Page 97 of Nate

The woman smiled. “I ate there. It has wonderful food, and the atmosphere is great. Let me get the check for you. I’ll be right back.”

Once they got back on the road, Nate saw Markie lean her head back and close her eyes. He smiled, knowing she was as ready to get home as he was.

Chapter Fourteen

Markie smiled when she saw Nate enter her office at the hospital.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” she asked as she pushed her chair back, stood, and walked around the desk to give him a kiss.

“I wanted to see if you wanted to have lunch.”

Markie looked at her watch. “I have fifteen minutes more before lunch.”

“I could wait for you at the diner.”

Markie grinned. “I’d love that. As soon as Tess gets back, I’ll be there.”

“Alright, darlin’.” Nate kissed her lips, then walked from the room.

“Doc Russ?”

Markie looked to see Jodi at the doorway. “Yes?”

“Would you mind picking up a salad for me when you go to lunch?”

“Of course not.”

“Okay. Thank you. Just stop at the counter and I’ll give you the money for it.”

“Will do.”

Twenty minutes later, Tess returned.

“I am so sorry. I got hung up at the pharmacy.”

“It’s fine. Is everything alright?”

“Oh, yeah. Genie has an eye infection. I had to pick up her drops.” Tess laughed. “She’ll justlovethose.”

Markie laughed. “Yeah, I bet. Well, since you’re back, I’m heading for lunch. I’m meeting Nate.”

“That seems to be going well.” Tess smiled.

Markie sighed. “I’m in love with him. Is it too soon?”

“Too soon for what? I fell in love with Sam almost from the minute I set eyes on him, but I couldn’t get involved with him.”

“You’re right. Love doesn’t have a timeline, does it?”

“No, it doesn’t. Go to lunch. I’ll see you when you get back.”

Markie nodded, picked up her purse, walked out of her office and headed toward the lobby. She waved at Jodi, since she was on the phone. She knew she was supposed to stop to get her money, but today’s lunch was on her. Jodi worked her ass off every day, and she deserved a free lunch once in a while.

As she walked along the sidewalk, she came to an abrupt stop when she saw Jarrett across the street, leaning against a street light post. He grinned, pushed off the post, and walked off, disappearing into the crowd. Her hands shook as she tried to find him, but he was gone.

Taking a deep breath, Markie entered the diner, looked around and smiled when she saw Nate sitting at the very end of the counter. She knew why. The place was packed.

After weaving her way through the tables, she finally reached Nate.

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