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CHAPTERNINE
Charlotte
“This is our second largest location,” I tell Spencer as we walk through the halls of the Calloway practice. I’ve already pointed out the exam rooms, physicians’ offices, and break room. “And this is the meeting room. It’s not as large as the one we have back in Charleston.” I keep my voice professional and devoid of emotion.
I’m very aware of his tall frame next to me. I can feel the heat of his body as his shoulder brushes against mine, but I keep my expression neutral. I refuse to let him see that I’m not as immune to him as I pretend to be.
“How many exam rooms again?” he asks.
“Nine. We usually have up to three physicians each day at this location, depending on vacation schedules and things like that.”
He nods. “How are the numbers as far as visits are concerned?”
I know that he already has this information, but he’s talking about work, and that’s something that I can focus on. I know my job like the back of my hand. This is a good neutral conversation. “Great. We fill every day. We save about thirty percent of our daily visits for acute appointments, and those always fill.” Pushing open the door to the small meeting room, I stand back, letting him pass. His shoulder brushes against my chest as he steps into the room, and I feel that simple graze all the way to the tips of my toes. I knew I should have stepped back, but the sinister part of me, the part that doesn’t despise Spencer as much as I claim to, wanted to feel his body rub against mine, no matter how brief the contact was.
He takes a seat at the small table, and I need to put space between us, so I take the one directly across from him. Not that it keeps my traitorous body from wanting to be close to him, but my mind knows we need to stay away.
“Do you know the percentage of patients that are newborns? What is your policy for new patients and scheduling in new babies from existing families?” he asks, resting his hands on the table.
My eyes move to his wrists that peek out beneath his long-sleeve black button-up. The tattoos that I know cover his entire arms peek through. For a brief moment, I imagine tracing each line of ink with my tongue. A throat clears, and I shake out of my thoughts. My gaze snaps to Spencer’s, who’s looking at me like he might devour me.
“Newborns,” I say, trying to get my mind out of the gutter and back on business. Business is safe. “Yes, we like to see breastfed babies within three days of their release from the hospital and bottle-fed babies within five days.”
“New and existing families?” he asks again.
I nod. “We are open to new patients as long as we accept their insurance.”
“That’s good. Can you get me a list of plans your physicians are currently credentialed under? We’ll need to make sure they all have privileges at our facility for rounds, but we have a team that can help expedite that process with the credentials committee.”
I swallow hard. “So, this is happening?”
He studies me for several long heartbeats before he answers. “I have no concerns yet, but I’ll need to see more. It’s my job to do my due diligence before this deal goes through. It will be my name on the buyout, and if I’m to answer to the board for my final decision, I want to ensure that I know your operations inside and out.”
“Dr. Phillips said you are to have full access to whatever you need to make this deal happen.” I hold my head high, feeling confident in my ability to block out my past with the man sitting across from me.
“That’s good. I’ll be sure to speak to him as well to let him know that I’ll be taking up some of your time in the coming weeks.”
My mouth falls open, and my shoulders stiffen at his words. My belly drops to my toes. “W-What?” I manage to ask.
Those piercing brown eyes hold me captive. “I’m going to need you to assist me with processes, procedures, and reports. I’m sure Dr. Phillips will approve it.”
“He said after today, it was a done deal. That the partners had signed, it was the last portion before you signed, and the deal was done.” My heart begins to race as I digest his words. From the sounds of it, I’ll be working closely with him for the next few weeks.
“That is the last piece, but this is on me, Charlie.” His voice softens when he uses the nickname I’ve repeatedly asked him not to use. If I’m being honest, I’ve never hated him calling me Charlie. Not really. Scolding him was a way to keep him at bay. He was crude in the beginning. Well, he was after our first meeting. But now, he’s different. Not at all what I expected.
“What do you need to make this happen?” My voice is gritty as I ask the question.
“Time with you.” My eyes widen, and he pushes on. “Dr. Phillips assured me that you know the practice inside and out. I didn’t get where I am today by making rash decisions. This is a huge acquisition for the hospital, and even though the board approved the purchase, it’s because I encouraged it. I’m simply using some extra time to ensure I have all the data that I need to make an informed decision.”
I slowly nod because I understand. If I were him, I would do the same thing. “All right,” I concede. “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”
Those chocolate eyes of his flame with something that looks a lot like desire at my words. “How about we head to the Bridgewater location?” he suggests.
“Of course. I’ll meet you outside. I just want to say goodbye to the physicians and staff.”
“I’ll join you.” He stands and moves toward the door, waiting for me to reach him. “After you,” he says and places his hand on the small of my back, leading me out of the meeting room.
His touch burns through my blouse, but I ignore the heat and the tingles that his touch creates. Instead, I quicken my pace to walk ahead of him, causing him to drop his hand. I stop by the front desk and the nurses’ station before checking in with the two physicians we have here today to say goodbye.
