This is a series of one shots based on Pixelberry's Open Heart, featuring Dr. Ethan Ramsey and Dr. Cassie Valentine. The stories follow canon to a certain extent but diverge after book 1. In this AU, there is no trip to the Amazon and no need for a...
Summary: Ethan and Cassie define their status over breakfast, set early in their secret relationship.
Cassie Valentine was up early, and she didn't like it. As a second-year medical resident, she got one day off a week, if she was lucky, to just laze around in bed. She was not a fan of wasting the opportunity to be a sloth.
She wasn't sure what had woken her up or even what time it was, just that she'd rather go back to sleep. Sadly, her senses weren't cooperating, and she was wide awake.
She cocked one ear, but the apartment was silent. Either her roommates were still asleep or were quiet as mice. She thought it was likely both since Sienna was an early riser and quiet to boot.
A lock of blond hair fell across her eyes, and she blew the errant strands away. She briefly wondered if she should get bangs but then remembered she had no patience for the growing-out phase.
Cassie took her phone off the charger and huddled under the covers. She unlocked the screen to catch up on notifications from her news and social media apps. Before she could click on Pictagram, Ethan's name appeared at the top of her screen.
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Still smiling at the exchange—and somewhat bemused by the impromptu date—Cassie shoved the covers aside and grabbed her robe from the foot of the bed. If lucky, she could have first dibs on the shower and the hot water.
It was almost seven-thirty when Cassie got off the T near Ethan's apartment building. She looked up the café address on her phone and started walking. It was a beautiful summer day, and she was glad Ethan had suggested a day out.
She told herself not to read too much into it. They might have known each other for a year, but their romantic relationship was still so new and shiny.
She often rushed in; it was an unfortunate habit. Like when she told Ethan last April that she was in love with him, not knowing if he felt anything more for her than lust.
Well, this time, she would just enjoy the romance and heady feeling of a new relationship. She wouldn't push for more than Ethan was ready to give, even if a small corner of her heart ached to hear those three words.
Lost in thought, Cassie almost passed the café when she heard Ethan calling her name.
"Hey, good morning," she smiled, placing her hands on his arms and stretching on her toes to peck his lips. "Have you been waiting long?"
"Just a few minutes," he said, staring intently at her. "You looked a million miles away."
She chuckled. "Well, it's early, and I haven't had my coffee yet. I'm assuming these amazing croissants come with an excellent roast?"
"Have I ever let you down when it comes to coffee?" he asked, quirking one eyebrow.
"Not yet, but the day's young," she teased as he held the door open for her.
