“Where’d you go to school?”
“Harvard.”
“You lie.”
I huff out a laugh. “Why would I lie?” Meg winces, and her hand wraps around her soft stomach. I kick the stool with the back of my knees when I stand. I stick my head out of the door and call for the nurse. “Bring me an IV right away.”
I don’t wait for an answer. I don’t have to. I rush over to Meg’s side, hating the fact that she’s in pain. I normally can separate myself from this sort of thing but right now it’s like I’m feeling it with her. “You’ll be fine.” I say, resting my hand on her shoulder. “Once you have some fluids in you, you’ll start to feel much better.”
“Dammit, it hurts.” Meg winces, her face scrunched in pain. She places her hand on top of mine and we sit there until the nurse comes in with the equipment.
“I’ve got it from here, Doctor Armstrong.” I nod my head and clear the path, though it’s the last thing I want to do. I want to sit here with her until the pain subsides. I want to see the moment the light returns to her gorgeous blue eyes. I don’t realize I’m still standing there, staring at her until the nurse’s voice gives me a jolt. “Doctor Armstrong?”
“I’ll be in my office. Please let me know the second Miss Sweet starts feeling better.” I turn on my heel and head down the hall. A horrible thought occurs to me. What if it isn’t Miss Sweet? What if she’s married. I didn’t check her chart for that.
I close my office door and head to my desk. My office chair squeaks, supporting my weight. I run a hand through my hair and allow myself to breathe. If she’s married, I’ll die. There’s no doubt that she’s put an instant trance on me. Nothing in my life has ever felt this strong. The desire to possess her, to hold her and care for her and make sure that all of her days are nothing but pure unadulterated joy.
A smile plays on my lips. “The universe doesn’t work like that.” There’s no way this woman would’ve walked into my life if she wasn’t destined to be mine. I’ve lived in this town for most of my life, and now I know that part of the reason I came back here was to meet her.
Christ, you sound crazy.
I don’t know how long I sit there catching up on paperwork, but it’s long enough to lose myself. When the nurse comes to my door and knocks, it gives me a little scare. “Miss Sweet is feeling much better, doctor. I think she’s ready to go home.”
“Wonderful!” The words are barely out of my lips before I’m out of my chair and heading back down the hall toward her. My heart races with excitement, and to think I almost left early tonight.
My knuckles rap against the door and when I peer in there’s another woman sitting with Meg. Similar facial structure, but a totally different style, I’d call it Goth but the kids these days call it Emo, I think?
Meg looks up at me, eyes sparkling with life. “You look—”Beautiful.“Better.”
“Thanks.” Her voice takes on a tougher tone, a one-eighty from before. “Who knew dehydration could be so painful?” I raise my hand. “Doesn’t count,” she smiles and it lights up the room. “You’re a doctor…from Harvard. Way to name drop.”
“Um, you asked.”
“I know.” Her long lashes bat against her full cheeks, now a subtle shade of crimson. I shake off any notion that she might actually be flirting with me. Obviously, it must be the fluids that brought color to her cheeks. “I really do feel better. In fact, I’m ready to go home.”
My heart sinks. Of course she is. What did you think you’d keep her here all night? A delicious thought, indeed. “You’re free to go home, Miss Sweet.”
“Pssht.” Her sister helps her down off the table. “Call me Meg. My last name is so weird.”
“I think it’s—”
“Don’t say it—”
“Sweet.” I tease. She crumples her face but her smile remains.
“Thanks for fixing me up.” She extends her hand. “I promise I’m not always this much of a wuss.” When our skin touches, a burst of electricity shoots up my arm. All I can do is huff out a little laugh. This woman has me tongue tied. “See you around, Doc.”
The two Sweet sisters head to the front reception area, but it’s Meg who shoots me one last glance over her shoulder before both of them turn the corner, out of sight.
3
Meg
My sister Emmiwon’t leave my office. “It must be something in the water out here.” She pops her gum before taking a sip of her coffee. I wince, knowing that combo can’t taste good. “The men out here run big and sexy as hell.”
“I take it you’re referring to Dr. Armstrong.” I don’t look up from my paperwork, mainly because that would give away the heat rising to my cheeks.
“Duh, Meg. The only doctor I’ve ever seen look like that was on a TV show.”