Page 68 of Seduced By a Billionaire

“How do you feel Mr. Fogarty, on a scale of one to ten what is your pain level today?”

“I’d say a three.”

“I’m leaving for the day and had to check on another patient, so I thought I’d stop in to see you on my way out.”

“Thanks Doc.”

“Ms. Palmer, could you join me in the hallway?”

“Sure. See you later Mr. Fogarty.”

As they exited the patient’s room, Andy smiled warmly at Ella and said, “Will you walk me to the stairwell?”

“Yes.”

“I’ve missed you Ella. I’m glad you’re back. Please don’t take this the wrong way…you know how hospitals are, but I have to ask, are you involved with somebody?”

“Not anymore.”

“But you were? The patient you were caring for?”

“It wasn’t like that…”

“I’m not here to judge, I just thought we had something…I thought you were attracted to me. Was I just imagining that it went both ways?”

“No, I was… am attracted to you, it’s just that I don’t date doctors anymore, remember?”

“Only patients…”

Ella winced, “That’s not judging?”

“I’m sorry. I really, really like you, Ella. If you tell me nothing’s going on, I’ll believe you. Please consider letting me take you out. You won’t regret it.”

“Andy lets revisit this another time. I’m having a very bad day. I promise I’ll get back with you.”

“As long as you promise.” He reached out and tenderly brushed a loose tendril of hair from her cheek. That simple act of kindness almost sent her over the edge.

“I’ve got to go; I’m subbing for an aide today and its one of me to ten patients.”

“I’ll check back in with you soon.”

“Bye Andy.”

His eyes were bright, and it seemed like he wanted to say more but stopped himself. “Bye Ella.”

25

Ella was exhausted after running up and down the unit all day caring for ten patients. The ratio of aides to patients sucked. She didn’t know how they did it day after day. Her feet were killing her, and her low back ached after having to do several transfers of larger patients at the end of her long day.

As she turned the corner onto her street, she spied a cherry red sports car sitting in her drive and her heart skipped several beats. Her stomach roiled and she hoped she didn’t throw up. She pulled in and saw Kyle sitting on the top step of her front stoop holding a bouquet of flowers.

Turning off her jeep, she sat there for a minute, taking several calming breaths before getting out to confront her unwelcome guest. His tie was undone and hung loosely around his neck. He had taken off his jacket and unbuttoned his shirt halfway down his chest. His hair was unruly, and he looked tired. She softened for a moment until she recalled the day she had just spent at work, thanks to him.

He stood up, hesitantly offering the flowers, which she ignored. Walking around him she stuck her key in the lock. She went inside leaving the door wide open. He hesitantly stepped inside unsure if it was an invitation or not.

The atmosphere was icy. Ella put her bag down and turned to face Kyle, glaring, with hands on her hips, “Well?”

“Ella why won’t you return my calls?”

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