Page 61 of Doctor One Night

Poor Grace. I hope she is going to be okay. I don’t know her well, but I’ve heard enough about her to know she’s a fixture on the OR floor, someone everyone respects and relies on. The thought of her being down with something so serious sends a pang of concern through me for her family and everyone that works with her.

I reach for my phone on the nightstand, checking the time, and see that I missed a text from Carly. She must have sent it when she went in for her shift at seven. I open it, reading quickly.

Going in now. Grace had a heart attack on the floor early this morning. Sounds like it is a shitshow at the hospital. See you later?

I make a mental note to get to the hospital early enough to stop by and see Carly, to get an update on how Grace is doing. I can’t shake the worry that’s settled in my chest, even though I barely know the woman. But I know what it’s like to be surrounded by people who care about you, who rely on you. The thought of someone like that being taken down is unsettling.

With a sigh, I force myself to sit up, running a hand through my hair as I glance around Hunter’s bedroom. The space is neat and orderly, just like the rest of his condo. It’s strange to think that just a few hours ago, we were here together, wrapped up in each other, and now he’s at the hospital, doing what he does best.

I pull myself out of bed, knowing that I need to get moving if I’m going to make it to the hospital on time. But before I go, I take one last look around the room, letting the reality of everything sink in.

Oh, my God. I need to brush my teeth. I can’t imagine that I will have to get all the way home in this state. I need to start traveling with a toothbrush in my bag if we’re going to be having these impromptu spend the night parties.

Being here with Hunter, waking up in his bed—it’s like we’ve crossed some invisible line, like things are starting to shift between us in ways I’m not entirely sure I’m ready for.

But for now, I push those thoughts aside. There’s too much to do, too much to focus on. I gather my things, dressing quickly and quietly as I prepare to leave. The condo is quiet, almost too quiet without Hunter here, and it’s a little lonely, even though I know it’s ridiculous.

As I step out of the bedroom, I make sure everything is in place, just as he left it. I’m about to head out the door when I catch sight of the kitchen, the remains of our dinner still on the counter.

I make a quick decision to clean the kitchen. I don't want him to come home to this mess. A small gesture, but it’s nice to be able to do something for him. Something about the act itself is somehow turning me on.

When I pull the door closed behind me, the lock clicks into place with such finality that it makes my heart flutter just a little. Something about this entire morning, and the night that proceeded it, is like a fairytale.

As I head down the hallway, I shoot a quick text back to Carly, letting her know I’ll be in soon and that I’ll stop by to see her. I need to know how Grace is doing, and I need to see my friend. She's going to lose her shit when I tell her I just sent that text from Hunter’s.

9:57 am

Pulling into the hospital I get a text back from Carly after I asking for an update on Grace. I let her know I was on the way to the hospital.

Come see me!

I park my car in the hospital garage, my mind still replaying the events of last night against the cold glass window with Hunter as I make my way to the OR floor.

There’s about thirty minutes until my meeting, so I’ll stop by and see if there’s any news about Grace.

I step off the elevator and walk toward the OR, the sterile smell of antiseptic and the busy bustle of hospital activity fill the air. I pick up my pace, eager to find out how Grace is doing.

Turning the corner, I spot Carly down the hall, standing outside a patient room, talking to a couple of nurses. I’m about to turn around and head up to my office when I see Hunter walking by, completely covered in his surgical outfit—scrubs, mask, cap, the works.

My heart skips a beat, and my stomach flutters at the sight of him. He looks so different, so focused, and I’m struck by how commanding he seems in this setting, how in his element. His quiet confidence and power enhances his handsome face and incredible body. The body that was all over mine just a few hours ago.

He’s moving quickly, clearly on his way somewhere, but when he spots me, he slows down just enough to walk over. There’s a moment of hesitation, but then his eyes soften, and he gives me a quick smile behind the mask.

“Hey,” he says, his voice muffled by the mask but still warm. Then he pulls it down, leaving it to rest on his chin.

“Hey, you,” I reply, breathless. “How’s Grace?”

He glances around, making sure no one is urgently calling him, and then looks back at me. “She’s stable. It was a close call, but we got to her in time. She’s in the ICU now, and they’re monitoring her closely. I’m heading back in to check on her. I just assisted Hughes on a surgery, unplanned. He’s still in there but I was able to slip out so I can peek in on Grace before my next patient.”

Relief floods through me, and I nod, grateful for the update. “That’s good to hear. I’m glad she’s going to be okay.”

Hunter nods, his eyes lingering on mine for a second longer than necessary. “I’ll keep you in the know.”

“Thanks,” I say, a rush of warmth fills me seeing his concern.

“I trust you found everything you needed at my place? I hated to leave you.” Everything except a spare toothbrush.

“Oh, yes, I was fine. Thank you. Only one thing missing,” I flirt, the words coming out before I can think better of it. He smiles warmly and then puts his hand on my arm.

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