Page 27 of Doctor Frost

Dalton frowned. “I request your help because you are a fucking exceptional nurse. No other reason.”

I felt my cheeks heat at his admission. “I know. She was referring to a conversation we’d had before anything happened between us, but I know Connie. She is great at twisting situations and words around. The things she’s made up…”

“You don’t need to explain. I’ve heard,” Dalton said, taking my hand in his. “You also need to stand up to her.”

“I don’t know. She’s my boss.” I shrugged, worried how this could turn out. “She is the head RN.”

“Who could be viewed as harassing you. Especially if she is making things up about your personal life, which in turn is affecting your work life.”

I knew Dalton was right, but I also worried what would happen if she reported us to human resources. However, since we hadn’t made our situation public, we could just deny it and it would go away. They may watch us for a while, but not forever.

“Just hold your ground, okay? She is your boss at the hospital, but also remember I am as well. Just remember that.”

I nodded and welcomed his lips to mine.

The next morning,I walked through Eastport Mall trying to find a Christmas gift for Claire and Tommy. I’d picked a couple of ideas off their lists with Dalton’s help, and since it was my day off, I figured today was a good day to find something.

I stood inside the toy store singing along to “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” when I heard someone call my name. I turned around to see Connie. Irritation filled me as she approached me with a smile. I swallowed hard as I smiled back.

“Hey, Connie,” I said, doing my best to focus on finding exactly what action figure it was Tommy had asked for.

“So, what are you doing here?” she questioned.

I gave her a questioning look, wondering why she was so interested in why I was here, and she let out a little laugh. “What do you mean?” I asked.

“Well, what I mean is this is a toy store, and you don’t have kids.”

I took in a deep breath as I picked up a box I was certain was the correct toy and began looking it over. “Shopping for a friend,” I bit out.

“You realize I’m not stupid. There is word floating around the hospital that has me a little concerned.”

“Oh? What would that be?” I said, picking up another box and giving it a once-over, trying not to react to what she was saying.

“That you and Dalton are seeing one another?”

“Is that so?” I questioned, doing my best to keep my composure.

“Yes.”

“Well, people have their lines crossed because we are nothing more than friends, Connie,” I said, putting the box back on the shelf, continuing to look at the other ones.

“You realize I see how you two look at one another?”

I picked up the next box. “How would that be?”

“Don’t pretend you don’t know. Plus, I’ve never seen Dalton recommend anyone, yet he has recommended you time and time again.”

“Perhaps it’s because he thinks I’m good at my job. Did that thought cross your mind?”

Connie studied me, saying nothing, but wore this small smirk.

“What?” I questioned.

“That’s it isn’t it. I’m correct. You’re seeing him.”

“No.”

“Yes, you are. You don’t lie well. Plus, if you knew he thought you were good at your job, it wouldn’t have shocked you the day I told you about him recommending you. You yourself know what he is like to work for. Which leads me to believe that is why he was recommending you to begin with. Because the two of you are together.”

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