Read Online Stitches and Scars by Elizabeth A. Vincent - Free Book Online Page B

smile was reassuring.
    Kate lay back on the gurney and stared at the ceiling. Ethan moved so gently that Kate barely noticed he was even touching her. Doctor and patient remained in comfortable silence for a few minutes before either of them spoke.
    “So, are you from the area?” Kate asked, figuring it was a pretty safe question to start with.
    “No. I’ve lived in a few places over the years, but Philly has been my home for the past four. I was born in Boston, but my family moved to San Francisco when I was a baby. Went to medical school at Hopkins, and after I finished, I needed to find a place to complete my residency. My best friend Trent and his family had moved here and said it was a great area, so I took his word for it.”
    “Don’t you miss your family?”
    “I do miss my parents, but they visit a lot and recently bought a home not too far from here. Also, I try to make it home a few times a year. I’m the only child, and Trent is the closest thing I have to a brother. I see him every day, so that makes it pretty easy. What about you? Are you from the area?”
    “I grew up in Arlington, Virginia.”
    “And what brought you here?”
    “One of my best friends got a job here, and my other best friend and I decided to tag along. We wanted a change in scenery. It’s great because we’re all within driving distance of our families. I’m actually living in New Hope now and I love it there.”
    “So, do you live with them, then?” It was a simple question, but Kate felt the weight behind it.
    “Elle and I live together. Her line of work is pretty flexible, and she’s only a short train ride from New York City. Sophie keeps a room at our place, but practically lives with her boyfriend. But she does take pity on us single girls by going out with us every once in a while. They were the ones I was with last night at Rain.”
    Ethan stopped stitching and looked up at Kate with a smile. “You mean the ones you were hunting with?”
    Kate blinked. “What are you talking about?” she asked innocently.
    “Oh, I think you know exactly what I’m talking about. You three must be killers. I do feel bad for your prey, though.”
    She was so shocked that she couldn’t speak and when she finally could, she didn’t know what to say. “It’s not like that,” she stammered, trying to explain.
    “There is no need to explain,” he said with a laugh. “I think it’s pretty funny.” He shrugged and kept his eyes down while finishing the sutures. He placed the last piece of tape over the protective gauze and helped her to sit up again. He backed his chair up slightly as Kate swung her legs over the side of the gurney, facing him. Then he looked directly into Kate’s eyes. They were dark and full of life.
    “Can I ask you something?” he asked her.
    “Yes,” she responded in an almost-whisper. She hadn’t a clue what he was about to ask, but in that moment she knew that she would answer him honestly.
    “What exactly do you do with your prey once you’ve caught him?” He was still looking into her eyes, and they both felt the intensity between them thicken. His hands were still pressed against her skin as he leaned forward slightly, waiting for her response. He knew he should stop himself, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t. It was like one magnet being pulled to the other.
    Kate’s heart started beating faster and her breaths came in short pants. She couldn’t speak. They both knew that if either one of them leaned in another few inches, their lips would touch. Kate shivered at the thought of being that close to him, being able to taste him and breathe him in. His eyes were locked with hers, and she could see the sparks of excitement.
    The room around them faded away, and Kate knew at that moment he was feeling the same pull that she was. Ethan leaned forward and paused for only a second, as if waiting for permission. Her eyes began to close as she leaned towards him in acceptance. Kate could