Page 28 of Deprivation

“You’re crazy. I think you’re low on carbs, Jess.”

“I think you should get on that, Kat,” Jess whispers.

“Well, we’ve already gotten it on,” I smirk, “in my head,” I giggle as I turn right into the firm, heavenly body of Dr. Barnes.Good lord, how does he always smell so good? As I hesitantly look up, he meets my smirk with his own, looking like the cat that ate the canary. I quickly gather my most professional demeanor. “I apologize, Dr. Barnes. That was terribly unprofessional of me. I shouldn’t talk about Dr. Lee that way,” I explain, trying to cover my lascivious thoughts of the man in front of me.

His face stiffens. “Nice,” he grits out and abruptly walks away.

“Uh, Kat?” Meghan calls.

I turn and notice she’s grinning wildly at me. “I think Dr. Broody might need something stiffer than this to nurse his wounds,” she states, waving a bottle of water at me.

“What’re you talking about now?”

Beaming at me she says, “He brought this for you from the Doctors’ lounge.”

* * *

Finishing the last of my notes, I’m happy I can leave on time today. Sweet Olivia called last night to tell me she was getting her big chance and performing as Glinda inWickedtonight. The actress who’s been playing the role had to attend a funeral and would be away for several days. She’s sending Mac to the ER with my ticket to the show.

As I walk across the parking lot, I notice Mac’s big red truck.

He hops out as he sees me approach and walks toward me with a big smile.

“Hey, Mac, thanks for bringing this.”

“I was happy to do it, Kat. To be honest, I wanted to see if you’d meet me for a drink before the show.”

Um, what?“What do you mean, Mac?” I ask hesitantly.

“Oh, no, Kat. Not like that. I just need to calm my nerves. I’m going to propose to Olivia tonight after her performance.”

I leap at him, engulfing him in a huge hug. I’m so thrilled for my dear friends. I’m shocked he hasn’t asked before now. “Oh, Mac, of course I’ll meet you. I’m so excited for both of you. What a great night!” I suddenly stop, considering for a moment. “Mac, I’ve known you for like twelve years and I don’t know your last name,” I say in shock.

“Ha, it’s Mac. MacDougal, actually. Peter’s my first name, but I tried to avoid that one in high school.”

“Mrs. Olivia MacDougal. Has a nice ring to it.” I hug him again, unable to stop grinning. “Okay, let’s meet at Tarrants. It’s right down the street from the Altria.”

“Good idea. See you at 7:00.”

* * *

Nick

Well, this has been quite the roller coaster of a day. Up one hill and down another. Waking up to a shit hot fantasy of Kat, just to have her rub Sebastian in my face. And after I stupidly walked all the way back to the ER with that water like a love-struck, teenager. It’s bad enough I came to the ER to evaluate that patient at the butt crack of dawn, just to have Sebastian saunter in like a Hollywood celebrity. Then, I leave for the day to meet the rest of the office for an evening get-together, just to get an eye full of Kat hugging some tall blond guy in the parking lot. Man, I can’t keep up with this girl and her entourage.I need to stop thinking about her. Nothing good can come of it.

I pull up at the downtown restaurant Ava decided on and park my car. I’m usually not one for hanging out with co-workers, but Ava works hard, and I’m hoping a night out with the crew will solidify my place in the practice versus continuing to feel like an outsider. I grab the bottle of Pinot Grigio I purchased for Ava’s birthday celebration and head for the door. The hostess greets me with a shy smile and a flip of her hair.Lord, this again.She escorts me to the table of twelve.

“Hey, Dr. Barnes,” I hear in greeting.

As I sit down, I notice one Katarina Kelly standing outside the large front window of the restaurant as the blond from the parking lot approaches.Are you shitting me?They’re both dressed for a night out on the town. Her hair is again up, but in more of a chignon than her earlier style. She’s wearing a black pashmina draped over a stunning Kelly-green silk dress. I sit transfixed as he leans down to, what, kiss her? His face is pressed to her cheek, and then he suddenly steps back and presents a small box.What the fuck?I sit in stunned silence as he flips open the box, and I can see the look of radiant joy cross her face as she takes in the shiny bauble. She immediately throws her arms around him, and I watch as they embrace.

“Dr. Barnes? Did you want to order anything?” I hear Ava ask, quietly, following my stare out the front window.

Chapter Eleven

Six and a Half Years Earlier

Kat

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