Page 53 of Dr. Attending

I let my pinky finger graze hers, and somehow, that small gesture is more intimate than any that I’ve ever had in my life. It’s a challenge and a truce wrapped into one beckoning touch.

“It is,” she confirms, turning her head to look at me. “But only because that’s not one of my kinks.”

Suddenly, all of the blood in my body rushes to my cock as I contemplate what her kinks could be. I’ve been spending all of my free time lately going through the resources that Walker sent me, learning about everything from everyday bondage to obscure fetishes. Considering the widespread variety, I doubt I could guess what she’s into off the top of my head . . . but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to try.

Given the way she reacted to having her hands held behind her back, bondage is the first thing that comes to mind, and a teasingcomment is on the tip of my tongue when the charge opens the door to the OR.

“We’re ready for you.”

Caroline instantly stiffens like she’s done something wrong, and I give her finger a reassuring squeeze before shifting into work mode.

“Thanks.” I nod, letting go of the railing and shoving my hands into my pockets. “Let’s rock and roll.”

Normally, when I have a student with me, I let one of the techs take them through proper scrub technique and sterile procedure, especially if it’s their first time in the OR. But with Caroline, I want to be the one to guide her. To teach her. To experience this with her.

I have her watch me scrub, just in case she needs a refresher before she does it on her own. I expect her to sass me, or make some comment about how I think she’s dumb.

But she doesn’t.

She stands with perfect posture beside me, watching intently as I go through my routine.It’s funny because I’ve done this a million times, but this moment feels pivotal. It’s like I’m experiencing the thrill of the OR again for the first time, and that’s all because of the woman with me.

When I finish, Caroline steps up and begins to scrub with flawless technique.

It makes me wish that she could see herself the way I do. How she looks so confident, poised, and glowing beneath the fluorescent lights. How she could already pass as an intern because she’s such a natural. How incredible she’s going to be at this one day.

“Do you want to watch?” I ask, forcing myself to focus on the job I have to do. “Or do you feel up for assisting?”

I hope she chooses the second option, but I don’t want to assume.

As soon as I decided to bring her along, I sent a text to our circulating nurse and specifically asked to have this one solo. Usually, there is either a resident or medical student in the room with me, but I didn’t want anything to take away from this moment with her, regardless of how much she chooses to participate.

Caroline glances at me briefly but continues scrubbing. “You’re gonna walk me through it, right?”

“Of course.”

She’s limited on what she can legally do because of the scope of practice rules, but I want to give her the chance to try anything she’s comfortable with.

Caroline doesn’t hesitate when she responds, “Assist.”

I fight a grin that she can’t see because I have a mask on. “That’s my girl.”

I shouldn’t have said that because it’s the farthest thing from the truth, but I couldn’t help myself. I’m proud of her, and I want her to know that she has me in her corner, even if she doesn’t want me.

To my surprise, she doesn’t correct me, and I swear I can see the crease of a smile that hits her eyes as she silently finishes scrubbing, listening to me explain the basics of an umbilical hernia repair.

As we enter the OR, Caroline makes eye contact with a veteran scrub tech who gives her a funny look.

“Are you sure I’m allowed to be here?”she whispers, her confidence wavering slightly.

I chuckle as the techs help us put on our gowns and gloves. “I thought you agreed to trust me.”

“I did . . .” Her tone is hesitant as she spins around to face me, now fully prepped.

I meet her midnight-blue gaze, trying to read the expression beneath her surgical mask. It’s like she wants to believe that I'm being earnest, but she’s held back by the past.

I lean in, dropping my voice low so that only she can hear me. “Then trust me, princess.”

Caroline’s eyes widen like she’s fighting all of her natural instincts, but she offers me a single nod.

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