Page 79 of Secret Baby for Dr. Grump

“Thanks, Rose.”

I’m more excited than nervous, which is why I’m practically flying through the steps leading to his office on the upper floor. I check my phone on the way. Luke hasn’t texted since last night when he confirmed that he will be flying home today after staying to monitor his patient the whole weekend.

I can’t wait to see him again and tell him the good news…two good news, hopefully, if what I think James is about to tell me is right.

Well, three good news if I count how I want to talk to him about my feelings, but the last one depends on his reaction.

Keep calm.

The words wash over me like a balm, reminding me that things fall into place when the time is right. When I enter James’s office, my smile is bright and perky, ready to receive his news with a grateful thank you.

But as soon as he spots me, he doesn’t smile at all. Instead, James flicks a glance at me before he gestures at the seat in front of his desk.

“Come in, Miss Davis. Take a seat.”

Weird. James is friendly with everyone, even the newbies that he has no reason to be friendly with. He also calls most of us by our first names.

Wondering if he’s in a bad mood, I keep my smile in place.

“Good morning, Dr. Sanders. Rose said you called for me?”

He nods, still not looking at me. He opens a drawer beside him, takes something out, and spreads it all over the desk without a word.

And now he looks at me, expression watchful and frown deep.

I wish I could say I look back, but my eyes are already busy on the desk, taking in every little thing I see spread out before me. At first, it doesn’t make sense…and then it does. Horror washes over me when I see the printed photos of two figures in a tight embrace, two figures caught in an intimate stance…two figures kissing so heatedly that even the camera can’t hide the passion brimming from the action.

It’s grainy and dark except for the porch lights, but there’s no mistaking who the faces are. There’s no mistaking that the figures are kissing in the car—two shadows locked in a compromising position that sends me reeling.

“Dr. Sanders…”

He clears his throat.

“Based on your expression, I think it’s safe to say you already know who these two figures are. Not that it can be denied, considering there’s a picture of the car’s plate number and the porch number, which happens to be your address. Your faces are also pretty clear.”

I finally look up, but only because I can’t bear looking at the photos any longer. It’s like seeing my private and most intimate moments invaded so thoroughly, leaving me raw and open for gutting. James doesn’t look pleased, either.

In fact, he looks like he’s in pain and would rather look anywhere else—anywhere but at me.

“Dr. Sanders, it’s not what you think.”

He raises a brow. “Do you mean to tell me those pictures are just two co-workers—no, boss and assistant—being friendly with each other?”

My stomach churns. I can’t say that. James persists, too.

“And do you mean to say that you and Dr. Jennings aren’t sleeping together, Miss Davis?”

I can lie, but I have a feeling James won’t take it kindly if I do. Still, a multitude of questions fly in my head, starting with one.

“Who took these photos?”

His brows furrow at my question before he waves a hand. “It doesn’t matter who took these photos. What matters is they’ve been handed discreetly to me and not spread all over the internet or this hospital, which I can’t say the same about you and Dr. Jennings. How long has this been going on?”

Seven years.

“Not long. But we knew each other before we met again here.”

Surprise fills him at that revelation. But it doesn’t change his obvious disapproval. I wait for his wrath to show up and for him to throw harsh words at me.

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