All Chapters of BENEATH THE SURFACE : When fire meets ice : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Jason stepped into the dimly lit hallway of Bella's apartment building, his footsteps light but purposeful. As he unlocked the door and stepped inside, a mix of anticipation and nervous energy swirled in his stomach. He had invited Vincent over for a drink, a gesture that felt like both an escape and a step toward something more. Bella was out for the evening, spending time with Tracy, which left him alone to finally address the emotions that had been building up over the last few days. The kiss that had caught him off guard, the unspoken tension between him and Vincent, it all felt so much bigger now. When Vincent stood at the door, it wasn’t exactly the reunion he had hoped for. The cool night air clung to Vincent’s jacket as he stepped inside, his posture guarded. Jason closed the door behind him, sensing that whatever was about to unfold wasn’t going to be simple. “You really do live here, huh?” Vincent remarked, looking around the cozy, yet empty space. Jason chuckled, moving

Jason leaned against the doorframe of Vincent’s office, his smug grin making itself at home. Vincent, seated behind his desk, was consumed by a stack of patient files, his brows knitted in the kind of deep concentration that Jason found both cute and maddening. The intensity in Vincent’s expression made Jason’s chest tighten in a way that scared him just a little, but he wasn’t ready to unpack that yet. “You have been staring at that file for ten minutes, Vinny,” Jason teased, his voice light and teasing. Vincent’s head shot up, his glare cold enough to freeze a lesser man. “It’s Dr. Maloney to you, Miller.” Jason chuckled, undeterred by the frosty reception. He sauntered into the office and perched himself on the edge of Vincent’s desk. “Relax, Doc. You’re wound tighter than a clock. Need some help?” “No,” Vincent said curtly, not even looking up. Jason crossed his arms, adopting a mock-serious expression. Too bad, because I’m not helping unless you kiss me. Vincent’s han

Bella adjusted her scrubs as she walked into the hospital break room, still giggling from her coffee meeting with Lucas. Tracy had been too much, hinting at matchmaking and accidental run-ins, but Bella couldn’t deny that Lucas was... fascinating. Tracy, predictably, was already in the breakroom, sipping her tea like it was a royal affair. She spotted Bella and immediately broke into a grin. Ah, Bella, the star of the day! How was your shift? Did you happen to bump into anyone interesting in the halls? Bella groaned, dropping into a chair. “Please don’t start.” Tracy leaned forward, her eyes glinting with mischief. Come on, Bella. Don’t tell me you did not enjoy our new surgical resident’s charm. Admit it, Lucas has potential. Bella sighed, taking a sip of water. He’s... nice. And polite. But Tracy, I’m not....... “Interested? Sure you’re not.” Tracy waved her hand dismissively. But don’t you think Jason would want you to broaden your horizons a bit? At the mention of Jason, Be

The faint beeping of the heart monitor was the first thing Jason registered as he stirred awake. His body felt heavy, and his throat dry, but the warmth of the room and the gentle talks outside made him feel safe. Blinking against the bright hospital light, he turned his head slightly, spotting Bella sitting by his bedside, her face so concentrated on the orange she was peeling. You are awake, she said softly, sighing in relief as she leaned closer. Barely, Jason replied, offering a weak smile. Though awake enough to catch you stealing my fruit. Bella laughed, handing him a peeled portion. You need to get your strength back, No jokes for now. The door swung open, revealing Tracy with two cups of coffee in hand. Look who’s back from the dead! she exclaimed, placing one cup on the bedside table before leaning in to ruffle Jason’s hair. Thanks for having faith in me, Jason joked, taking the orange slice Bella handed him. We have been your personal cheerleaders, Bella said, her tone

Jason was lounging on the couch, his legs elevated, feeling surprisingly relaxed for someone who had just undergone surgery. The pain was still present but manageable, and with the support of his friends and family, the healing process was moving well. What made him feel even better was the presence of Vincent who was always there, always patient, always by his side. It was a strange feeling, but one he welcomed. After years of unspoken tension and frustration, things between them had finally shifted. The walls that Vincent had built around himself was crumbling, and Jason couldn't be happier. They were finally moving forward, and it felt like everything was falling into place. Jason's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He glanced over, his heart giving a little leap when he saw Bella and Tracy standing in the doorway, both carrying bags of takeout. “Guess who brought food for the world’s best patient?” Tracy said with a playful smile as she walked inside, followe