Page 23 of Nate

“No. Not this time, but don’t ever let this happen again. Are we clear on this?”

“Yes, sir. I’m sorry.”

Nate sighed. “I know you are. Just do better. You can head back to work.”

“Alright. Thank you.”

Nate nodded as Bart left the room. As he looked toward the door, he frowned, stood up, and walked toward it. He swore when he saw Markie’s medical bag on the floor. He knew she wouldn’t come back for it.

Picking it up, he carried it to his truck. He had to make a trip to town anyway, and he’d just drop it off at the front desk. He didn’t want to see her any more than she wanted to see him.

As he drove into Clifton, he clenched his jaw thinking about what had happened between them. It got out of hand and should never have happened. But, damn, she was so beautiful and once he felt her lips under his, he wanted her then and there.

Shit! He was no better than her step-mother’s husband if he couldn’t keep his hands off her.

“You’re a real dumbass,” he muttered as he pulled into the hospital parking lot. He picked up the bag, then entered the lobby.

“Hi, how can I help you?” the pretty young woman behind the counter asked him.

“I’m just returning this. Mar—Dr. Russell accidently left it behind when she was at the McCallister ranch.” He set the bag on the counter.

“Oh! Let me call her for you.”

“No, ma’am. I’ll just leave it with you. Have a nice day.” He touched his hat and walked out.

As he headed toward his truck, he heard his name and turned to see Markie walking toward him and everything that happened between them hit him like a runaway train.

“Yeah?”

She took a deep breath and continued to him until she was about five feet from him.

“Thank you for bringing my bag back.”

“You’re welcome. I knew you wouldn’t come back for it.” He turned away to head for his truck.

“Nate.”

He sighed, then faced her again. “What is it, Markie?” When she didn’t say anything, he sighed again. “Look, I know you think I’m like your mother’s husband and especially after—”

“No, I don’t. In fact, that’s why I wanted to talk to you. I’m sorry for even thinking that about you.”

“What?”

“Jarrett is a good-looking man who thinks every woman on the planet wants him, and, yes, I did think you were like that because you’re a very handsome man, but I know you’re not like him at all.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’d bet my career if I had said to you no, you would have stopped. I doubt he would.”

“What makes you think I’d take no for an answer?” He folded his arms and stared at her.

Markie shrugged. “I just do.”

“So, why didn’t you? Say no.”

When she nibbled on her bottom lip, he held back a groan.

“Because I wanted you too. I am attracted to you, Nate, but I thought…”

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