Page 101 of Doctor's Bossy Match
I pause near the back of the room, trying to look casual, eyes scanning the crowd for Brant.I don’t see him.Maybe he already left.Maybe he couldn’t stand the wait.It makes me worry.
Conversations hush, and all eyes turn to the front.
My dad stands at the podium, wearing a dark suit, crisp and commanding, the kind that says he was born for this spotlight.I cross my arms, forcing myself to stay neutral and focused and not let my brain drift to Brant as I listen.
He surveys the room like he owns it, which, in some ways, he does.The hospital is as much a legacy as it is a workplace to him.
“Good evening,” he begins.“Tonight marks something far more meaningful than a simple ribbon-cutting.This pediatrics ward is a symbol of growth, not just for Pulse Point Medical Center, but for this entire community.”
A wave of polite applause rolls through the crowd.I glance around at all the proud faces.Scarlet’s mom wipes a tear discreetly at the corner of her eye.It hits me hard, and I choke up myself.
“We built this not to impress cities larger than ours or compete with hospitals that run on billion-dollar funding.”My dad continues, “We built this for the parent or guardian who shouldn’t have to drive three hours when the child requires a specialist.For the grandparents raising grandkids who deserve access to state-of-the-art care right here, where they live.”
Applause again, but longer this time.I feel a tug in my chest I wasn’t expecting.His speeches always hit.
“We’ve had a lot of bright minds contribute to this ward,” he says, looking across the crowd.“From dedicated nurses to relentless administrators, visionary architects to generous donors.And of course, the physicians who show up every day and go above and beyond, not just in medicine, but in heart.”
I know who he’s referring to, but he doesn’t say names.Probably to keep it professional.Still, my gaze drifts, involuntarily, toward where Brant had been earlier.He’s not in the crowd.My pulse kicks up a notch.
“And in that spirit, I know many of you are wondering about the Chief of Pediatrics position.Let me address that briefly,” he says, and the room collectively leans in.Oh God, Brant’s name is going to be announced, and he isn’t even here.
He straightens.“The decision is not made yet.While we’re nearing the end of the selection process, there are still a few final steps we’re asking our top candidates to complete.I understand the anticipation, and I assure you, we’re just as eager to name the right person.But when it comes to leadership, we don’t rush.We choose right.”This is definitely about Brant.
There’s another round of clapping, but I can feel the ripple of curiosity running through the staff.Everyone wants to know who the frontrunner is.I already know.And I also know how hard he’s worked for it.
“I’ll close with this,” my dad says.“This hospital has always stood for more than just medicine.We stand for people and the community.And this ward is just the beginning of what Pulse Point Medical Center will become.Thank you, all of you, for being a part of it.”
With that, he steps away from the mic.The applause grows louder.
I clap too, but my hands feel heavy.My throat is tight.
He deserves the title.No one’s earned it more than Brant.
And if my dad knew about us, he might take it all away, or worse… He would be disappointed in us for lying and sneaking around.
As the speech ends and the crowd begins to scatter, I make my quiet exit.Scarlet catches my arm just before I reach the doors.
She’s leaving too.
We exchange a single look.She knows exactly where I’m going.And I know I’ll be telling her everything tomorrow.
“Goodnight,” I say softly.
She nods, smiling.“You too.”
Oh, I will.
I slip outside, nerves tingling, lips still swollen from his kiss, and the thought of what’s waiting for me stealing every ounce of hesitation I have left.
I step out into the night air, heels clicking against the ground as I make my way to the car.The cool breeze rushes over my skin, teasing along my bare legs in my dress.My fingers shake slightly as I unlock the door, not from the cold, but from anticipation.
By the time I reach Brant’s place, my pulse is already racing.I barely register the drive over, except for the aching need that’s been building ever since he whispered in my ear at the party.
His porch light flicks on before I even knock.
The door swings open, and he’s standing there in his suit.Looking every bit polished, except his hair’s now a little messy, like he’s been running his hands through it, and for once, I want to be the reason it’s like that.
Neither of us says a word.
