Chapter 15 Allen looked down , his eyes fixed on Matilda's red , full lips . He didn't move , but the heat in his gaze kept rising . 95 $ 5 vouchers Up close , he saw it clearly . In Matilda's teary eyes was a mix of urgency and helpless confusion - like a lost soul . Allen's Adam's apple bobbed hard . " Matilda , you're drunk ." He started to get up , but Matilda lifted her head , and her unique scent drifted over him . She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him against her . Lips touched lips , tangling together , warm and close , like curling up inside a thick shell - safe and comforting . ***** The next morning , Matilda woke up staring at the ceiling , dazed for a moment . ' Didn't I go to Solace Bar to drink ? When did I get back to the hotel ? How did I get back ? ' She sat up and realized her clothes had been changed . Her phone was charging by the bed , and there was a glass of milk on the nightstand . Rubbing her aching temples , she went to the bathroom to freshen up . Hearing movement outside , she stepped out . " Dr. Saunders ? " Allen , who was setting out food, looked over and quickly looked away . " I bought you breakfast . Come eat . " " Thank you . But Dr. Saunders , why are you here ? " She looked completely lost . " Don't you remember ? " Allen asked . Matilda shook her head honestly . Allen's eyes dimmed , his Adam's apple moved slightly , and his voice lowered . " I ran into you drinking at Solace Bar , so I brought you back . " " You knew I was staying here , huh ? " Matilda's eyes widened . " You told me yourself , " Allen said evenly . " What about my clothes ? " Her face turned a little shy . " Room service changed them , " Allen replied directly . Matilda let out a small sigh of relief . Allen's lips curved slightly . " Were you worried I'd take advantage of you ? " 9:16 Mon , Oct 13 Chapter 15 : She felt embarrassed and said lightly , " I was afraid you'd be at a loss ." Yeah , a big loss , ' Allen thought . 95 155 vouchers . Matilda sat across from him and noticed the table was full of her favorites : oatmeal , sandwiches , waffles , and sausage . She asked him to eat with her , but Allen said he'd already eaten . Matilda nodded , her eyes landing on his slightly swollen lips . " Dr. Saunders , are you allergic to something ? " " Why ? " Allen frowned slightly . " Your lips look a little swollen , " she said . Allen was speechless . They weren't just swollen - they still felt a little numb . He looked at her , lips moving , but no words came out . Last night had started by accident . That sudden kiss had caught him off guard , and even now , he was still holding back . Matilda couldn't figure out what he was thinking , but she noticed his ears had turned red . After breakfast , she offered to clear the dishes . Allen had the same thought . They both reached for a small plate at the same time . Her hand caught the plate , while his grabbed her hand . Even in June , her hand was ice cold . Without much strength , her bones felt soft in his grip . Matilda could feel the heat of his palm against her skin , rough calluses on his fingers brushing and prickling her lightly . Surgical instruments alone wouldn't cause calluses like these . She looked up and met his gaze . The quiet stretched for a few seconds before they both let go like nothing had happened . Allen caught the falling plate . " I'll clean up . " Matilda looked uneasy . " Thank you ." Since it was all takeout , " cleaning up " really just meant tossing everything in the trash and carrying it downstairs . Matilda insisted on paying him back for the drinks and breakfast . Allen accepted the money . Before leaving , he asked , " Are you going to keep staying at the hotel ? " Matilda shook her head . " No , I'll go out and look for a place today ." " I think Maple Heights is nice , " Allen said . 9:16 Mon , Oct 13 Chapter 15 A 95 55 vouchers Maple Heights wasn't just nice - it was the most luxurious neighborhood in Itera City . Developed by Horton Group , it had a high - end smart home system by Crossen Technology and sky - high property fees . Matilda already knew all that . She forced a smile . " I'll think about it ." " If you're having money trouble , you can tell me , " Allen said . " Okay , thanks ." Matilda only agreed on the surface . She didn't mention Mr. S giving her money . They weren't close enough for her to share everything . Allen picked up the trash , walked a couple of steps , then stopped and looked back . " Dr. Saunders , is there something else ? " Matilda tilted her head . His eyes lingered on her face . " It's nothing ." He walked toward the door , his steps steady and unhurried , then stopped again and turned . Matilda wasn't vain enough to think he couldn't bear to leave her . She remembered Jolene once saying Allen was so bad with directions that he couldn't even follow GPS . Maybe he really couldn't find his way to the hospital . Nobody was perfect. " I'll walk you out , " Matilda said . It seemed like he'd been waiting for that . He smiled . " Thanks for the trouble ." However , Matilda only meant putting him in a taxi . She told the driver several times that he was headed to Saints International Hospital on Upper Boulevard . The driver joked , " Ma'am , don't worry . I'll get him there safely . I'm not gonna sell him or anything . " Matilda felt embarrassed - that wasn't what she meant at all . Allen lowered his head and laughed quietly , pushing his glasses up by the frames . He really did look like the picture of a gentle , responsible family man . Matilda didn't know what to say . As she closed the car door , Allen's phone rang . She didn't say goodbye and walked back upstairs to her floor , lost in thought . When she looked up , she froze . Someone was standing at her door - tall and straight , shirt tucked neatly into suit pants , broad shoulders , calm and composed . " Dr. Saunders ? " She was stunned to see him again so soon. Allen heard her voice and walked toward her , stopping just an arm's length away . He was so much taller that she had to tilt her head up . 9:16 Mon , Oct 13 Chapter 15 " There's something you should know , so you can be prepared , " Allen said . Matilda's expression grew serious . " Go ahead . " 95 55 vouchers Allen didn't hesitate . " Shelby's running a high fever that won't break . Brandon just took her to Saints . International Hospital ." AD