Free Surviving Doctor Vincent: The Good Doctor Trilogy Book 2 by Renea Mason

showered and readied myself for the day.
    As I descended the stairs, trepidation overcame me. Sebastian. I was comforted by Xavier’s absolute trust of the man, but knew little of him myself. His reaction to me the night before had been stronger than I’d expected, the lingering embrace...almost too familiar for our relationship. Even though we’d had sex, Sebastian had been distant, and of the three men, he’d participated in the least intimate activities during our week together. I suspected his limited engagement had to do with his marriage to Miriam, but with her death, where did that leave him?
    I rounded the corner leading into the great room. There was a clear view into the kitchen where Sebastian stood shirtless, staring into the open refrigerator. He turned and grabbed his shirt from the counter and pulled the cotton over his head. “Elaine...sorry. Excuse me. I didn’t expect you so soon.” He fumbled over his words.
    His effort to hide his skin was all kinds of silly. As if him without a shirt was something new. I had seen all of him. Tasted parts of him and communed with the most impressive part. “It’s after noon. I’m not exactly the early bird.”
    He had shaved and looked better rested than the night before, but there was still sadness in his eyes. He smiled, showcasing his straight white teeth. “No, but the way Xavier talked before he left, he thought you might sleep most of the day.”
    “I’m more resilient than the dear doctor gives me credit for.”
    He handed me a bottle of water, and unscrewed the cap on his before swallowing a large gulp.
    “He should never doubt you.”
    After removing the top from my own, I took a sip, uncertain what to do next. Sebastian wasn’t here to entertain me. Perhaps if there was a computer, I could look for a new job, check out the news, or try my hand at researching the Society.
    “Is there a computer here, where I can read the news...ah...or pass the time?”
    He walked to stand beside me. “No. I’m afraid not. The only entertainment you have is me.” He grinned.
    “What’s on the agenda then? Xavier said something about a hike and you being a survivalist.”
    He laughed. “X talks too much. But sure, I’d be happy to be your tour guide. Let me grab some provisions to take with us.” He pointed to the open-toe sandals on my feet. “Go put on some more appropriate shoes and then we can head out. From the looks of it, the weather should cooperate.” He turned and left the room.
    I walked to the large picturesque window, eyeing the breathtaking view. Staggered rows of deciduous trees changed to pines on the steep mountainsides that flanked the lake. I sighed, embracing the scene’s tranquility, allowing it to ease my nervousness, before turning to head upstairs in preparation for our hike.
    Sebastian, with a backpack on his back and a jacket draped over his arm, returned to the living room the same moment I descended the stairs.
    “Here, take this. The deeper parts of forest can get chilly. I don’t want you getting cold.”
    I smiled at his thoughtfulness. “Thank you.” I threaded my arms through the sleeves of the jacket.
    “Let’s go.”
    An hour later, one thing was abundantly clear: I was seriously out of shape compared to Sebastian. He pointed out plants to avoid and ones that could provide nourishment in a pinch, steadied me by the elbow when the terrain turned rocky, but never mentioned the reason for his haggard appearance the night before.
    Eventually, we rested on a stone outcropping that overlooked the lake.
    “It’s beautiful.”
    “Yes... I found this place last week. The best view I’ve discovered since I’ve been here.”
    “How long have you been here?”
    He paused for a moment and sighed. “Ahhh... I arrived a few weeks after the funeral. When Xavier came back to the States, I flew with him.”
    He sat the backpack on the ground, opened the zipper and reached in. He pulled out a granola bar and offered it to