Page 41 of Doctor Charmer

“Good morning to you too,” I joke, enjoying having her in my space. A comfort and a treat I’ve not enjoyed in a very long time.

“A thousand sweet kisses,” she says and presses her lips to my cheek. “That’s my goal today.”

I would shake my head at her claim, but we probably shared half that many last night. It was nearly four in the morning by the time my head hit my pillow.

I reach for her, my hand at the back of her neck. I steal a hungry kiss lathered in desire. “And a hundred not-so-sweet ones.”

“I like the way you think.” Her smile melts my heart, and I can’t believe she’s here. She steps around me and steals a strip of bacon from the serving tray, and I nod toward the coffee waiting for her on the counter.

“A girl could get used to this.” She grabs the coffee mug and presses her backside to the counter, facing me. “Your mattress was like sleeping on a cloud. You’re making it difficult for me to return to the hotel.”

Since she provides the opening, I run with it. “Griffin should be released in a few days.” She nibbles on another piece of bacon, her eyes begging me to complete my thought. “I’m suspended and could use some company.”

“Are you asking me to shack up with you, Dr. Charmer?” She presses her hands to her chest, eyes wide with amusement. “I do declare,” she jokes. I finish scrambling the eggs and scoop them onto the serving plate next to the bacon.

I start to give her a smart retort, a charming remark worthy of my name. But I stop myself, Angie’s words ringing in my head. “I’d like you to stay. I like having you here.” I share my truth, my heart’s desire.

She slips her coffee cup to the countertop, her arm around my waist. She presses her cheek into my chest, and I wrap an arm around her. “Are you sure? One night is one thing. This…”

“Is what I want. That is if you want the same.”

She presses her chin to my center chest, looking up. She tips up and kisses my chin, a quick peck. “I think I’d like that.”

“Me too.”

She spins out of my hug and scoops up the plate in one hand and her coffee in the other, leading me to my dining room table.

“Since we’re having a serious conversation, can we address the elephant in the room?”

I nod. “The suspension.”

“Yes.”

“It’ll be history in sixteen hours,” I say with confidence I shouldn’t. “I’ll handle it.”

“You’re going to sign?”

I shake my head. “I can’t.”

“You won’t.”

I nod. The difference is important.

“I don’t know hospital politics. Are they bluffing? Can you lose your job over this?”

“Dr. Riggs doesn’t bluff. If HR tells him I’m in noncompliance, he will fire me.”

She takes a long, slow sip of her coffee, and I suspect I know what is coming next. “Reggie. I spent the night at your house. Slept in your bed. I’m sitting here half-naked. You say this isn’t about you being in a relationship with someone. Help me understand.”

She’s right. I’ve been so focused on not compromising my position that I’ve not considered the compromises she’s making. She’s here. She trusts me. “You’re right, I’m sorry.” I take a long exhale. “No one knows what I’m about to tell you.”

“Not even your bestie, Dr. Angie?” She’s smart. Observant.

“No one,” I repeat, and she leans back, blowing out a breath, then mouthing the wordwow.

“Three years ago, I did a three-month volunteer stint overseas. A nonprofit similar to Doctors without Borders.” I begin to unravel a tale I never thought I’d find myself repeating.

“I knew you were a good man,” she whispers so low I realize the words aren’t meant for my ears.

---