I turn.My dad stands in the doorway, briefcase in hand, speaking in that hospital director tone.
“I was hoping to catch you before I left.”He steps inside.“With us on different shifts, I haven’t had the chance to follow up.”
I nod, trying to act casual, even though my skin is still prickling from nearly kissing Brant.I don’t dare look at him.I bet his face is a blank mask right now.“Yeah.Just started my shift.”
My hands move faster than they need to as I fumble through my bag, pretending to be busy.Anything not to meet my father’s eyes, or worse, Brant’s now cold ones.
“I wanted to make sure you’re okay after the emergency last night,” Dad asks.
I force a smile.“All good.I visited him before I started.”
But the truth is, I’m not irritated that my dad walked in.
I’m wondering how I’ll survive the next twelve hours, pretending I’m not dying to do it again.
I’ve had flings before, all forgettable ones, but this isn’t that.This has electricity.
The thrill of knowing I’ve knocked a control freak like Brant so off balance that he came in his pants like some awkward teenager.It’s honestly kind of sweet.
The thrill of knowing that a resident he barely tolerated a few weeks ago can make a controlled and composed Brant Harrison completely lose himself.
It means something.That’s what makes it different.He feels something too.
The best part?I’m not alone in this.
“Dr.Thomas,” Brant says suddenly, his tone sharp and professional.“Could you do a full round for me?”
I snap to attention, standing a little straighter.I was planning to do the rounds anyway, but catching the look of trust in his eyes isn’t him reprimanding me; it’s him giving me responsibility without supervision.“Of course.”
Dad gives me a pleased nod, completely oblivious to the fact that the man giving me orders has no control when it comes to me.If only he knew.
I grab my pen, stethoscope, and then I head out with a barely contained grin.My pulse is still racing with the secret we’re both keeping.
As I walk away, I glance back over my shoulder.
Brant’s in a sharp navy suit today, tailored to perfection.
I make a mental note to destroy that one next.
My round goes smoothly.I pop in and out of rooms, chatting with kids, asking about what they’re watching, what they’ve made out of paper and stickers, what level they’re on in Minecraft.I listen to parents, take notes, offer updates to moms, reassure a nervous aunt and uncle here, an exhausted dad there.
I think about the job waiting for me back home, the one I said yes to before arriving to Pulse Point.Will it be like this?Will I get to spend time with patients, or will I just be run off my feet, moving through cases as fast as I can?
As I step out into the corridor, that’s when Brant finds me.
“Hey,” he says softly.
I turn as something warm flickers between us.
“Hi,” I whisper back and tilt my head toward the direction of his office.“Everything okay with my dad?”
“Yeah,” he says.“Just his usual check-in.Wanted updates.Also, the new wing’s opening is set for Friday.”
“Really?That’s amazing.”
His face shifts briefly with pride, or is it excitement?It’s so subtle, but it’s there.
“They’re organizing a party for the opening day.”
