Page 10 of Doctor Charmer

I fold the papers and stuff them into the rear pocket of my pants. “What’s that?”

She wraps the drawstring of her plastic bag around her wrist and lets it dangle. It swings from her movement like a pendulum, and I wait for her response. She doesn’t rush a response, instead using silence and time to let the anticipation build. “Where would the fun be in me telling? I’ll be around the hospital for the next few days. Let’s see if you’re interested enough to find out.”

She steps around me but stops at the doorway. “Now, are you going to lead me to Griffin’s room, or do I need to flirt with the next doctor to find out what I need?”

She reminds me of her name. Is this something she does? All talk. I’m not sure what to make of it. But I do know she’s gotten my attention. And it’s been some time since any woman has done that.

“To your left. If you’re still unsteady on your feet, I can hold your hand.” I dip the line in a gravelly, sexy tone that can’t be mistaken for anything other than what I mean. She may flirt a lot, but at the end of the day, I charm. I’ve been out of this part of the game for a minute, but it’s got to be just like riding a bike, right?

She laughs. “If Eastport is anything like Stapleton County, it lives on rumors and gossip. Aren’t you concerned to be walking the halls holding the hand of your patient?”

I step to her, sliding my hand into hers and leading her out of the room. “If you knew me, you’d know I never let a rule stop mefrom doing something I want. And second, as of a minute ago, you are no longer my patient.”

I pull her down the hall and ignore the side-eye I receive from Nurse Reynolds. “So it begins,” she giggles next to me, giving a quick nod to Nurse Reynolds. “I’m going to have so much fun ruining your reputation.”

I scoff. If she knew anything about me, she’d realize how difficult a challenge that would be. My reputation is a mile wide and a mountain deep, solidified over the last dozen years. She may be attracted to me, or she might just be flirting with me to pass the time. But in either case, I doubt there is anything she can do in the next few days to change how nearly everyone in the hospital sees me.

“Yeah, good luck with that.” Years ago, I might have been foolish enough to think someone like her could enter my world and fall madly, deeply for me at first sight. Not anymore. We have chemistry. I am intrigued by her. I still don’t get an accurate read on her, whether this is her flirts-a-lot persona or something more.

I’m in no rush. I’m not going anywhere. And apparently, neither is she, at least for the next couple of days.

She tugs on my arm and straightens it to press her cheek against my shoulder for a quick second. “Aww,” she purrs like a kitten looking for a tender scratch. Her move is quick, over in less than two seconds. But it’s long enough to leave an impression. Two more seconds and I might’ve rewarded her with a head scratch. Two seconds after that, I might have pressed my lips to the top of her head.

She’s good. The younger version of me would have been just like her gift shop errand guy, bowing down at her feet, ready to feed her grapes.

“Thank you for taking care of me, Dr. Morgan.” She bats her eyes up at me, and I realize that younger version of me still exists deep inside.

“I’m no longer your doctor. Reggie will do.”

She tilts her neck and purses her lips into an air-kiss.

Her silly move causes me to chuckle. “You are so freaking adorable.”

“I was going for irresistible, but I’ll take adorable.” She squeezes my hand tight. “I’ll lead you to irresistible. Will you follow?”

She releases my hand and paces ahead of me like the femme fatale she is. She doesn’t give me a choice.

Where she leads, I follow.

Chapter Seven

Ivy

My feet pause outside the exam room. Reggie stands two inches behind me, the warmth of his breath on the back of my neck.

“He’s on pain meds. May be groggy—don’t be surprised if he’s disoriented. We’re monitoring him closely.”

I nod and reach for the curtain, Reggie’s words from earlier echoing in my head.We got you, all of you.

I’m responsible for Griffin, Dahlia, Chelsea, all of them. And they’re injured because I pushed for this trip. Convinced them all to give up their winter break to play in a holiday tournament.

I’m next to Griffin’s bed in two strides, my heart racing at the sight of him. He’s dressed in a standard-issue hospital gown, his face clean, freshly scrubbed, his signature shaggy brown hair hanging across his forehead. On anyone else, the black and purple bruises would have me concerned, but with him, I know the girls will find it just another attractive feature on his handsome face. With his eyes closed, he looks peaceful.

I glance over my shoulder at Dr. Morgan, who has taken up position by the entranceway. He nods consent for me to touch him, and I do. I rest my hand on Griffin’s forearm. “Griff?” I call him by his nickname, the one every girl on the team teases when they want to extract a smirk from him.

His eyes snap open as if I’ve woken him from a deep dream. His eyes flash wide with a look of confusion that disappears the moment he takes me in. “Coach? Are you…?”

“I’m fine. I’m more concerned about you.” I slip my hand into his and give him a tight squeeze. He struggles to push up on his elbows, his face tightening in discomfort even with the pain meds. I turn to Reggie to question whether he should be experiencing this.

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