Page 29 of The Doctor's Twins

“No thanks. I’ll manage.”

“Okay. Goodnight.”

I left the hospital and drove home. I had an early start the next day, so I caught up on some sleep—a rarity in a doctor's life.

Peyton was at the hospital when I started my rounds early the next morning. She stuck to me like glue while we made rounds, asking questions and making notes. Her face lit up when she was immersed in the details of the patients’ diagnoses. It was wonderful to see the passion she clearly had for the subject matter. Peyton was a smart cookie.

I kept an eye on her those first few weeks. She was there when I arrived, and she was still there when I left late after surgery.

“You’re allowed to go home every now and again, you know,” I said to her when I found her hard at it late one evening.

“I know,” she smiled.

“So, how are you finding the job?” I asked, knowing full well what she would say.

“I’m loving it. A little rusty at times, but I suspect that will pass.”

“You’re doing an excellent job, Peyton. Don’t be too hard on yourself or you’ll take all the fun out of it for me,” I smiled.

“Wouldn’t dream of it, Sir,” she winked. “Oh,” she said when I turned to leave. “Mrs. Riley is showing no signs of consciousness. The poor dear is so old and frail. I hope my family lets me go when I reach her advanced years.”

“Yes, the poor woman’s son is determined to hang onto his mother for as long as possible.”

“I can understand that. I’d hate to lose my mother. But I think that once the quality of life is gone, it’s time to stop resuscitating.”

“Agreed. Perhaps you can have a gentle talk with Mrs. Riley’s son when he visits her next.”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course not. I’ll be there when you tell him. Patients want to see senior doctors. Human nature, I guess. But I’ll leave the talking to you. Are you okay with that?”

“Sure. Thanks, Ben. I’ll make an appointment and let you know.”

“Great job, Peyton.”

I felt good about her appointment. Dr. Taylor had all the makings of an excellent physician. She was only twenty-four, but already other residents and nurses asked her for advice. I could spot a leader a mile off. It was one of the things you learned in the army—spotting a leader.

The more I interacted with Peyton, the more I struggled to get her out of my mind. I had to know who had done her so much harm. But I couldn’t very well ask her straight out, so I’d have to come up with a way to get to know her better. I wanted to ask her out to dinner, but that would have been awkward for her.

Once or twice a year, I’d host a barbeque at my house for the resident doctors under me. It was always very well attended, so I decided that that would be my way in with Peyton. The young doctors seemed to relax and let down their hair in social settings. I could only hope that Peyton would follow suit and let me in just a little so I could learn more about her. If she were with her colleagues, she wouldn’t feel as if I was crowding her.

I sent out the invitations to the team and all but one replied. I guessed I’d have to wait and see if Peyton changed her mind.

I met Owen for a drink after a training session with Dylon, my martial arts instructor.

“How’s your harem?” he chuckled.

“Outstanding, thanks.”

“Lucky bastard.”

“I tell you, Owen, some days I wish I could use my martial arts moves on the partners of some of the women I treat.”

“Why? What happened?”

“Let’s just say some men don’t deserve to be loved.”

“Isn’t that the truth?”

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