Page 27 of Doctor Charmer

“One day at a time, I know, but I’m enjoying the hell out of this, whatever it may be. If you are game…”

“I’m game. Remember, I’m the one who burst through the doors and dragged you out of the room.”

“Every woman loves it when their guy goes all caveman on them.” Crap. Did I just saytheir guy?

“Duly noted.” The glint in his eyes lets me know he’s heard me perfectly fine. He reaches in front of him and grabs the cup of hot chocolate. With his other hand, he taps the button on his stereo. “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole streams through the speakers, and Reggie twists, pressing his shoulders to the back of his door. “Come here. Scoot your back to my chest.” Heholds up the hot chocolate, and I do as instructed, adjusting the blanket across my lap.

Back to chest, he hands me the cup and wraps his arms around me tight. We both stare out the side window as snow falls like it’s a movie at the drive-in.

The only thing that would make this moment perfect would be if he’d kiss me. He won’t do it. Not tonight, and I’m okay with it. Because apparently, I have all winter and next spring.

I settle against his chest, and he whispers, “Perfect.”

And he is so right.

It is.

We are.

Chapter Fourteen

Reggie

“You’re in good hands, Claudia.” I make strong eye contact and am rewarded with a quick smile from my latest patient this busy morning. She arrived an hour ago complaining of chest pains, but all the signs point to indigestion. “We’re glad you came in when you did. I’ll be back in a few with the results from the lab.”

I nod, and Nurse Jimenez follows me out of the exam room. “Page Dr. Baron for a cardio consult and keep an eye on her. Let me know when the labs are back.” My feet find their way toward the nurses’ station, and Nurse Reynolds gives me the all-clear sign.

It’s been hectic since I arrived, and this is the first chance for a break. Typically, I’d take a swing through the ER and grab a coffee in the lounge, but all morning, my thoughts were the same: sneak upstairs to spend thirty seconds with Ivy.

“Headed up to five,” I say to Nurse Reynolds, and she gives me a short smirk.

“Say hi to Ivy for me.” My actions aren’t fooling anyone, least of all Nurse Reynolds. It normally takes months for new people to penetrate the giant walls Nurse Reynolds keeps around her. But in a few short days, Ivy was given an all-access pass. I’m not the only one she spun her spell over.

Two minutes later, I’m pushing through the doors to the room like a kid rushing into the Apple Store launch day for their latest iPhone. The optimism I feel deflates when I see Griffin is the only one in the room.

He’s sitting on the side of his bed, his feet swung to the side, inches above the floor, his phone in his hand. “Hey, Doc, looking for Coach?”

Like I said, I’m not fooling anyone.

I let my raised brows respond for me.

“Chelsea was going a little stir-crazy. Coach took her for a spin in a wheelchair. Said something about giving her the hospital tour. Yeah, I think she might have mentioned going to see the Christmas tree.” Griffin waves. “Or something.”

I try to keep the disappointment from my voice. “Thanks.” I turn when Griffin calls out.

“Do you have a quick minute?”

I turn and approach his bed, my arms crossed, wondering if he’s in pain. “You feeling okay?”

He gives me another wave, placing his phone on the bed next to him. “It’s about”—he glances over my shoulder, and I suspect he’s checking to see if we’re alone—“me and Chelsea.”

I bite my tongue and try not to snicker. He is not about to ask me, of all people, for advice.

He lowers his gaze, avoiding my eyes. “My friends are immature jerks, so I thought…”

“You like her?” I rip off the Band-Aid.

He shrugs. “I guess… I kind of do. But she only sees me as a friend.”

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