Page 25 of Doctor's Bossy Match
I shake my head.“And why wouldn’t she?You’re not giving her a reason to stay.”
“I didn’t give her mother one either,” he admits, almost under his breath.Regret flickers across his face.He probably didn’t mean to say that aloud.
“She’s not her mother,” I say gently.“This is your second chance.Don’t waste it.”A smile tugs at my lips before I can stop it.“Honestly, Regan’s so much like you, it’s terrifying.”
His mouth twitches.“Why do you say that?”
“Smart.Focused.Hard-working.Stubborn as hell when she thinks she’s right.”
He arches an eyebrow.“You do realize I’m your boss?”
“Believe me, I’m aware.I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop… I wanted to update you on a case, and I heard voices.But blame my conscience or my niece, I couldn’t ignore how you spoke to Regan or the look on her face afterward.”
He leans back in his chair and exhales a long breath.“I hate to admit it, but you’re right.I should be trying.I just don’t know where to start.I don’t know what we have in common anymore.”
“I bet that doesn’t even matter.”
He goes still, blinking slowly, like the idea hadn’t occurred to him before.
“Thanks,” he says finally.“For calling me out.I’ll… work on it.”
I stand, a strange lightness settling in my chest.As I walk out of his office, I find myself thinking of Regan again.And somehow, it doesn’t feel like a burden.
Chapter 10
Regan
Thenextday,Ituck my hands into the pockets of my scrubs, pulse picking up, not from nerves, but from anticipation.
The hallway a few steps away brings the best kind of surprise.
Scarlet.
She stands just outside the pediatric wing, chatting quietly with one of the nurses.Her hair’s tied back today, sleek and neat, and she’s wearing a green cardigan over a white blouse.Dusty’s at her side, holding on to her leg like a shy shadow.
The moment she spots me, her face lights up.
“There you are,” she says.“I’m so happy to see you.”
My smile stretches wider.“You too.And I get to see you both during the checkup.Double win.”
She chuckles, shifting her purse from one arm to the other so she can hold Dusty’s hand.“You’ll get to see my professional side.Try not to be too impressed.”
“Impossible,” I murmur.
She ignores that, mostly.“How’s it going anyway?”
“I’m enjoying myself,” I say, adjusting my ID badge as I fall into step beside her.“There’ve been a few typical cases, some that make your heart hurt more than you’d like, but I love this.Always have.And I can see the difference we’re making.”
I hesitate for a beat before adding, “I understand if you don’t want me in for Dusty’s case.If it’s a conflict of interest or makes you feel uncomfortable, just say the word.”
Scarlet stops walking and grabs my arm gently, her expression serious.“No.Please.I want you in there.You’re my best friend, and I honestly feel lucky to have you here in real life as a support instead of our usual on the phone chats.Dusty too, right?”
Dusty peeks out from behind her leg, eyes wide, and gives a shy shake of his head, confirming he doesn’t mind.
I offer him a wink.“Alright then.Just wanted to make sure.”
Scarlet smiles, lowering her hand from Dusty’s back.“I’ll let you know how I go during the checkup.But having you here?It feels like extra support while Greer is working.”
