Page 8 of A Very Grumpy Doctor

“Anytime.”He looks around my place curiously.“Call me if you need anything.”

“Yep,” I chirp.

“Alexi,” he growls in warning.

“I will,” I say quietly.

“If you need a ride, call me.You’re going to take it easy for the next few days until you feel better.”

“Got it,” I lie, appeasing him.

He nods once and turns to head out to his car.I watch him climb inside before closing and locking my front door and leaning my back against the wood.

I hate that the first man I’m interested in is a doctor.It seems like some kind of sick joke from the universe.

What am I stressing about?I have a crush on the guy, but so what?It’s not like he’s interested in me or this will go anywhere.

It can’t.Can it?

Taking a deep breath, I push away from the door.

I put my groceries away, grab a box of Kleenex, and go to bed, hoping I don’t run into Dr.Hugh Mercer again anytime soon.

4

Hugh

I can't stop thinkingabout Alexi.All day at work, every other thought is about my girl.How is she feeling?Is she resting, or has she ignored every instruction I gave her?

I wish I had her number.

Yesterday, I nearly gave her mine.I even had my business card halfway out of my pocket before common sense prevailed.She was my patient, and blurring that line was the last thing I wanted.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

Instead, I’m wrapping up at the clinic after another long day, grumpier than I care to admit because it’s been almost twenty-four hours since I last saw her.

“Good night, Dr.Mercer,” Ruth calls from the doorway.

I look up and smile.“Night, Ruth.See you tomorrow.”

She waves and disappears, leaving the clinic quiet.

I finish the last of my charting, then freeze.

Charts.

My gaze drifts toward the computer screen before I can stop it.

Alexi Monroe.

I shouldn’t.

But…doctors follow up with patients all the time.Especially ones who came in looking as miserable as she did.Making sure she’s improving is good patient care.

That’s all this is.A quick courtesy call.If she's feeling better, I’ll wish her well and hang up.

I repeat the lie often enough that it almost sounds convincing.