“Or put his framed photo up on the wall.” Lianne was grinning now. “We could use it to recruit more patients.”
“We don’t need more patients.” And certainly no more like Carlyn Monroe. They were more trouble than they were worth. “And if I have to do this, you’re coming in with me,” he said, pointing the chart at Lianne.
“I can’t.” She shrugged, a huge knowing grin on her face. “I have sutures to do in room three.”
“I’ll wait.” Rich raised an eyebrow.
“No can do.” Sara pointed at the list of patients behind her. “Things aren’t as bad as this morning, but all our rooms are full. And it’s a beautiful day out there, so we’re bound to get some accidents in from the beach. We need to get her processed and out of there.”
Rich grimaced. “If I’m not back in ten minutes, send in a search party.”
Lianne laughed. “This is all your fault, remember? If you didn’t keep smiling at patients with those pretty eyes, you wouldn’t be in this position.”
He glanced down at the chart as he walked back toward the treatment area.
Carlyn Monroe. DOB 12-07-88, complaining of left ankle pain.
Okay then. He pushed open the door, steeling himself for the next ten minutes. “Carlyn. This is the third time we’ve seen you this month. What’s up with you now?”
His latest patient looked up, her painted lips curling as he walked toward the gurney where she was waiting for him, her shoes and socks removed, her feet bare.
“Hello Rich.” Her voice was honey-smooth. “I think I twisted my ankle.”
He looked down at her left leg. No obvious signs of swelling or bruising. “How did it happen?”
“I fell down the stairs.” The strong smell of her perfume mingled with the aroma of disinfectant. “I’m such a klutz sometimes. But you know that, right?”
He pulled a stool up and reached for her leg. “I’m just going to feel along the bone gently,” he told her. “Let me know if it hurts.”
“You never hurt me.” Her voice was husky. “Your touch is always too good for that.”
He needed this like he needed a hole in the head. Why the hell had he sent Simon on break?
He moved his fingers around her ankle, feeling for signs of a break or strain. “Did your foot bend under when you fell?”
“I’m not sure.” A half smile pulled at Carlyn’s lips as he moved his fingers up her leg. “I’d just got out of the shower. Naked.”
“I think you’re fine,” he said, releasing his hold on her leg. “If you feel any more pain, pop an Advil and elevate it.”
“Did you feel how smooth my legs are?” Carlyn asked, propping herself up on her elbows so she could look at him better. “I got them waxed yesterday.” Her voice dipped. “I got everything waxed.”
He stood and pushed the stool back to the edge of the room, making a note on her chart. “Okay then, you’re good to go. Be careful on those stairs.”
She ran the tip of her tongue along her bottom lip. “Why don’t you call me anymore?”
Damn. He’d almost made it out of here without having to deal with her. “We went out twice, Carlyn. And that was a year ago. It didn’t work.”
“You need somebody to take care of you.” She sat and swung her legs around, until her feet touched the floor. “We had fun, didn’t we?” Walking across the floor in her bare feet, it was so obvious she was feeling no pain in her ankles. She reached for his arm, curling her fingers around his bicep. “Just one more date? I’ll make it worth your while.”
That was it. Next time either one of the nurses came in with him, or he’d refuse to treat her. God only knew how much her insurance would be billed this year. In the last few months she’d complained about stomach pain, headaches, vision impairment, and hearing loss. Moving onto leg pain was a natural progression.
One thing was for sure. Next time he wouldn’t be the one dealing with it.
“Doctor Martin?” The door to the treatment room opened, and Lianne walked in. “Oh sorry to interupt.” From the expression on her face, she wasn’t sorry at all. She looked from Rich to Carlyn, who was still holding his arm, in no hurry to release him.
“We’d just finished.” He shrugged Carlyn’s hand off. “Can you show Carlyn out?”
“Sure.” Lianne gave him a sympathetic grin. “Come with me, Carlyn.”