Page 7 of Storm's Embrace

“It’s a good recommendation, Eli.”

He glanced up from the page and shrugged. “He’s a good kid and deserves the scholarship.”

Eli didn’t fool her. Logan had been one of his first patients when he’d started his practice after relocating to North Alabama from outside Nashville, Tennessee. He was also a young man whose accomplishments—both on and off the football field—Eli took special pride in.

It was because of Logan, Eli had started spending his Friday nights during high school football season on the sidelines assessing player injuries. If memory served her right, after the first few games they’d gained at least another twenty-five patients over the following weeks. She shouldn’t have been surprised. She’d been to a few of the games herself, and Eli was the hot topic of conversation in the stands amongst most of the moms.

“So,” she said, going over to her desk and logging out of her computer, “You and Ms. Bennett have big plans for the weekend.” And there was the most pressing reason she needed to get rid of this sudden, stupid crush. He had a girlfriend.

And not just any girlfriend, but one oftheBennett’s. The family was old money and owned property all over the county—much of it developed into several shopping centers and even a small manufacturing plant.

“No, not this weekend.” He grabbed a pen off her desk and she watched while he scrawled his name at the bottom of the recommendation. It was true what they said about doctors having atrocious handwriting. Seriously, if she didn’t know whose signature it was, she wouldn’t have been able to read it. “Deidre’s out of town with her mother—some kind of shopping trip.” He straightened and focused back on her as he took in a deep breath. “So, how about you? What’s Zoë got planned for you?”

She smiled at the mention of her daughter. “Zoë is spending the weekend at my parents’ house since I…” Heat crept back up her neck while she bent over her desk to fold the letter and put it in the waiting stamped envelope. She would drop it at the post office on her way home.

“Since you what?” He moved close enough that when she straightened he was within her reach.

She cleared her throat. “Since I have a date tonight.”

“Oh.” He stepped away from her, grabbed the back of her chair, and rolled it between them. “It’s Rob, right?” He sure had been clenching his jaw a lot lately.

She nodded and reached down to open her desk drawer and pull out her purse, and then stuck the letter inside. “We’ve got plans to go out to eat and then the late movies.”

“Sounds fun.”

Sure, it sounded fun, but it wasn’t going to be. Rob had been pushing for more from her for the last few weeks. They’d been going out for almost six months and still hadn’t been intimate. In fact, he had barely rounded second base—but not for lack of trying on his part. She enjoyed his company, but there had to be more than just enjoyment before she shared her body with someone.

It also hadn’t helped that more and more she kept thinking of Eli. How was she supposed to be with one man when her mind was on another one? Well, she couldn’t, and she wasn’t going to anymore.

So, while those were their plans, she didn’t see the night ending that way. Because tonight she was breaking if off with him when he got to her house.

To say she wasn’t looking forward to her evening was an understatement.

“Well, I’d better let you leave then so you can get ready,” he said, heading back to his office.

“Wait a minute,” she said, stopping him in his tracks. He turned toward her. “What did you need earlier when youcalled outfor me?”

He gave her a slight grin. “Staples.”

She shook her head and went over to the supply cabinet in the corner, opened it, and grabbed a box.

“Here ya go,” she said, handing it to him—their fingers briefly touching before she pulled hers away. “Now you know where to get them for next time.”

“Yes,” he said, looking down at her. “I know where to look now.”

Okay, she needed to leave, because she was starting to imagine things. That couldn’t be longing she’d just seen cross his face.

“All right,” she said, grabbing her purse and backing away, then waved at him before heading toward her office door. “I’ll see you Monday.”

“See you. Oh, and Miriam.”

She stopped and turned around. “Yes?”

“Next time, feel free to snap if you need to.”

2

Eli wentinto his office and sat hard on his couch.

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