“I forgot.” I closed my eyes and thought hard about what I wanted. I had somehow found myself way over my head with Heath, and I wanted out. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, either, but that might be too much to wish for.
When my eyes fluttered open, I saw that Tim was watching me. He was standing very close. My breath hitched. He leaned down and pulled me to him at the same time his lips landed on mine. I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around his neck, losing myself in him. We kissed like that for several moments, and just as things were about to really heat up, Sabine walked out.
“That’s what I thought,” she said.
I whirled around, but Tim and I didn’t have time to pull apart.
She laughed. “You two look so guilty. Just enjoy. You are young.”
“But Aunt Sabine…”
She held up a hand. “Continue.” She winked at us and went back inside.
I pulled back from Tim. “This can’t keep happening,” I hissed at him, more frustrated with myself than him. It was unfair to take it out on him, but that’s what was happening.
“Why?” He ran his thumb over my jawline and down my neck. I shivered. “You’re cold,” he said reaching for his jacket only to realize he wasn’t wearing one.
I wasn’t cold. I just wanted him. I took several steps away from him. “Look, even if I wasn’t with Heath, you and I aren’t going to happen.”
He went a little pale. “Because I was an idiot?”
“Yes.”
He nodded and looked away. “I get it.” He started to say something else, but we were interrupted again.
Jack Crenshaw walked out on the deck. “Hey, Tim. Hey, Natalie.”
We both greeted our town mayor, everyone’s favorite doctor, and Carrie’s dad. “Mr. Crenshaw, I didn’t even know you were here,” I said. I could’ve sworn I hadn’t seen him at dinner.
“Oh, I wasn’t here for dinner. Diane just sent me over with a pumpkin roll since we couldn’t come. And for gosh sakes, call me Jack.”
“She does make a mean pumpkin roll,” Tim said, perking up a little.
“And I wanted to talk to you about something, Natalie.”
Tim moved towards the door, but leaned in and whispered, “We’re not done, Nat,” in my ear before he went in.
“I heard through the grapevine that you have several opportunities when your contract is up at the hospital.”
“Yes, I have a few,” I admitted, wondering where he was going with this.
“I guess I’m here to throw my hat in the ring.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Oh?”
“My practice can’t afford another doctor. The town is growing, though, and there’s too much work for just me and the other two doctors. We’re looking to take on a physician’s assistant in the new year. You’re currently the surgeon’s first assistant, right?”
I nodded. First assistants were typically physician’s assistants or nurse practitioners.
I hadn’t even thought of an option like that. I liked working at the hospital, but I missed the daily interaction with patients. Most of the patients I saw were unconscious on the surgery table. My mind was racing through the possibilities, not thinking of how long I’d been quiet.
“Listen, I knew it was a long shot.” He gave me a big smile. He was the nicest guy in our town. “You take care, sweetheart.” He stepped towards me and gave me a quick hug.
“Wait… I was only quiet because I was thinking.” I looked at him. “My contract runs through the end of May.”
“The other doctors and I agreed that we’d wait for the right candidate. And we all think that’s you.”
I was incredibly flattered—and I was interested in the job. Very interested. “Can I think about it?”
