Page 56 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

“But I could die!”

They go back and forth, with Luke sternly telling Bryan that in no way did he ever mention that the man is dying. I don’t realize it’s Luke’s way of stalling until a security guard named Bert appears, quickly assessing the situation before escorting Bryan out. Bryan attempts another round of threats, but this time, he has no power as Luke accompanies them out and repeatedly shoots down the man’s lies.

When they’re gone, my knees give way and I collapse on the chair, still rattled. I don’t have time to steady myself as Luke is back within seconds, closing the door and striding over toward me.

“Liv, what did he say to you? Can you give me the exact conversation?”

I press my lips together, hesitant about telling him. But the look on his face dares me to lie, and I don’t want to be like Bryan. Still, I go about it slowly, watching as his face turns darker when I recount Bryan’s insults.

Silence fills the room when I’m finished. I play with my hands, unsure how I should go about with my apology for not handling the situation better.

As if he read my mind, Luke gives me a warning look.

“Don’t you dare apologize for that bastard.”

Heat brims in his tone, and I’m alarmed. “Luke, what if he reports you to the heads? And me?”

“He can, but he won’t. The hospital knows how I treat my patients and this isn’t the first time he’s been rude to staff. It’s my word against his.”

“But he donates and can influence?—”

“So do I. And I daresay I donate more and I have more say in the matter.”

A hand cups my cheek, gentler than ever. Concern hums from him now, but maybe it was already there as soon as he entered the room and defended me.

I lean into his touch and sigh. “I don’t know what to say.”

“There’s no need to say anything. Besides, it’s not just about you. I expect professionalism from everyone who works with me, but I also expect common decency from my patients. They don’t get to be rude to the staff under my watch, so they can either look for another doctor or play by my simple rule.”

I shut up, finally realizing that he really does have this handled. Then, it occurs that I should be on my feet and finishing up work, not acting this shaken. But as if he already knows what I’m planning, Luke takes my wrist and keeps me in place.

“Stay. Work can wait.”

I search his gaze, realize he will argue over it, and relent. Then my curiosity wins over. “You’ve encountered patients like him frequently, haven’t you?”

“It comes with the job. Do you want to know my first ugly encounter?”

I nod and listen as he regales me with the story of a patient who almost got him fired when he was still fairly new, then another who made up accusations, only to be proven wrong when surveillance footage was produced. They’re horrible stories, but I can’t deny that they make me feel better as his message cuts across clearly each time: that this isn’t my fault.

By the time he’s done with the stories, I realize that my body is already leaning against him and he’s supporting most of my weight. He doesn’t seem to mind as his arms wrap around me. Awareness comes and I stiffen, but just like before, he keeps me in place.

“Luke, someone might walk in on us. I don’t think this particular position counts as a boss-assistant relationship.”

“It doesn’t.” He holds me tighter, then reluctantly lets me go. I promptly miss his warmth. “I just miss this.”

I shoot him an amused look. “We’ve only had this during one date.”

“For now. Speaking of…Riley’s playdate. Can we have it this weekend?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll let her know you’ll come by.”

“Actually, I was thinking of taking her out.”

“Oh, okay. Is it a whole day thing? I’ll pack her stuff ahead.”

“Actually…it will be a whole weekend thing. And I don’t just mean her. I mean you, too. Us three driving off to unwind.”

I stare at him. “Driving off where exactly?”

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