Rosa’s mind went blank for a moment. Her body was shaking from the cold, and the sudden warmth felt good. She didn’t push away the man holding her. And when she heard his voice, relief washed over her—he wasn’t some stranger.
“Rosa!” he said, breathless. “What are you doing here? And why are you wet and sitting on the road like this?”
His tone was a mix of annoyance and worry, the kind only someone who truly cared would have.
Rosa pulled back, blinking up at Dr. DeLuca, who was looking at her with absolute concern. Seeing the confusion in her eyes, he quickly explained, “I got the message that your application was rejected. I tried calling you, but your phone was switched off. Lucy said she hadn’t heard from you either, so I got worried and came looking for you.”
His eyes darkened with
