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“Who?”
“Poppy. The pharmacist.”
“When did she start working here?” I reach into the glass case for a bottle of water as a chuckle rumbles behind me.
“Are you for real? Probably not long after you did. She’s worked here at least seven or eight years.”
I stop dead in my tracks. “There’s no way.”
“Yes, way. Have you been working under a rock?” He shakes his head mockingly. “You’re ridiculous. You’re so fixated on the next case you’ve probably talked to her a dozen times and didn’t know it. Add to it, you usually have your head buried in your phone… or you’re talking shop to a colleague. Hell, you’ve probably sat next to her in a meeting and didn’t pay any attention.”
Hell, am I that bad?
There’s no way I would’ve been in the same room with that gorgeous creature and not noticed her. “I usually get Frank or Marshall when I call the pharmacy. How could I have missed her all these years? Maybe she only works the evening shift.”
“Yeah. Well, they consider you a pretty big deal around here. There’s probably a sign on the wall over the phone that says to send all of your calls directly to the big dogs.”
“Whatever. I’m not a bigger deal than anyone else.”
Jarod nearly chokes on his sip of water. “Right. That’s why the administration is constantly putting on the heat to get you to take the medical director position.”
He’s not wrong. However, I’ve worked hard to build a solid practice over the last ten years. I know the key to a successful career in medicine is compassion. Long hours and dedication to your craft are one thing, but patients going under the knife want to feel safe. Their concerns need to be validated. I honestly think some of my partners could stand to go back to residency. A lot more is required of a surgeon than an expensive education and a God complex.
“Hi, Dr. Weston,” a giggly blonde dressed in white scrubs greets.
Unlike the previous nurse who said hello, this young woman’s nametag happens to be front and center. “Hi, Brittany.” Her giggles seem to intensify as I walk past her. Good grief. She’s probably my daughter’s age.
“If this is how it’s going to be every time you come to the cafeteria, could you warn me before your next visit?”
“Shut up.” I chuckle. Looking ahead as we make our way to the checkout line, I notice a radiant smile overtake Poppy’s face in response to something the cashier has said.Jesus. She’s luminous.Unless she’s recently dyed her hair blonde, there’s not a doubt in my mind I’ve never seen this dazzling woman before. She outshines everyone else in the room.
At this exact moment, the beauty in question turns, and our eyes connect. An electric current travels at the speed of light from her gaze to mine, my breath catches in my throat as her deep blue irises seem to penetrate right through to my soul.
What the fuck is happening to me?
“Don’t even let your mind go there, man,” Jarod’s voice breaks through the silence, causing my stare to snap to his. “Shewon’t give you the time of day. Not about anything beyond work anyway. Don’t think several of us haven’t tried.”
My brows jump to my hairline at his admission.
“Chill. It was long before I got married. I got shut down faster than a nurse with juicy gossip.” He laughs. “But from what I hear, I’m in good company. So it didn’t hurt my ego as much as it might have otherwise.”
How has grabbing a quick bite to eat before diving into my next case turned into this?
I need to get laid. I’m sure that’s all this is. I’m simply desperate for some female companionship. And Poppy is undeniably beautiful. There’s no question why I or anyone else wouldn’t find her attractive. But I know better than to consider anything with someone I work with. I’ve never slept with a colleague or a patient. Hell, I barely slept with my wife.
My first love has always been my career. Maybe if I’d figured out early on to keep my priorities straight, I’d be vacationing in Jamaica with Camile and my daughters instead of working myself into an early grave.
“Well, hello, Dr. Weston,” a pretty surgical tech I recognize says from the line next to us.
“Good afternoon, Samantha.” I grin. Moving ahead, I scan my items as the cashier smiles, waving me through given there’s no charge for my meal. “I’ll catch you later, Jarod. I’m going to the OR to scrub in after I finish this sandwich.” I inspect it again questioningly, wondering if this is such a good idea.
“See ya, Broadie.”
As I head toward the surgical center, I find Poppy sitting on the other side of the glass at a bistro table in the shade, solely focused on the book before her as she lifts her bottle of lemonade to her pretty red lips. What is she reading? A mystery? A Jane Austen classic?
How is it possible that in seven or eight years I’ve never noticed her? Am I really so focused on my work that I could’ve missed this enchanting creature? Is she married or living with someone? Is that why she turns men away, or is she merely as committed to keeping her work and dating life separate like I am?
And the biggest question… what is it about this mysterious woman that has me so entranced?
