"I'm having a party at my place next weekend. Shay, Henry, you, and me."

"You're on."

He sat back. "When was the last time you checked your shares?"

"I don't know. A week."

"Tripled."

The air left the room.

The dancers disappeared, everything disappeared.

"Richard, that would make you-"

"A stockbroking genius."

On paper, I was three times the man I was yesterday. He'd pulled off a miracle. My brain tried to catch up. "How?"

"An 8 percent NASDAQ surge." He shrugged. "This month saw the highest number of monthly buyback announcements in history."

And on he went, relaying just how he'd taken my investments and made me three times the money I'd entrusted to him.

My thoughts reeled. "How can I repay you?"

"Steak dinner."

And of course he'd also made a nice commission, adding a few million to his portfolio too, but he deserved every cent.

"I'm at a loss for words." I shrugged out of my jacket, the heat getting to me.

"You had faith in me, Cam." He let a moment sit between us. "That's reward enough."

After Richard's dad had brought down Wall Street, Richard had lost every last one of his clients. Except me.

"What can I tell you, Cam? It's in my blood."

"I'm stunned."

"Maybe now you'll let me dance with your girlfriend?"

I shook my head, feigning the ridiculousness of him asking.

"Go have fun," I said. "Thanks again, Richard. I really appreciate what you've done."

Richard's gaze found Mia in the swarm. "She looks happy." He pushed to his feet and headed over.

My phone vibrated again.

Mia and Arianna greeted Richard warmly, and Mia peered through the crowd and signaled for me to join them.

Scarlet scooted over closer. "How's Richard doing?"

"Good."

"Looks like he still has a thing for her," she said softly.

Too softly, but I'd read her lips.

Richard danced close to Mia, their comfort with being close to each other evident by the way they moved well together with the rhythm of old friends. Mia flashed an uneasy glance my way. I grinned back.

I ran through what might be an appropriate reaction should Richard grind against her, which he was very close to doing. But I took into consideration I'd stolen her from him and he'd just added a few million to my portfolio.

Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the gift card and handed it Scarlet. "Happy birthday."

She turned it over. "Cameron, it's too much."

"It's your favorite spa. Now you can get pampered every week, like you deserve."

"For the rest of my life," she said, amused. "Cameron, thank you."

"It's from Mia too." I pulled my phone out of my pocket.

Alert for: Dr. Cole, it repeated, 02:37. Cedars ER. Response requested by Dr. Tavon Pierre. Surgical. Urgent.

Mia, Arianna, and Richard were swallowed up by the crowd.

I gestured to Shay I had to take this. "Tell Mia I'll be right back."

Pushing my way through the throng, I eventually made it to the foyer. Not wanting to have the caller hear me in a nightclub, I stepped outside.

Cold night air hit me with a bitter chill and only then did I realize I'd left my jacket behind. A few more steps and I lingered beside the deserted valet kiosk.

I brought my phone to my ear. "Dr. Cole."

"Dr. Cole," said the familiar chirpy voice of Nurse Saunders. "Sorry to bother you so late, it's Payton. I know you're not on call, but Dr. Pierre needs to talk to you urgently."

"Do you know what the issue is?"

"No, but Dr. Pierre told me to tell you it's urgent."

"Thanks, Payton. How are you?"

"Crazy busy. Just got a multiple MVA. We're slammed."

"Hang in there."

"Hope I didn't wake you?"

"Not at all."

"I'll put you through to Dr. Pierre. Hold on."

"Who's that?" came that familiar timid voice behind me.

I spun round and saw Mia. "Cedars."

"You're not on call."

"No."

"We were just dancing, Cameron," she said.

I narrowed my gaze.

"I love you," she said, her gait unsteady. "You're the most important man in my life. I only want you."

I studied her pupils. "How much have you had to drink?"

"That's not exactly a romantic response."

"How much?"

"Maybe I had a shot."

"Of what?"

"Tequila."

"Arianna bought you a shot?"

"Richard did." She lowered her gaze "He bought one for you. But you'd left. Are you upset with me?"

Running my hand through my hair, along with an appropriate response through my brain, I tried to think of the best way to handle this.

"This is hard for me too," she said.

"Mia, I received a text from Cedars requesting me to call. I stepped out so I could hear."

"Who's Payton?"

"A registered nurse. She was asked to text me by another staff member." I gestured to the building. "My jacket's in there. I'm coming back."

"You gave me permission to dance."

"Cole!" boomed a voice through the phone.

"Tavon?" I raised a hand for Mia to be quiet.

"I'm worried about Richard," Mia whispered.

"One second." Resting my forefinger on my lips, I again insisted she was quiet. "Hey Tavon, everything okay?"

"Yeah, I need to talk to you," he said. "Can't say too much on the phone. When are you in next?"

"How about my office?"

"I need to see you sooner."

Mia rested her hands on her hips. My thoughts drifted to Richard and I wondered what kind of conversation they'd just had. Heartbreak and booze were a dangerous mix.

"Cole?" said Tavon. "You there?"

His voice sounded raw.

I needed to focus. Walking away from Mia, I stood beneath the green awning. "I'm listening."

"I think I'm having a panic attack."

"What caused it?"

"Lost a patient."

"What are your symptoms?"

"I still have his blood on my sleeve."

A wave of dread. "From a procedure?"

"Yes."

"Where are you, Tavon?"

"ICU."

"Your symptoms?"

"I feel like shit."

Mia neared me, smiling broadly, and poked my stomach to get my attention.

I held my hand over the phone. "Mia, this is important."

She froze, her eyes wide. "Do you still love me?" she slurred.

I reached for her, spun her around, and cupped my hand over her mouth playfully, pulling her back to my chest and holding her tight to control her.

She wiggled in my arms and brushed against my groin.