The Cold Surgeon's Contract Bride novel Chapter 45

I hadn't expected Leon to cash in on the meal immediately.

I was momentarily at a loss for words.

Given that Ferris had spent the entire morning sarcastically digging at me, and considering the rumors floating around between our two departments about Leon and me, eating together right now might cause trouble for this kindhearted man.

I scrambled for an excuse. "It's a little late to get a reservation anywhere..."

"We don't need a reservation," Leon replied, completely missing my underlying hesitation. "I think the cafeteria downstairs is great."

He sounded completely serious, not like he was joking at all. But how was I supposed to explain it to him?

"Is this not a good time for you, Dr. Hayes?"

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, Leon probed carefully, his tone dropping a fraction.

Thinking about how much he had helped me, I simply couldn't bear to reject him. "Sure. The cafeteria it is."

Fifteen minutes later, Leon and I found a window seat with our respective trays of food.

Compared to my simple salad and soup, Leon's plate was loaded with a feast. He was definitely a foodie.

He even made sure to look out for me. "This warm soup is good for hangovers. Have an extra bowl, Dr. Hayes."

Thinking of my embarrassing display last night, I smiled awkwardly. "I'm already sober. Sorry you had to see that."

Leon shot me a glance, a small smile playing on his lips, but didn't say anything.

That reminded me of his two text messages. "By the way, how did you know I got home safely last night?"

Had word about me living in the Riverside Penthouse leaked out?

Leon took a bite of his food. "I called Ferris, and he told me."

Ferris?

When did their relationship get so close?

Perhaps sensing my confusion, Leon stopped chewing for a moment and explained, "Ferris and I went to grade school together. Has he never mentioned it?"

"Grade school?" I was taken aback. Considering they always referred to each other strictly as 'Dr. Sterling' and 'Dr. Lennox,' I never would have guessed they shared that kind of history.

"I guess not," Leon concluded. A trace of doubt flickered in his eyes, but he quickly covered for it. "Well, Ferris has always been strict about keeping his personal and professional lives separate, so not many people at the hospital know."

It made sense that the hospital didn't know, but what about me? I was the woman sharing his bed. I knew absolutely nothing about his close friends or inner circle.

Not even Leon, whom I had interacted with plenty of times.

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