Page 97 of Bloom: Part 1

“Dr. Collier.” He nodded at me and then turned to Bloom. “You’re going to be late for our session if you don’t get a move on. Come along.”

“But we’re not finished talking yet.”

“Didn’t look like talking to me, or did you invent a new language the rest of us don’t know yet?”

I frowned. Damn the man. He had no business scolding Bloom. He might not approve of my relationship with Bloom, but we were well within our rights to be together. He was old enough, and he wasn’t my patient.

“Go with the doctor,” I said to Bloom. “And remember, be good.”

“Until I’m not,” he muttered but hurried after Dr. Simms.

I continued to my office and logged into my computer to check the latest patient files and reports. I was halfway through when a knock sounded on my door.

Bloom? He couldn’t be done with his session already.

“Come in.”

James entered my office, grinning from ear to ear and with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. Groaning, I returned my attention to the screen.

“What do you want?”

“Jeez. Is that any way to talk to the person who helped you get a love life?” He sat on my desk. “Dare I hope you’ll spill the beans? The hospital is buzzing with the news that Dr. Collier—man made of ice—has thawed for the rude boy who’s been terrorizing the staff.” He held up an imaginary mic in front of me. “Do you care to comment?”

“What is this? Did TMZ start a medical branch while I was away? I didn’t realize my love life was headline material.”

James cackled, his rosy cheeks turning a shade deeper as he pressed his palm against his chest in a dramatic fashion.

“TMZ has nothing on the nurses’ station. The rumors they pick up are wild. Word has it you’ve been taking Bloom out on dates.”

“He told you?”

James shook his head and sighed. “Unfortunately, as much as I’ve tried, Bloom doesn’t confide in me or any of us. Someone saw you at the restaurant a few days ago, and someone elseconfirmed you were at the movies. There’s even a picture going around of you doing some heavy kissing in front of your car.”

“Jesus. Is there no privacy in this town?”

“Come on, Doc. You’re the most eligible bachelor in Smoky Vale. Everyone’s invested in who takes you off the market.”

“Is there a reason you’re here, James? And kindly remove your posterior from my desk. Bloom wouldn’t like it.”

James’s mouth fell open, but he got off. “Damn. Bloom really has you whipped, doesn’t he?” He laughed loudly, and I rolled my eyes in response.

“Isn’t there a gunshot victim somewhere you need to take care of?”

“It’s been a quiet two days. Quiet for Smoky Vale, that is. Truth is, I was mostly bored, so I’m here to make up for lost time.”

“James?”

“Hmm?”

“Get out.”

“Fine, I’m going. I was going to share my winnings with you, but now I won’t bother.”

“What winnings?”

“The club had a bet going on Bloom’s love life, whether he’d wear you down. I had my money on Bloom, of course, and he didn’t disappoint.”

I scowled. He should be too ashamed to bring up that bet. Why were so many people invested in my love life anyway? All I wanted was a quiet life with Bloom, free from the prying eyes of our peers. Free from snapping photos that might end up in the wrong hands and ruin everything.

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