Page 16 of Doctor's Bossy Match
“That can’t be true,” Dani says.“You’re stable.Smart.You don’t do surgery dances.That’s attractive.”
I chuckle politely.“Well, I appreciate the endorsement.But I’m married to the hospital.It’s a jealous spouse.”
My last relationship ended a few years ago.She wanted more time, more dinners at home, and fewer late-night pages.She didn’t understand the life, the constant pull.Eventually, she packed up and left town.And thinking about it makes me a mix of disappointed and angry.
There’s a moment of silence, and then Connie waves her hand.“You know, if you ever get divorced from medicine, we’ll be here, ready to hang out.”
“Noted.”
I nod once, still smiling.I don’t date co-workers or anyone from the hospital.I can’t allow it to interfere with my duty as a senior doctor… especially now, with the Chief of Pediatrics role in sight.I’ve seen what happens when lines blur.It’s not worth the risk.
I lift my mug like a parting gesture.“Enjoy your break.”
As I step out, I hear them whispering and giggling behind me, and I know they’ll probably read into it.But I meant what I said.
The hospital is the only relationship I have time for.
I need my office, where silence awaits and no one touches my damn creamer.But as I turn the corner toward the admin wing, I slow down.
There’s Dr.Thomas, already in conversation, and beside him is Mason Gould.
Great.
Thomas’s face is lit up, the way it always is when he talks about this new ward expansion.Both Mason and I are gunning for the leadership role.It's the first exciting opportunity in this place in months, and I need it after years of routine and nothingness.
Then Thomas waves toward someone, and Mason turns to follow his gaze.Regan steps out, and I see it clearly: Mason’s hand settling on her lower back as he guides her forward.Her hand brushes his arm in response.And how they’re too familiar and too comfortable with each other bothers me.
Mason’s already competing with me for the promotion, and now he’s got an in with the Thomas family’s child?That’s a strategic advantage I can’t afford to ignore.If she’s already aligned with him, feeding him information or putting in good words…
Regan is smiling, talking animatedly.And she’s yet to smile at me like that.She tosses her dark hair over her shoulder, half up, half down today.That’s distracting.
My jaw clenches.What is that tight feeling in my chest?
Just as I start to retreat behind a column, my foot catches on the edge of a cleaner’s cart.
The world tilts.My coffee flies out of my grip.
I hit the floor with a loud thud, the ceramic mug shattering beside me in a spray of hot, brown liquid.My hands burn.My pride burns worse.
“Fucking hell,” I mutter under my breath, scrambling upright.
Out of the corner of my eye, I can feel their stares.I don’t have to look.Iknowthey saw.I’m expecting pity from Thomas, amusement from Mason, and from Regan?Probably that same smug expression she had when she stole my creamer.
“I’m so sorry,” the cleaner gasps, already bending to help me up.“I didn’t see you coming—”
“It’s fine,” I cut in, holding up a hand.“Not your fault.I wasn’t paying attention.”
More like I was focused on a certain smug resident, and my enemy she’s charming.
“I’ll get this,” I say quickly, crouching to help with the mess.“You don’t need more work because of me.”
“You okay, Dr.Harrison?”Thomas’s voice rings out.
Perfect.Now I get to explain to the hospital director why I just face planted.
Before I can answer, Regan cuts in with her signature sarcasm.“Want me to fix you a fresh cup?Black, splash of creamer, no sugar… unless someone drank it all.”
There’s a smile behind her voice.My head snaps up.She’s standing just to the side, eyes too wide and innocent.Thatlightnessin her tone?It’s not lost on me.
