Page 7 of A Very Grumpy Doctor

“I know.Just trying to be friendly.”

I grind my teeth together.

He smiles, seeming charmed by my grumpy mood.

“Thanks,” I mumble, grabbing my cart and hurrying out of the store.I force myself not to look back at him as I leave, but I don’t make it far before I hear his footsteps racing to catch up to me.

“Where did you park?”he asks.

“I walked here.”

“Walked?Dammit, Alexi.You’re supposed to be resting and taking it easy!”

“It’s three blocks!I’m fine.”

He grumbles something under his breath and takes my elbow, steering me over to a fancy SUV.“I’ll give you a ride home.”

“I’ll be fine!”I insist, but he’s already loading my things into his trunk.

His hand wraps around my waist, and he leads me over to the passenger door.I see several people in town watching us curiously, and I duck my head, slipping into the seat without a fight.

“I thought that would be harder,” Dr.Mercer says as he climbs behind the wheel.

“What?”

“Getting you to agree to the ride.”

“Well, it was agree or explain to the whole town tomorrow that I’m not dating the new doctor.”

“You don’t want to do that?”he asks, looking unsure for a moment.

“No.I prefer to listen to the gossip, not be a part of it.”

He snorts.“Would dating me be so bad?”

“We’re not dating,” I say quickly.

He frowns, glancing at me.“That wasn’t my question.”

“I don’t even know your first name!”

“It’s Hugh.”

“Great.Can we go now, Hugh?”

He nods, backing out of his spot.

“Left here.Then straight for two blocks, then another left,” I tell him.

He follows my directions, and I try not to squirm in my seat as we ride in silence.

“This one is me,” I say, already unbuckling as he pulls to a stop in front of my house.“Thanks for the ride.”

“I’ll help you with your things,” he says, jumping out of his seat before I can argue.

We make quick work of carrying my things in, and I force myself to smile at him.

“Thanks for everything.”