Dane's POV
The busy work day drains every bit of strength from me. My head throbs, my body aches, and all I want is to collapse into sleep. The elevator dings softly, announcing my floor. I unlock the apartment door, step inside, and pause. Silence.
"Jimmy?" My voice echoes faintly in the stillness.
No answer. I frown, pull out my phone, and dial his number. It rings before he finally picks up.
"Dane, I'm sorry," Jimmy says, his voice tired but gentle. "An urgent patient came in. I'll be late tonight. Eat dinner and get some rest, okay?"
I sigh, my lips pressing into a thin line. "Okay."
The call ends. I sink onto the sofa, exhaling deeply. Winter may be beautiful outside—the chill air, the snow that makes the city glow like glass—but inside me, my mood is heavy. I close my eyes. Life is good, quiet, stable… living like this with someone who feels like family. But something gnaws at me.
