ISAAC MORANO

**10**

Chapter Ten- A Chance of Happiness

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Catherine's shift was over. She let out a long sigh of relief as she clocked out, the weight of the past 24 hours slowly lifting off her shoulders. Her feet ached, and her eyelids felt heavy, but she had made it through.

As she walked out of the hospital, she noticed the sky was beginning to darken, signaling the end of another day. Just as she stepped outside, her phone buzzed with a message from Emma: "Can't wait to celebrate your shift being over! See you soon!"

Catherine smiled, feeling a wave of warmth at the thought of her friends. She headed to her jeep, but before she could get in, Joseph approached her with a steaming cup of coffee.

"Thought you could use this," he said with a grin. "You did great today."

"Thanks, Joseph. I really appreciate it," she replied, taking the coffee and savoring the aroma.

As she took a sip, she noticed Joseph's gaze shift behind her. Curious, she turned to see Isaac leaning against his car, a relaxed but commanding presence in the dim light.

"Hey, Catherine," he called, his voice smooth. "You ready to head home?"

She nodded, surprised but pleased. "Yeah, I'm just about to leave."

Isaac pushed himself off the car and approached, his expression softening as he caught her eye. "I wanted to make sure you were okay after everything. You put in a lot of effort today."

Catherine felt a flutter in her chest at his concern. "I'm fine, just tired. But I'm glad it's over."

"Let's get you home, then," he said, offering her a ride.

She hesitated for a moment but then nodded, grateful for the company. As they drove off, she felt a sense of comfort in his presence, grateful that he was there to help her unwind after a long day.

As they drove through the city, the lights twinkling against the night sky, Catherine took a moment to gather her thoughts. The warmth of the coffee in her hands was comforting, but it was Isaac's presence that felt particularly soothing after the hectic shift.

"How was the rest of your day?" she asked, breaking the silence.

Isaac glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "Busy, but I managed. The usual meetings, some planning. You know how it goes."

Catherine nodded, but her curiosity was piqued. "Anything exciting?"

"Just the usual business," he replied cryptically, a slight smile playing on his lips. She could sense there was more beneath the surface, but she didn't want to pry.

They arrived at her apartment, and as she stepped out of the car, she noticed how the tension from earlier seemed to fade. Isaac walked her to her door, the night air cool and refreshing.

"Thanks for the ride," Catherine said, turning to face him. "And for checking in on me."

"Of course. I like to know how you're doing," he said, his gaze steady. There was a softness in his eyes that made her heart flutter again.

Catherine felt a blush creeping up her cheeks. "You know, I didn't expect you to be so... attentive."

He chuckled lightly. "What can I say? I care about the people close to me. And you've become important to me, Catherine."

Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, the world around them faded. She could feel the chemistry between them, an unspoken connection that seemed to deepen with every interaction.