Page 4 of A Very Grumpy Doctor

I debate bolting out of the room, but before I can make my escape, Doctor Hottie closes the door.

Okay, I guess we’re doing this.

2

Hugh

I’ve beena doctor for a few years, and I thought I’d seen every kind of patient—nervous, stubborn, loud, angry, hypochondriacs.But when I open the door and see the stunning woman fighting to get off the exam table, I know I’ve never met anyone like her.

Closing the door behind me, I glance down at the chart in my hand.

Alexi Monroe.

My heart kicks against my ribcage as I read her name.I look back up at her, trying to ignore my body’s reaction to the curvy beauty.

I glance at her hands and don’t see a ring.Relief fills me, and I frown, studying Ms.Monroe.It’s clear that she has a fever from across the room.My heart hurts as I take in her flushed cheeks, her runny nose, and the dull, pained look in her eyes.

I cross the room, washing my hands and trying to get myself together before I turn back to the women.

“Hi, I’m Dr.Mercer.What brings you in today?”I ask, my eyes roaming over Alexi.

I shake my head slightly as Alexi tries to slide off the table.She glares at me, and I fight a smile.Even sick, she’s giving me sass.I like her stubborn attitude.I like her curvy body even more.

Clearing my throat, I dismiss that thought and move to her side.

“She’s not feeling well,” Alexi’s friend answers, giving my girl a stern look.

“What are your symptoms?”I ask.

“Sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever,” Alexi rattles off, looking impatient.

I nod, my fingers stroking her smooth skin as I feel for her lymph nodes.I look in her throat, her ears, and listen to her breathing.I do it all on autopilot.My brain is focused solely on Alexi—on the perfect cupid’s bow of her lips, the swell of her breasts, and the dip of her waist.

My cock reacts, and I step back, putting some space between us.Alexi seems to relax, and I try not to take it personally.It’s obvious that she doesn’t like doctors.I wonder why as I wrap up the exam and write out her prescription.

“We haven’t seen you here before,” her friend says.

I glance at her, then back to Alexi.“No, I just moved to Wolf Valley.I took over as the head of this clinic.”

What I don’t tell them is that moving here was beginning to feel like a mistake.I was used to big cities, packed waiting rooms, and a pace that never slowed.Wolf Valley felt...small.

Until now.

Until her.

I finish writing the prescription and hand it to Alexi.

“Take one tablet twice a day for the next week.It should help clear the congestion and ease the sore throat.Tylenol will help bring your fever down, but only if you actually rest.”I pin her with my best doctor stare.“No work.Plenty of fluids.Sleep.”

“I’ll make sure she does,” her friend promises.

I nod, but my eyes stay on Alexi.

Every instinct tells me to slip my business card into her hand.Tell her to call me if she’s feeling worse.If the fever climbs.If she has trouble breathing.

Patients call their doctors all the time.

But this isn’t about the fever.