Page 105 of The Blessings of Christmas
Ew, ick.“Heck, no.” Why hadn’t she looked this stuff up before she came? “Just...”
“Trouble sleeping?”
“Um, yes.”And I’m dreaming of you.
“When did this happen?” Backing up, he slipped the pen light into his upper pocket where his name was embroidered in red.
“This afternoon. I was in the kitchen of my...” She could spin a story with the best of them.
“This afternoon? How could you have experienced sleep disturbance already?” The words ended on an exasperated sigh.
“Right, well I tried to take a nap, but no luck.”
“How did you get here?” His arms folded across his chest.
“I drove.” Okay, his frown registered. “I mean, I wasn't that dizzy.”
Turning to one side, he mumbled something that sounded like “traffic hazard.” Then he turned back. “Okay, I don't see anything to warrant a CT scan. Get some rest. No strenuous activities.” The list went on and on.
Sure, like I’m really going to cut back on activities when it’s Christmas.
“The nurse will give you instructions. Come back if you begin to vomit.”
Wow, this was so romantic. She was sorry she’d come.
“How’s the eye?” Focusing on her eyes––and not in a good way––Dr. Hot Stuff whipped out the penlight again.
“Fine. I guess.” She blinked, glad that she’d done her smoky eyes routine, even though it might be a bit dated.
“Is that your holiday tie?” she teased when he leaned closer.
His dark eyes widened and he glanced down. “Yes. It is.”
Boy, no fun to be had here and she felt stupid. But no way did she want to leave this room. “Got your Christmas shopping done?”What am I saying?She could picture Josie or Bryn covering their eyes with a hand.
“Christmas? Haven't even thought about it.”
The nurse appeared at the door. “Dr. Darling?”
He turned. Victoria ran a hand over her hair.
“Call for you. The clinic. Sounds like an emergency.”
“Excuse me.” And he was out the door.
Sitting in a room that was way too bright, Victoria wondered why she was here.Really, Victoria? Are you this pathetic?She had to go to the urgent care center to meet men? Maybe she’d do a state tour. Hit all the urgent care centers. This felt like dumpster diving for doctors.
Since breaking up with Lance after graduation, nothing seemed to go right. This whole working thing was distracting. College had been so easy. There were men everywhere and you could focus. Well, when you weren’t studying. Daddy had been a stickler about that.
Sweetwater Creek wasn’t exactly the best place to meet men, although some of her friends had done all right. Maybe she should have moved to the city. But in her heart Victoria liked being close to her family and people who’d known her all her life
Well, guess they were done here. But just as she began to get up, Dr. Hot Stuff was back. When she sat down hard, the chair made a very unladylike sound.
“Sorry,” Dr. Darling said. “Could I just look at your eye?”
“Sure.” She blinked prettily, or so she thought.
Taking her chin in one hand, he clicked on the darn light again. That one touch? Electrifying. Victoria was surprised that she didn’t glow like her flamingo tree lights.
