Page 11 of Need Me
“Oh, good. I just cleaned it. I haul a lot of animals around, so it gets a little—” He broke off and pursed his lips for a moment. “Sorry. You don’t want to hear about pet odors. So, how’s Dr. Danforthtoday?”
Brooke rolled her eyes. “Same as always. I swear, that man lives just to annoy the shit out of me. It’s not just the chart problem, he’s disrespectful towards the nurses. Acts like we’re beneath him, you know? Unfortunately, a lot of doctors still think thatway.”
Robert nodded and took a right onto the highway. “Yeah. Kate’s just the opposite. She treats our techs like gold because they free up so much of her time. Doctors should worship nurses because they do so many of the things that doctors don’t or won’t. And some nurses know just as much as doctors do just because they have so much on the job experience. I’m glad you got that promotion. You deservedit.”
His insights were refreshing. “Do you knowsomething?”
“Hmm?”
“You’re one of the few people I know who’s made that statement,” shereplied.
“Whichstatement?”
“About nurses having just as much knowledge asdoctors.”
Robert glanced at her. “Really?”
“Really,” Brooke confirmed. “A lot of society still sees us as women in starched uniforms, emptying bedpans and taking temperatures. They don’t have a problem with women doctors, but people still think that it’s weird for a man to be anurse.”
Robert shook his head. “People place too much importance on gender roles. I mean, look at me. Before meeting Kate, I was a personal assistant to a couple bosses. It’s not traditional for men to be secretaries, and I’ve been made fun of. So, I can imagine what male nurses must gothrough.”
“No one should make fun of you for that,” Brooke said. “You’re obviously very good at it. Kate always says that she wouldn’t know what she’d do withoutyou.”
“Damn straight. She’d better say that. I’ve always worked hard to make myself indispensable,” he said. “I love working with Kate and I don’t have any big aspirations. If we run that practice together until we retire, that’ll be just fine with me. I love the animals and the other employees are cool to work with, for the most part. I’m perfectly content where I am. It leaves me time to be part of the mountain rescue teamtoo.”
The uncertain look he cast her way puzzled Brooke. “Being happy in your work is great. I feel the same way. I thought about going to medical school when I was younger, but I like being a nurse too much. I love being in the ER, too. Sure, it’s stressful and some of the nurses and doctors are aggravating, but I love helping people. I’m not worried about climbing any ladders,either.”
Relief flickered across his features, making Brooke even more curious. However, she didn’t comment on it, instead steering the conversation to their mutual friends. Brooke’s best friend since forever, Emily married her childhood friend Tyler, the rich investment banker. Brooke already knew Ric, Emily’s older brother who had the good sense to marry Kate, Rob’sboss.
Tyler, Ric, Chase, Emily and Brooke all grew up in Coopers Creek. The shared history gave her plenty of stories to tell Robert about his boss’s husbandRic.
They spent the remainder of the ride to the restaurant laughing about the way Chase drove Anna crazy with all his hovering, and how Tyler still hated his niece Hayley’s biological father, Simon Bodine. Simon had never been around while Hayley was growing up. Tyler’s sister died shortly after Hayley was born, and when Hayley’s grandmother died Tyler ended up becoming Hayley’s guardian. The fact Hayley’s father, Simon, had suddenly returned to Coopers Creek didn’t sit well with the millionaire investment banker. Whynow?
When they arrived at Easterman’s, a sophisticated establishment that combined fine cuisine with dancing, Robert once again treated her like a perfect gentleman. He helped her out of the car, gave the keys to the valet, and escorted her inside like the hero in a Victoriannovel.
A hostess led them to a cozy little booth that was partially hidden from others by pretty screens. Robert motioned for Brooke to slide in first and then joined her as the hostess gave themmenus.
When she left, Brooke said, “I’ve never been here before. Haveyou?”
* * *
Robert slida little closer to her. “No, but I’ve heard that it’s a greatplace.”
A piano played softly, providing romantic background music. Candles burned on the tables and the lighting was dimmed, adding an intimateambiance.
“I asked Emily if she knew whether you’d ever come here. I was glad when she said youhadn’t.”
Brooke stopped reading her menu to look at him. “Why?”
Ignoring the way his stomach tightened, he replied, “Because I thought it would be nice to share something newtogether.”
The delighted smile that curved her mouth and made her eyes light up mesmerized him. “That’s the sweetest thing a man has said to me in a longtime.”
Be cool, be cool.“Well, I mean it. Would you like somewine?”
“I’d lovesome.”
Robert’s nerves settled down as they ordered dinner and talked. They discussed a wide variety of topics, but especially cats, which surprised Robert. Brooke might call her cat a monster, but he saw how much she lovedBuster.
