Page 93 of Doctor’s Forbidden Match

He looks up, and it isn’t that. His expression is almost unbothered. “I don’t really care what they say. We know you’re not a princess.” He glances back at the trailer. “Right, everyone?”

“Damn right,” they call back in unison.

I smile at the solidarity. “How do you feel about it?”

“They can say whatever they want,” Zac says with a shrug, holding the door open for me. “Must be boring at the news desk if all they want to comment on is us.”

His casual use of “us” makes butterflies swarm my belly, but I don’t let it show. Instead, I let him sweep me up, ready to face whatever Dain throws at me.

The filming breaks for lunch, and I make my way back to the trailer, grateful for the hour. My ankle is aching more than I want to admit, and my head isn’t far behind it.

I sink into the chair at the small table, accepting the sandwich Karyn puts in front of me, and pick up my phone.

Brooke’s text is still waiting.

Brooke: Can you text the gossip to me?

I look up at them, my fingers hovering over the screen. I have half an hour before I need to get back in the makeup chair. “I’m going to lie down.”

“We’ll give you some time alone.” Karyn exchanges a glance with the others, her expression softening with concern.

I’m happy they took the bait.

I push myself up from the small table and grab my crutches, tucking them under my arms as I make my way toward the bedroom.

“Did you want us to let Dr. Sterling know?” Karyn asks, pausing near the doorway.

Hearing his name does something that I can’t keep pretending it doesn’t.

“Please.”

I sink down on the bed and kick off my shoe. Propping myself up against the pillows, I tuck one carefully under my ankle, elevating it.

“Call me if you need anything,” Karyn says.

“Will do,” I call back, forcing myself to sound casual.

The moment the door closes, I find Brooke’s number and press call.

“Hey. I thought you couldn’t talk.”

“I said I was having a nap, so they all left.” I swallow down the guilt for lying to them.

“Smart. Well, tell me what’s going on.”

I exhale heavily, sinking deeper into the pillows. “So, I’m starting to have feelings for him.”

“Him being Sexy Sterling?”

“Yeah, him.”

“So, what’s the problem with that?”

My chest tightens. “I can’t. He’s still my doctor for the next few weeks. And when the show wraps, I go back to LA.”

“Yeah, that’s a problem. What’s he say about it?”

“We’ve talked about it. He’s been clear. He won’t cross that line while I’m his patient. His job is already hanging by a thread, Brooke.” I run my hand through my hair, smoothing it. “And then last night happened, and now I’m lying here, and I can’t stop thinking about him.”