"

"Of course it fucking matters, Riley!"

"Not to me it doesn't," Drake broke in. He moved closer so he could wrap both arms around his wife. Nuzzling into the side of her neck, he told her, "I love you either way."

"I didn't say I wouldn't still love her!" Liam exploded. "Don't put words in my mouth!"

"Oh, calm down," Riley admonished. "I don't even know if I'm pregnant yet. I thought you should both be here when I take the test, given that there's no way to know which one of you knocked me up."

Liam took a deep breath and tugged at his tie as mentally collected himself. An out of wedlock heir to the throne would be a scandal of epic proportions, but the thought was not entirely unwelcomed. "Right. Thank you for that. If this child is mine, I want to be involved every step of the way."

Riley gave him an affectionate smile. "See? I knew that, and that's why we're here, Right, babe?"

"Right." Drake released her and stepped back. "Are we sure it happened in Vegas? Because if it happened on our wedding night or during the honeymoon—"

"Or in the weeks leading up to the wedding?" Liam interjected. He had spent quite a bit of time helping the new duchess settle into her role. He had also helped her out of her clothes more often than not after a long day of diplomatic lessons.

Riley waved him off. "I had a period just before Vegas, that I remember. So if the baby is yours, it almost had to have happened in Vegas. After all, you were both inside me that night. When you weren't inside each other, that is." Her hand went to her mouth to stifle a giggle.

Drake's eyes met Liam's over the top of her head. Both men froze for a second as both faces flushed red, then both sets of eyes dropped quickly to the floor.

The night in Vegas had been wild, but they had never discussed it after the fact. Liam was out as bisexual, but it had been Drake's first and only experience with a man.

Drake was well aware of his wife's extracurricular activities with his best friend. He had no issues with it. In fact, images of Liam and Riley together fueled more of his fantasies than he liked to admit.

"Okay, I'm going to pee on this stick now!" She brandished it in front of them like a kid with a magic wand before disappearing into the attached bathroom.

The men made awkward small talk as they waited, both of them breathing out a sigh of relief when she returned, alleviating the danger of them having to address the elephant in the room, at least for the moment.

"Now we wait," she chirped. "Could one of you set a timer for two minutes?"

Liam had his phone out first. "Done!"

It was the longest two minutes of his life. He paced the floor, deep in thought as Riley and Drake sat on the settee, making plans for the weekend, laughing and touching each other frequently.

The timer dinged and all three heads snapped up. Three sets of eyes flitted from one person to the other to the bathroom door.

Riley stood and went to retrieve the answer to their question. She returned from the bathroom to both men's gazes locked on her with anticipation.

"The moment of truth…" she glanced down at the stick in her hand, feeling disappointment wash through her in place of the relief she had expected to feel. "It's negative. I'm not pregnant."

Drake's brows furrowed as he moved closer to her. "Are you okay? I thought that's the result you wanted, but you look sad."

Liam backed away from them. "I… just need a moment to process…"

He resumed his pacing as he grappled with an onslaught of mixed emotions.

No scandal, no awkward questions, no figuring out how to juggle schedules between three adults and two homes… but also no heir, no biological tie to the woman he loved, and no relief from the unrelenting pressure to marry and produce offspring. He stopped pacing and spun to face Drake. "Did you mean what you said earlier?"

"What did I say earlier?"

"That you didn't care whose baby it was."

"Right. Yeah…." Drake's eyes tracked from Liam to Riley and back again. "Why? There is no baby—"

"What if there were?"

Drake blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I mean…." He crossed the room quickly and took Riley's hands in his. "Have a baby with me, Riley! On purpose!"

Giddiness bubbled up inside of her at the prospect. But he couldn't be serious, could he? "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Do you want to see me married to someone else?"

Riley's gaze slid to Drake as she considered if her answer would hurt him. But they had promised each other unrelenting honesty, no matter what. She returned her attention to Liam and shook her head.

"Then give me an heir so I don't have to marry…. Anyone, ever!"

"Is that even a thing that we can do?"

"Yes! It's not totally without precedence. I simply have to acknowledge the child and publicly legitimize him or her. Which I will!" He dropped down on one knee. "I know you're already married, but consider this an official proposal to be my royal consort. Openly. Move back to the palace. Take your rightful place by my side!"

Drake's throat cleared. "Um… hello? What are you doing?"

"Sorry!" Liam scrambled to his feet. "I may have gotten carried away there, but I'm serious. Do you honestly like living in Valtoria?"

"Not really," Drake admitted, "But I'd live in Antarctica if that's where my wife was."

"Then you're open to moving back home?"

A spark of jealousy flared through him, followed almost immediately by a pang of longing.

There was no doubt that he was in love with his wife. Helplessly, hopelessly, head over heels in love with her. But the night in Vegas had opened a door he had been avoiding peaking behind for his entire life, leaving him questioning the nature of his feelings for his best friend.

His mouth opened, closed, then opened again. "I… what exactly are you proposing? That my wife shacks up with you? Where does that leave me?"

"I'm sorry if I wasn't clear. I meant both of you."

Drake's entire body stilled as his mind raced to interpret Liam's meaning. "Both of us…. what?”

Liam shrugged. "Whatever you want, whatever you'll allow. I want you both to move in. We've already agreed to this situation we find ourselves in with Riley. We can continue as we are, with her splitting time between our bedrooms or…"

"Or?" Drake struggled to keep the note of hopefulness out of his voice, sure that everyone in the room could hear the pudding of his heart.

With a smirk, Liam moved closer to him. "Or you and I can continue what we started in Vegas and see where it goes."

Blood rushed to his face, heating his cheeks as he nodded, then looked away.

"Great!" Liam turned back to Riley. "You don't have to answer right now if you're not ready. Take your time and—"

"Yes! I'll do it! We'll move in, I'll be your consort, we can have a baby! As long as Drake is okay with all of it, that is."

"I'm okay with it."

Liam felt a rush of happiness crash over him. "Can you stay tonight? I'd like to start working on that baby right away."

"Oh, I don't know if—"

"It's okay," Drake assured her. "If you want to stay, I can go pack some of our clothes and—"

"Actually," Liam interrupted, "I was hoping you could join us."

Drake's eyes widened, slid down Liam's body, then closed as he drew in a deep, shuddering breath.

The trajectory of his life was about to change. And he couldn't wait to see where it would take him.