Page 27 of The Chance

Genesis Isabella had had a crush on him a few months back, Guthrie thought.

He didn’t like the guy on that principle alone.

Baby sisters were not allowed to havecrushes.

They were for damned sure not allowed to wear big shiny rings provided by a man’s closest friend on the planet.

But Genesis was doing just that. She always had been a little brat. She took after their mother. His daddy said so all the time.

Guthrie stepped into Aubrey’s way. “There you are. I was hoping you’d have time to join me for lunch. It’s cafeteria food, though. I have a consult on a high-risk patient with Dr. Kaur at FCGH in about two hours. Until then, I can be all yours.”

The guy behind her snorted. Guthrie just looked at him. He’d dealt with competition before—and he didn’t like the way the guy was looking at Guthrie’s woman. Guthrie held out his hand.“I don’t believe we’ve ever been introduced. Dr. Guthrie Hiller, head of obstetrics here.”

“Hiller? Genny’s brother?” The man shook Guthrie’s hand, then studied him. “Of course. I see the resemblance.”

“It’s the eyes. They all have them,” Aubrey said, quietly. “Guthrie, this is Tennison Laughlin. He’s a private medical investigator, now on contract with Carrington. He’s helping with…the audits. And the missing reports. Ten, Guthrie is the one who brought it to my attention in the first place.”

“I see. I’ll probably have some questions for you later,” Ten said. “But for now, I am supposed to go meet Caine and his precious and her father over at FCGH to harass his twin brother for something. Aubrey, text me if you need me or have anything to add. I’m always on call for you, you know that. Hiller, nice to meet you. Enjoy…your lunch.”

No. Guthrie didn’t like the way the man smirked at him one bit. Like the guy saw right through him to what he wanted.

Well, Guthrie wanted the woman next to him. No use denying it now.

He coaxed her to the cafeteria, even though she was obviously reluctant. She didn’t relax until Dr. Laird and a trio of nurses joined them at the largest table in the back. They all had questions for Aubrey about how she was doing and how Genny was. Not exactly what Guthrie had intended, but it finally clicked why she was hesitant.

She was the second in charge of the entire hospital. Technically, that made her his boss. A relationship between them was bound to get attention, especially in the early stages. It wouldn’t bother him, but Aubrey…

She hated being talked about. She’d told him that herself.

So that meant even though he wanted to shout from the rooftops that she was the woman he wanted, he would have to be a bit more circumspect than that.

Still, he was there when she was ready to leave. He’d waited around after an emergency C-section for a nine-pound three-ounce boy named Colton Graham. The woman he wanted was right there, coming out of Alvaro’s office when he caught up to her.

“Hello, dear, how was your day?” he asked.

Her big blue eyes widened. Then her lips quirked. That was all he wanted. To make her smile. “Complicated, yet…surprisingly productive. But I still need to find a replacement for Hodges. There are a few possibilities at FCGH I am thinking about luring to our side.”

“Anyone I know?”

“Dr. Anthony Lake, for one. Or a Dr. Samia Coleson. There is also a Dr. Mora Collins at County Gen in Finley Creek.”

“I haven’t met either of the ladies, but…Dr. Anthony Lake almost kicked my butt once.” Guthrie wouldn’t ever forget that day Ronnie’s brothers tried to teach George a lesson about getting their baby sister pregnant at twenty-two. Guthrie had had to protect his brother, after all. “Anthony is a good guy. He’s George’s brother-in-law. Giavonna may or may not have a date with him next week. I am contemplating allowing it, as it would be a just friends thing, I believe—as it should be, as it should be. Detective Lake is his twin.”

“That’s what Caine said. Dr. Lake has been friends with Caine for a few years, too. And…Dr. Coleson is Caine’s cousin, though he doesn’t know her well. But she has a growing reputation for being fast on her feet and good at the job. I’m going to see if either want an interview. Caine said Dr. Coleson has a lot of family at FCGH, and may not be interested.”

“But it doesn’t hurt to try, does it?”

That was going to be Guthrie’s motto. It didn’t hurt to try. “So…what are our plans for dinner tonight, dear? I can take you to the Barratt, if you wish?”

She stopped walking. “I need to spend some time with Ayla tonight, make sure she’s okay. I don’t feel like we have even had five minutes to talk lately. And…I don’t really know where she is right now. Just that she was picked up from the library by Hala and Greer.”

“Gunn was in a few hours ago. Checking on the patient in 118, who is a long-time parishioner. He said Ayla was out at the ranch, entertaining Calvin and his pal Ryan and the puppies. And watching over Genny. Gunn said she was staying for dinner—he is planning on grilling salmon, I think. For the entire family. There will be plenty for the two of us. Or we can do the diner before. All I know is that I am yours for as long as you want me.”

“Sure you are. I’ll give you one thing. You are persistent.”

“You haven’t seen anything yet. So…to the ranch?” He sent her his best, most charming grin—the one his mama said would get him whatever he wanted—and waited. “I’ll show you…the puppies.”

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