Page 28 of The Doctor's Twins

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you.”

I felt better after the call. Ben had the uncanny ability to put me at ease.

Alright, Peyton. Here’s to getting on with life.

9

BEN

Iwas shocked when I saw the damage inside Peyton’s body. From the old bruises she sported, someone had clearly used the poor woman as a punching bag. I never understood the need a man had to hurt a woman physically, especially someone as beautiful as Peyton. Such perfection deserved to be cherished and celebrated, not abused.

I doubted whether she would ever have children. It would take a herculean surgical effort to correct the scarring her miscarriage would leave behind. I did what I could while I operated on her but there would most certainly be more work to do at a later stage.

I checked my wristwatch. It was half an hour before my meeting with her regarding the residency position. My stomach was in a bit of a knot. What was it about Peyton that made me want to scoop her into my arms and never let her stub even one toe?

Come on, Ben. Get a grip. You are her advisor now. Don’t muddy the waters.

I made a few calls to check on my post-operative patients. It must have taken longer than I’d anticipated because a knock at the door told me that Dr. Taylor had arrived for our meeting. I looked up from my paperwork.

“Come in,” I called.

“Dr. Taylor is here to see you.”

“Thanks, Mandy. Please, show her in.”

I’d just closed the files when Peyton walked in, her head high and her back straight. She had such a confident stride. It was hard to imagine anyone bullying her.

“Hi, Peyton. Please, sit down.”

“Hello, Ben.”

“You look well. I take it you’re feeling better.”

“Much. Thanks.”

“Good, then let’s see if we can employ that mind of yours, shall we?”

I discussed the remuneration package with Peyton and gave her a comprehensive rundown of the details of her residency. When we were done, she accompanied me to the hospital where I introduced her to the team she’d be working alongside.

“They seem like a good bunch of people,” she said once we were done.

“They’re a brilliant team. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot from them.”

“I intend to.”

It was time for me to call it a day.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” I said once we were done.

“Thank you again, Ben.”

“Don’t thank me too soon. I’m planning on working you pretty hard, Dr. Taylor,” I grinned.

“I look forward to the challenge.”

“Can I drop you off somewhere?”

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