Page 3 of Nanny for the Doctor

After a few more moments of Reed poking and prodding my various injuries, he leans back against the counter in the hospital room.

“Well, you have a concussion and a split lip, but the good news is that I don’t think your ankle is broken. Just sprained.”

“Oh, goodie. I’m so glad it’s just a concussion.” My words are a ridiculously distorted, and I need to remind myself to avoidS’s.

Reed continues to bite back his laugh, and at this point, I’m so embarrassed that I’m considering moving to another state.

“You need to get some rest. I’d like to keep you here for the night for observation. Just a precaution. You’ll be good to go in the morning, most likely. I’ll have a nurse bring you a brace for your ankle. Keep it elevated, and I’ll order some ice packs for the swelling and the head contusion.”

“So, ice and sleep?”

“That’s pretty much it. You can have some Tylenol for the pain as well.” Reed smiles, and even after all this time, my pulse still flutters.

“Any questions for me?”

My concussed brain can only think of one, but thankfully, I still have the sense to stop myself from asking what he looks like under those scrubs.

“Nope.”

“All right. I’ll send someone in with the ice and Tylenol, then check on you later. Get some rest, Mae.”

“Whatever you say, doc.”

Reed leaves, and eventually, after I’ve been given some cold packs and pain meds, I drift into a fitful sleep, my thoughts filling with images of Dr. Finnigan.

* * *

I rememberwhen he came by for a visit, picking up my brother for a trip to Vegas. Reed had just broken up with someone, and I’d heard him mention something about needing to let off some steam.

At the time, I’d just been an awkward teenager, and I couldn’t stop ogling him the entire time he was at my house getting ready with Johnny.

Reed’s always been cute, and it was the first time I’d wanted to sleep with someone who wasn’t just a fantasy from my favorite TV shows.

With his dark hair and light hazel eyes, Reed could’ve been a male model or actor, and I was obsessed as soon as we met. Johnny’s best friend was a hottie, and it didn’t help that he seemed so mature and put together compared to the high school guys my age.

“Don’t give Mom and Dad a hard time while I’m gone, okay? I know you’re thinking about sneaking out with Tori.”

I gawk at my brother. What a buzzkill!

“I am not, and so what if I was? You’re leaving. Go enjoy Vegas.” I roll my eyes at him.

“Mae, you know I’d take you along for the fun if you were older.”

Johnny’s eyes soften, and I can’t help but smile at him.

“I know, I know. The unplanned kid gets the shaft again.” I shrug. “Go have fun.”

“Thanks.” Johnny looks over his shoulder, calling out for Reed. “Hey! Chat with Mae for a sec so I can finish packing.”

“I’m not a baby or need supervision. You don’t have to send your buddy over here to entertain me.”

“On the contrary. I’m sending Reed over so you can entertain him. He needs to get out of his head. He’s thinking about Leslie too much.”

I stand up straighter, adjusting my shirt as Reed walks up. “Whatever.”

My attempt at nonchalant could have been better, and then Reed is standing before me, towering with his six-foot-two height.

“So, Mae, right?”

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