Charlotte Greene has never been this low. All she has ever dreamed of was a career in medicine, but after one mistake, her career is on the line. Suspended pending an ethics hearing, Charlie needs a distraction. And so does Ethan Ramsey. After faili...
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The sun dawned on Boston ray by ray, slowly illuminating Ethan Ramsey's apartment. It began with a stray beam of light breaking through the barriers of the master bedroom's curtains, the first sign that night had transformed to morning, but soon, the bedroom was enveloped in sunlight and illuminated the two stray souls that had found paradise under the cloak of midnight.
Ethan woke first, unable to ignore the morning light invading his bedroom.
Only a few months ago, the abundant natural light had been his primary attraction to this apartment. With only thin curtains to separate him from the Boston skyline, it was impossible for Ethan to sleep beyond his first alarm, and he lived much of his life under the shroud of twilight. By the time the rest of the world was waking up and making their first cup of coffee, Ethan was already in his office with piles of work to accomplish.
But after leaving Edenbrook, his insufficient defenses were a constant reminder that his life had changed. During his first post-Edenbrook hangover, he'd cursed everything – the sun, the curtains, the window, and himself – but never fixed it. He felt like upgrading his window dressings would be accepting defeat, and Ethan Ramsey was always more than ready to punish himself for perceived misdoings.
This morning, however, as he watched Charlie stir from the overwhelming sunlight, he didn't feel like it would be a defeat to change his bedroom's furnishings. Rather, it felt like a step in a new direction. It felt like he was on the cusp of a new world and different priorities. It felt like... making a place for her in his life.
Ethan's chest constricted at the very thought. He was overwhelmed by how easy it was to welcome her into his life. Despite months of actively opposing her, she'd met the challenge and broken down all of his barriers to claim his heart. He always knew that, when he finally let her in, he could never go back. And now that she was here in his bed, he couldn't fathom keeping her at arm's length ever again.
The idea terrified him.
Until Charlie arrived, Ethan had been a god among men. Medicine was a game, and he always won. He tackled insurmountable obstacles like others approached a crossword puzzle. Personal relationships were insignificant in a life that revolved around his patients. Ethan Ramsey made a deal with the devil, winning success and prestige and losing a life outside of Edenbrook's doors.
And then Charlie happened.
Life brought Ethan Ramsey to his knees, challenging his identity as a curer and rendering him useless to his loved one's suffering. And she was there. Charlie was always there, even when he didn't want her to be. She didn't shy away from his ill temper or steel gaze, and he was acutely aware of how he didn't deserve her.
Ethan watched Charlotte Greene sleep beside him in silent awe. He could now see the tension she'd carried on her shoulders since Mrs. Martinez's death, especially the permanent crinkle between her eyebrows he recognized from his own reflection. Deep in slumber, she seemed almost blissful. Her delicate features were so soft now, and Ethan almost felt as if he was witnessing something too pure for his own eyes. He'd never felt the division between Charlie and Dr. Greene so fiercely as he did this morning. Dr. Greene was weighed down with the responsibility of saving lives and protecting patients, but Charlie was the girl who spent hours cuddling with his dog yesterday. It was a strange sensation to acknowledge the contrast between her personal and professional persona while reconciling these differences into one figure – his Rookie.
