Page 20 of The Wrong Husband
Her expression turns cautious. "Why is that?"
"Because you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met."
She flushes and her eyes grow wide, then she tosses her head. "It’s just gratitude for having stitched you up that’s kicking in." She pulls a tablet from her pocket, and her fingers fly over the surface. “You're going to need to use a prophylactic antibiotic. A prescription has been sent to the hospital pharmacy. You can pick it up there. Make sure you apply it daily until the wound is healed.”
She pockets the device, hooks her stethoscope around her neck, then looks around, no doubt, searching for the flashlight.
Then she gives up and levels me with a calm, clinical, no-nonsense look. One I’m coming to classify as her 'doctor’ look.
A look which amps up the pulse in my chest…and in my wrists…and in my balls.I might have a doctor kink I was unaware of—but only when it comes to her.
“Now that we havethatout of the way…” She folds her arms across her chest. “Are you going to tell me why this is the second time I’m seeing you in such a short period of time?”
“I absolutely intend to.” I lean forward until I’m peering into her eyes. “Over dinner.”
“Dinner?” She blinks, the surprise evident on her face. But she doesn’t step back. Which means, she’s not averse to the idea.Yes! I can work with that.
Then she tosses her head. “That’s very forward of you, isn’t it? I barely know you.”
“Have dinner with me, and I’ll tell you everything you want to know, including…why you’re going to marry me.”
She bursts out laughing. “That’s some ego you have.”
The mirth in her voice makes me smile.It’s not ego. It’s the truth.As she’s going to find out.
She pivots and moves toward the curtains drawn around the cubicle.
I should let her go, but after weeks of having watched her from a distance, we’re in the same room, and I can’t do it. I snake out my hand and wrap my fingers around her wrist. "Would it help if I said please?”
She stiffens, then stares down at my fingers, before looking up at me. "You’re overstepping the doctor-patient relationship."
"You’ve treated my wounds; that relationship is now over." I hold onto her for a few seconds more. Then, I slowly retract my hand. "You also haven’t told me your first name.”
Of course, I know her name, but I feel compelled to keep up appearances…for now.
She heads to the curtains, pulls them aside, then turns to look at me over her shoulder. There’s challenge in her eyes. “I’m not looking to date anyone right now.”
8
Connor
Classified Internal File: Case Study – Phoenix Hamilton
Alias:“The Doctor”Doc
Objective: Surveillance and Protection per Directive J.H.
ENTRY 2
•Name: Phoenix Hamilton
Age: 26 years—would have trained straight through medical school, likely in her second year of foundation or early specialty training, to become a junior doctor in the ER so quickly.
