Page 3 of Doctor's Surprise Twins

“Oh, Dr. Cole. This is Ally, one of our new externs.” Val takes a step toward him with her right foot, but then she pivots so she’s facing me.

I force a tight smile as I raise my right hand and wave. “It’s nice to officially meet you, sir.”

He frowns as he looks over at me. “It’s a pleasure.” His voice is thick, deep, and emotionless. He steps to the right, putting a little space between him and Val. He turns to the far shelfand riffles around. “I trust you’ve given our new nurse here my number in case of an emergency?”

“Oh.” Val tucks her hands behind her back and stands a little taller. “I haven’t yet, but I will.”

“Be sure that you do. That goes for all new nurses, externs, and interns. Understand?” He glances over his shoulder and catches my gaze. The moment our eyes lock, his move down my body like he’s drinking me in.

More than just my face is burning now. A pool of liquid-fire forms in the pit of my stomach.

I couldn’t tell earlier, but now that we’re face to face, I notice that his eyes are an icy blue that cuts right through you. The lightness of his eyes is a dramatic contrast next to his hair and skin. With high cheekbones, a narrow nose, and plump, curvy lips, he’s almost godlike.

“I understand.” Val cuts through the intensity in the room. Am I the only one who can feel it? “Ally was born and raised here in the city, Dr. Cole. She’s enrolled at Chicago U. You gave a speech there last year for the graduating seniors, right?”

“That’s correct, I did,” he replies, grabbing a box of latex gloves. He turns to face us now. “It’s a great school that offers good programs. How do you like it?”

I feel put on the spot, even though this is just small talk, and I’m a well-educated woman. I should be able to do this. I swallow over the lump in my throat. “I love it. I’ve had nothing but great experiences.”

“Good to hear. Tell Professor Atkins that I look forward to catching up with him once he gets back from his trip to Rome.”

“I’ll do that. He leaves in a few days, and he’s already training his sub.” I smile. “I already can’t wait for him to get back.” He chuckles, and the deep sound sinks into my belly and causes a tingling.

“I’ve never met a person who didn’t love him and his class.” He steps toward the door. “I should get back to work. I hope you both enjoy your day.”

Val’s brows are arched high, and her eyes are wide as she looks at me with a grin.

“What? Was I awkward? Did I say something weird?”

She laughs as she walks over to me. “No! He loved you.”

I snort. “What? No, he didn’t. We had idle chit-chat. I’m sure he does that with everyone.”

“No, he doesn’t,” she argues.

I lean against the shelf as she drops back to continue her count. “What do you mean?”

“He doesn’t do small talk. For him to talk to you like that, he likes you. I’ve never seen him that friendly with anyone.”

I don’t want to give it much thought because if I do, I’ll overthink the whole situation. “Maybe we just caught him in a good mood. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’s just a one-off. He’ll be yelling at me like he was yelling at Taylor in no time at all.”

She laughs. “Yeah, you’re probably right,” she says.

She’s got me wondering, though, Does he like me? Did we have a connection? If we do, what does that mean?

A connection doesn’t have to be sexual, does it?

Maybe he just sees something in me, and maybe him taking to me so quickly is the universe telling me that I’m right where I need to be.

I’m already picturing a future of working here after I graduate, and Dr. Cole as my mentor. With him guiding me, I could climb the ladder, leading to promotions that could set me up for life.

All I really want is security and a life where I don’t have to worry about making rent every month.

“Eighty-nine.” Val pulls me from my thoughts.

I write the number and check my watch. “What do you say we break for lunch?”

She checks her watch. “Good idea. Meet you back here in an hour?”

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