Page 20 of Deprived No More

Working quickly, I finish up and walk over to the computer to enter the post-reduction x-ray as Dr. Knight gives the patient the anticipated discharge instructions. “I’ll go and start working on your discharge papers, Mr. Sutter. Thank you for being so patient. I’m glad Dr. Knight could get this fixed for you.”

“Ah, Kat. Don’t beat yourself up. You were the one who got me out of pain. Thank you.”

I can’t help but blush at his statement. It was kind of him to try to reassure me after feeling like a failure. Giving him a slight wave, I step out to start preparing his paperwork when I feel a warm hand on my upper back.

My eyes flick up to meet Dr. Knight’s in surprise. “Thank you.”

“You’re thanking me? Dr. Knight, I feel terrible I had to call you to come in for this.”

“Why? You did your best. We provided a good outcome to the patient. That’s all that matters,” he says as he gives me a panty-melting smile.

I feel flushed for some reason. Jesus. Is my fever back? What is it about this guy?

“And it’s Holden.”

“Uh… um…” I stammer but cannot get out words. You’d think I was having a stroke. “Thank you, Holden,” I manage to get out as he walks past me.

“Call me if the x-ray shows it’s still out,” he says as he waves and strolls down the hallway toward the exit doors.

Holy hell. Even Sebastian Lee doesn’t hold the charisma of this guy.

CHAPTERSEVEN

Kat

Throwing my sorry excuse for dinner into the garbage, I gather my things as I call it an evening. Only an hour late. This is an improvement compared to most evenings here. I’ve barely made it four steps from the nurses’ station before I feel arms wrap around me from behind. A slight giggle escapes the would-be assailant, and I instantly know who it is.

“Jess! I’ve missed you. Have you taken extended time off? You’re never working when I’m here.”

“I actually took a job with Labor and Delivery. I only work a rare as-needed shift in the ER now.”

“I had no idea. How do you like it?”

“I love it. Even more than I thought I would. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that I get to see so much of Dr. Ryan,” she says, fanning herself.

“That is a nice perk of the job. Kind of like working with Holden Knight.” I realize my face is flushed as I say it, wondering what is wrong with me. Why on earth has this man had such an effect on me?

“Um, Kat.”

“Yeah?”

“Did someone forget to tell you? You’re already married to one of the hottest orthopedists on the planet,” she whispers.

“Oh, I know. And I agree. But someone should’ve warned me before Dr. Knight walked in. Good lord. I’m still human.”

A full-blown cackle erupts from Jessica’s chest, and I feel a little more relaxed, albeit guilty of letting another man affect me. “Go home and ravish your hot husband, silly girl.”

“I think I will.”

* * *

Walking into the house from the garage, I take stealthy steps to prevent waking the kids who sleep just feet from me under a large white sheet draped over several chairs. Unable to help myself, I peek in to see my crew. The four of them lie quiet, snuggled into blankets, still like the glassy lake on a windless day. They’re so sweet when they’re out cold like this. I don’t get to enjoy peaceful moments like this often. They’re usually so boisterous.

Returning to my full height, I walk carefully down the hall to the master bedroom and notice the light is on. It’s after midnight, so I’m shocked to see Nick awake.

“Hey. Why are you still up? You got up at the crack of dawn this morning. Aren’t you tired?”

“Not too tired to wait up for you.”

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