The Stalker Between US

Chapter 17

Julia POV

The weeks after their first dinner at Millie’s Place blurred into a busy, exhilarating routine for me. Each morning, I slipped into her nurse’s scrubs and tied my hair back, ready for another shift at St. Mary’s. The work was demanding, but I thrived on the sense of purpose it gave me. My colleagues noticed the new lightness in her my—and the rare, private smiles that played on my lips when I checked my phone during breaks.

Thought it was challenging, we found a way. I couldn’t get Ethan out of my head. We found small pockets of time to see each other, carving out moments in their packed schedules. Sometimes it was just a coffee before my shift or a walk through Central Park after a late dinner. Other nights, he’d pick me up after work, and we would drive out of the city to explore little diners or watch the sunset over the river. Our connection deepened, laughter and easy conversation turning into confessions, shared hopes, and gentle touches.

Our romance was not without its challenges. We both are fiercely dedicated to our work, and I was careful to keep my relationship with Ethan private at first. I didn’t want gossip or professional scrutiny to cast a shadow over what they were building. Ethan respected my boundaries, never overstepping at the hospital and always letting me set the pace.

Still, the intensity between us grew. There were days when I’d would find myself thinking about Ethan during a lull in the nursery, replaying the feel of his hand in mine or the way he looked at me across a crowded room. Sometimes, after a particularly hard shift, I’d find a note from him tucked into my locker—a simple “thinking of you” or a reminder to take care of myself. Ikept those notes folded in my wallet, little tokens of affection in the midst of chaos.

Ethan, for his part, found himself wanting more time with me. Though he’d never admit it, he made excuses to visit St. Mary’s, always careful to keep things professional, but I could see the glint of mischief in his eyes when their paths crossed in the hallway. He was patient, never pushing for more than I was ready to give, but his feelings were obvious in the way he listened to me, remembered the smallest details, and always made me feel seen.