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“That was work. I had no choice.”

I could work with that excuse. “You don’t have a choice here either. You don’t get that shot and you put your health and your life at risk. Ignore Kristy and tell me about your date with the ballet dancer.” I took the seat to his left while Kristy gave him the much-needed jab.

“Thank you,” he and Kristy answered at the same time.

“All in a day’s work.”

From Tyrone it was another few hours of nonstop running around with patients who used the ER as everyday healthcare because they had no choice, typical auto and drinking accidents, and my personal favorite, DIY injuries. The days were always long, but they were never boring.

But at about the tenth hour, I was ready to drop where I stood and fall into the deepest sleep of my life. “Kristy, tell me you’re on break too.”

She glanced down at her smart watch and shook her head. “My break doesn’t officially start until I’m in line in the cafeteria, so let’s go.”

We took the lesser-known path down to the hospital cafeteria to avoid being seen or roped into something that would inevitably delay our break. The large cafeteria was half full and we each got in line, me to grab a chicken salad and Kristy to get enchiladas, before we met at a table along the wall.

“I feel like I haven’t eaten in days.”

Kristy’s eyebrows shot up. “And you chose a salad? Here, let’s split lunch so I’ll get something healthy, and you get something substantial.”

“You just want to give me more calories,” I joked.

“Oh please, like your body isn’t smoking hot under those hideous scrubs.” She motioned across the table at me. “Those are, what, at least two sizes too big?”

“They’re comfortable,” I answered without revealing they were three sizes too big. You got used to being hit on by drunks in the ER—they’d even hit on Resus Annie, the dummy we used to practice CPR, if they got a chance—still, wearing loose clothing helped as a detractor.

“Tell me about the long-haired hottie you treated today.” She wiggled her brows suggestively and I laughed.

“What long-haired hottie?”

“No, don’t even try it with me. Give me the details. Now.” She had on her stubborn expression that told me I wouldn’t get out of this conversation.

“He was insanely good looking,” I agreed easily because there was no point denying it. “But he was arrogant. And a fighter.”

Kristy laughed. “And we know how much you loathe pugilists,” she said dramatically, making no secret of what she thought about that. “Maybe he was fighting because he was protecting someone else.”

“He tried to give me some crap about it being a box cutter injury, but I wasn’t buying it.” Men who fought, in my opinion, would eventually turn that anger and violence onto the women beside them. I’d seen enough in the ER to spot trouble a mile off. And that long-haired, swaggering hottie was trouble with a capital T.

“Maybe, but I think you’re incredibly biased when it comes to fighters. Some people won’t back down until you show them why it’s a smart move for them.” Her eyes lit with mischief.

“Speaking from personal experience?”

She shrugged. “Maybe I’ve had to throw a fist or two in my life. The point is that sometimes it’s unavoidable and you should cut him some slack.”

“You were eavesdropping!” I said, shocked, and pointed a finger at her.

Kristy grinned. “And what exactly did I overhear, Laura?”

My shoulders slumped at how easily I walked into that trap. “You’re a sneaky bitch.”

“And don’t you forget it. Now, spill.”

I shook my head before I launched into the brief tale of our interaction. “I think he only asked because that’s what men do. Plus, he was trying really hard to hide the pain.” And yeah, that was kind of adorable, but also kind of toxic.

“Or because you’re hot as hell and really good in an emergency.” At my unconvinced look, Kristy groaned her frustration. “Let me guess, you rejected him outright.”

“Of course I did, he was my patient. Also, he was arrogant and probably a fighter. Those are two giant red flags that I’m steering clear of, thank you very much.”

“Not everyone is he who we will never name,” she said, talking about my ex.

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