Gorgeous.
If not for the self-control I had taken years to develop, I'm sure my mouth would have made contact with the floor. Still…she was here. She was really here and not a figment of my imagination. She looked at me; her eyes seemed to recognize me. I noticed the look of surprise and uncertainty in her eyes.
Does she recognize me?
"Hi," I greeted.
She shook her head negatively, dismissing whatever thought she had and offered me a smile, "Good morning, sir."
"You can have a seat." I motioned to the empty chair opposite me. "You're very early."
"A lady or gentleman always arrives thirty minutes early for an official matter," she replied.
"Rosemary Etiquette School?" I raised a brow.
She raised a brow in return, slightly amused. "Yes. I see you and Ethan attended it."
This was something she must have discussed with him in medical school.
"I was her favorite student," I said with pride.
"So was I," she said. "Although Ethan and I found it stiffling.
I forgot about that. If I had known she had found it stiffling, I wouldn't have fumbled it.
"I see," I said, hoping to end the conversation there. "It's a pleasure to meet you in person Dr. James."
"Just Natasha is fine, Dr. Sullivan."
"Ian is fine. There are three Dr. Sullivans."
It was the second time I had to introduce myself, but to her it would be the first. We talked about her role in my hospital; and although she mentioned that she intended to work at Ethan's, she didn't mind working for me. I didn't like being the second option, but I understood her situation. She just wanted to spend more time next to the man she was in love with.
The man she kissed.
Not Ian Sullivan.
But Ethan.
As I listened to her speak, I couldn't help noticing that what I felt the moment I saw her still hadn't left.
"It's a wonderful place," she uttered as I showed her around.
"I'm glad you like it," I said.
"I must admit, I had no idea you were so involved in plastic surgery. If I had known, I might have just applied here from the get-go," she admitted. "With the kind of tech and medical access you have, it's like a dermatologist's dream."
I was proud as she examined my facilities and praised each part she viewed. I could tell she wasn't saying the words of praise to make me feel good. She genuinely meant it.
"We are expecting a lot of patients. Do you have any experience with plastic surgery?" I asked.
"A little. I'm not perfect, but I'm sure I can handle assisting," she replied.
"I'll look forward to having you on my team then," I said.
"I look forward to it as well," she responded. "Can I get to work immediately?"
"Of course, just meet Isaac and he'd show you to your office," I replied. "I'll walk you there."