Jenna Roland stared at her phone screen, fingers trembling slightly. The profile displayed Dr. Liam Melford, head of neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic—one of the nation's top brain specialists with a staggering 98% surgical success rate.

She bit her lower lip, gaze lingering on that astonishing number. If only they could get Dr. Melford to operate on Milo...

"Lost in thought?"

Ethan Roscente's voice startled her from behind, nearly making her drop the phone. She fumbled to lock the screen and turned to meet his penetrating gaze.

"N-nothing." Her fingers twisted the hem of her shirt.

Ethan glanced at her whitened knuckles before shifting his attention to the medical records on the coffee table. "Melford is indeed the best choice."

Jenna's head snapped up, hope flashing in her eyes before dimming just as quickly. "But Mayo's fees—"

"He lives next door to me," Ethan interrupted, rolling up his sleeves. "I can ask him to come to Los Angeles."

"Really?" Her voice quivered as her nails dug into her palms. "The...cost?"

"About fifty grand." His cufflinks clicked open. "Excluding equipment."

The number made her eyes burn. She turned away to wipe them hastily, forcing a smile when she faced him again. "Could you please arrange it? I'll save up as fast as I can."

Ethan gave a noncommittal hum and walked toward the dining area. Jenna hurried after him, darting ahead to clear the dishes.

"I've got this!"

Ignoring her, Ethan picked up a plate. His hands were lean and strong, tendons visible beneath pale skin. When their fingers brushed accidentally, she recoiled like she'd been burned.

"S-sorry."

Water rushed from the faucet. Jenna stole glances at the man beside her. His rolled-up sleeves revealed corded forearms with veins tracing beneath the surface. His Adam's apple moved with each swallow, casting sharp shadows under the light.

"What would you like for dinner tomorrow?" She grasped for conversation.

"Whatever." He shook droplets from his hands, water sliding down his prominent wrist bones.

As she handed him a towel, her fingertips grazed his cool skin. She spun away too quickly to notice the dark flicker in his eyes.

Milo's laughter floated from the living room where Grandma Blanche was showing him photo albums, deliberately raising her voice. "Jenna dear, that kitchen's crowded enough!"