Page 35 of Healing Hazel

Jim wasn’t certain what to do with his own hand now. What had he been doing with it before? What appeared natural? He put it on his leg but thought it might look strange, so he wove his fingers together, resting them between his knees. That felt strange as well. Where did he usually put his hands?

“Why don’t you call me Hazel?”

Her question caught him off guard, and he looked up, forgetting about his awkward hands that didn’t seem to belong anywhere. “I beg your pardon?”

“You call all the other nurses by their Christian names, but still I am Miss Thornton. Is it because you do not consider me qualified for this position?”

“Of course not.”

“Or... is it because... ?” Her voice trailed off, and she looked back down at her folded hands.

Even in the moonlight Jim could see that her cheeks were pink.

“Is it because... what?” he said, prompting her to continue.

“I apologize, Doctor. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Her voice was strained. She sounded distressed—or perhaps embarrassed. Jim wasn’t about to let this go. “I disagree. Clear communication is essential for people who work closely together. If there is an issue, we should resolve it.”

“Because you do not like me?” Her words came out in a rush, and she didn’t raise her head to see his reaction.

“I...” Jim didn’t know what to say. He stared as his mind fumbled with words.

“I know it sounds childish,” she said. Apparently, now that she’d said it, she was going to finish what she’d begun. “But it’s been apparent ever since I arrived that you disapprove of me.”

“Miss Thornton—”

“I know I’m not entirely trained as a nurse, but I am learning. I borrowed an anatomy book from Camila, and I study every night with the Spanish-to-English dictionary.”

“Miss Thornton—”

“And it bothers you that I keep doing things wrong. I allowed Mikel’s father to stay even though you specifically said that visitors aren’t allowed.”

“Miss Thornton—”

“But I work hard, and I am getting faster at laundry and at replacing bandages and—”

“Hazel.”

The sound of her Christian name stopped her words midsentence. She paused, her mouth still open.

“If I gave you that impression,” Jim said, “it is because I am not a man who communicates emotions well.” He swallowed. “And because I feel completely the opposite.”

She closed her mouth, tipping her head to the side and looking confused as she tried to make sense of what he’d said.

“It is extremely inappropriate, given our particular situation, and of course unprofessional,” Jim continued, feeling both brave and terrified, which should by all reasoning be impossible. “But I am afraid I cannot control it.” His wayward hand reached out and took hers. “I like you very much.” His voice lowered as he leaned closer.

“You do?”

She didn’t pull away her hand, which he took to be a good sign. “I think you are an exceptional nurse, and I am sorry I caused you to doubt it.”

Her lips pinched together in a shy expression. “Shall we agree to dispense with the apologies, Doctor? Between the two of us, we have apologized for everything beneath the heavens this evening.” She glanced down at their joined hands and then looked back at him. “I am fond of you as well.” She leaned the slightest bit toward him.

In the moonlight, Jim could see each of her pale lashes. They glowed, surrounding her blue eyes like rays. Small freckles were on her fair cheeks. He brushed back a strand of hair that had come loose from her cap, his fingers skimming her jaw. He came closer, his pulse pounding as he watched for her reaction.

Hazel moved the slightest bit to rest her cheek against his hand, her eyes closing.

Jim hesitated for only an instant before he kissed her, the soft press of their lips sending a jolt through him like an electric shock. His skin went hot where they touched, his chest expanded, and his thoughts evaporated. All his concerns about the hospital, his doubts, his pain, his loss, all of it faded, and there was nothing but the two of them.

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