Page 70 of Doctor's Bossy Match
There’s something comforting about her calmness, like she’s seen this all play out before and already knows we’ll survive it.
I glance at the growing donation pile behind the counter.“Did you want some help sorting these?”
“Oh, you don’t have to.”
“I’ve got the whole day off.I don’t mind.”
She raises an eyebrow but smiles.“Well, if you’re offering… maybe just your own donations.That way, I know who to blame if anything’s wrong.”
I laugh and follow her around the counter.“Deal.”
We spend the next half hour chatting and sorting through the bags.She pauses every so often to tell me where certain items might go or what she plans to price something at.It’s nice getting to know Nancy; she could be a bright light in my dad’s life.
Eventually, I dust my hands off and gather my things.“I’m heading to the library now.”
“Go on, enjoy your day,” Nancy says, waving me out with a fond smile.“And thanks again for the help.”
“Anytime.”
Outside, I wander the sidewalk to the library, walking through the full shelves until I find something that grabs my attention.After checking it out, I grab a takeout coffee and wander down to the park.
Finding a quiet bench near the fountain, I sit and lean back, sipping my coffee as I take a second to look around.From here, I can see the patch of grass where we bumped into Brant and his parents.I don't know how he’s easily wedged himself into every moment of my thoughts, and I wonder if I’m his every waking thought too.
Chapter 24
Regan
Mypalmsslamagainstthe steering wheel.“Damn it.”This is not how my first night shift was supposed to start.I turn the key in the ignition again, hoping for the rev of the engine, but all that follows is a clicking sound.
I glance at my watch.I don’t have time to waste.Raking my hands through my hair, I tug at the ends like that’ll pull a miracle out of thin air.I need to make a decision, and fast.I can’t be late.Not tonight.
With a frustrated breath, I shove the door open, grab my bag, and slam it shut behind me.The noise is too loud in the quiet street.My fingers fumble with my phone.
No nearby rides.Crap.
Of course, the one night I actually need the car, it decides to act up.And of course, I completely forgot that rideshares take longer out here in the suburbs.I try calling Dad first, but he doesn’t pick up, which means he’s probably in a meeting.Then I text Scarlet, but she’s out with Dusty and won’t be back for at least forty minutes.Too late.So here I am, watching the minutes go by, knowing I’m going to be late for my first shift.And Brant is going to notice.I’ll have to figure something out later and call a mechanic during my break, or maybe beg my dad to lend me his car.Even if he’s not on nights, maybe we could swing something.Anything but showing up late and giving Brant a reason to think I’m unprofessional.
When the rideshare finally arrives, I all but throw myself into the backseat.The short car ride is quiet, and when he stops at the hospital entrance, I hand the driver a tip and a quick thank you.
I don’t look back; I’m too busy sprinting.The automatic doors slide open, and Dr.Gould is standing there like he was waiting to greet me.
“Hi,” I say, but keep walking.
“Hey, is everything okay?”He catches me with one hand on my arm to steady me.His warm smile only makes the guilt twist tighter in my gut.
“I’m so late,” I gasp, out of breath.“My car wouldn’t start.”
“You okay?Will you need a ride home?”
Something in the way he says it makes my stomach flutter, and not in a good way.It’s that tight, uncomfortable twist of maybe-too-kind attention.“No, but thanks for the offer.”I shift my bag higher on my shoulder, already inching away.“I really have to go.”
He smirks.“I could take the heat for you.Harrison’s bark’s worse than his bite.”
“I can handle it.Have a good night, Dr.Gould.”
“You too.”He waves as I disappear down the hall.
I head into the bathroom, practically tearing off my clothes in my rush to change.No time for the mirror.No time for anything.Once I’m in my scrubs, I rush out and head for Brant’s office.
