Doctor Desirable: A Hero Club Novel

by Anjelica Grace

  “You know what, screw you,” she retorts, voice lowered so nobody around the hallway can hear her. “I’m damn good at my job, and we both know it. I’m not sure what crawled up your ass, but hopefully it crawls back out before the next time we run into each other.”

  I open my mouth to speak, but before I can she adds on, “Oh, and, maybe you should knock before entering a room and interrupting, isn’t that what you told me?” She rolls her eyes and shakes her head, then returns to Mr. Kent’s room just long enough to shake his hand and wish him well, promising again to follow up with his new therapist.

  After she’s blown past me, the scent of her shampoo lingering in the air behind her, I step back inside to talk to Mr. Kent.

  “She’s one helluva therapist, Doc.” He swings his legs off his bed carefully and sits up right on the side of his bed.

  “That she is,” I agree, honestly. “Her protocol is solid, and you’re in great hands moving over to the new PT group.”

  “Thanks,” he extends his hand for me to shake, “for everything.”

  “It’s my pleasure, again. If you have any questions before your follow-up appointment with me next week, the number is here. My service will get in contact in any emergencies. Otherwise, you have a script for pain meds, and we will reevaluate in office next week.”

  “Sounds good, and I know the drill. This time I may even follow it. I’m afraid to have Dee mad at me.” He smirks, but I know he means it.

  “Whatever it takes. Your nurse will be in to help wheel you out shortly.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see ya next week, Doc.”

  “See ya next week, Mr. Kent.”

  Just as his nurse comes in, I walk out of the room, feeling my phone start to vibrate in my coat as I pass my hand beneath the sanitizer again.

  I pull the phone out and see my youngest brother is calling, so I answer. “You do know I’m working, right?”

  “Yes, asshole, I’m well aware. I don’t plan to take up any of your precious time. I just wanted to see if you would be going to the event this weekend?”

  “You mean the one you bailed from flying out here for?” I step into the stairwell so no others can hear my conversation, then lean back against the wall. “Yeah, I’m going. I haven’t missed a single event in five years. You know that.”

  “I’m not bailing. I can’t help I have to be out here. I just wanted to make sure; then ask you if you could pull Micah aside and set up a videocall. I don’t want him to think I forgot or don’t care.”

  I can’t deny him this, but more than that, I can’t deny Micah. He and Xavier hit it off two years ago, and they’ve been thick as thieves since. X-Man usually sends Micah cards and gifts, and he’s been beyond great to Micah and his family.

  “I know, X-Man. I’ll make sure to set up the call so you can talk to him. I know how disappointed you are to be missing. We expanded this year, and the charity reached out to the hospital for volunteers.”

  “I’m assuming nobody knows the charity is yours, ours?”

  “Not a chance in hell. You know my private life stays private.”

  “Christ, you’re too much. God forbid people know you’re a good man.”

  “Lay off, X.” I move my free hand to the back of my neck and start to rub it. “Shit’s complicated, you know that.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” His voice seems more distant than the last words he spoke.

  “Am I boring you?”

  “Fuck.” He grumbles something else I can’t make out then his voice is clear again. “You aren’t boring me. But I do need to run. Don’t ask.”

  “Trust me, I won’t.” I chuckle. “Let me know if you need any help with fundraiser stuff. I’ll be off Sunday and Monday after Saturday’s event.”

  “Will do, Big Brother. Go save a life or something.”

  “Go slap a puck, X.” I tease. “I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Later, asshole.” Xavier disconnects the call and I smile. He may be an obnoxious little brother, but I have to admit, his calls usually put me in a far better mood.

  ****

  Dee

  To say today has gone without a hitch so far would be a lie. It seems anytime I run into Dr. Desirable, he shifts into Dr. Undesirable, and is an asshole who puts a hitch in my day. I can say today, him aside, has gone without a hitch, though. I even have time for lunch today, thanks to Miranda. And after my run-in with him, I need the little break. He flusters me like no other. As much as I’d love to hate him, my body riots against my mind and better judgment and screams its desire, loudly. These thirty minutes will shut my body up and allow my brain to take control again.

  It’s better when my brain is in control; I can go on with hating him while not simultaneously wanting to jump him and climb him like a tree.

  Especially today.

  After I pay for my lunch, I spot Bridget seated at a table in the open dining space and make my way over to her.

  “Is this seat taken?”

  Bridget looks up and smiles. “It is now. Sit. How’s it going?”

  I slide my tray into the spot I’m now occupying and take a seat. “It’s going great, I love working here, Miranda is a great boss, and I’m getting settled with patients, and even some of the doctor and nursing staff.”

  “That’s great. I haven’t heard any complaints about you. And believe me, with the rumor mill around here, I would have if you’d messed up yet.”

  “Jeez.” I twist the top of my Dr. Pepper. “I’m so glad to know that now, rather than after a rumor has spread about me. I’ll make sure to mind my own and stay on top of my game. I’d hate to be the latest gossip.”

  “It’s not too terrible, but that’s smart.” She takes a bite of her salad and glances around the dining area. “Do you have any favorite doctors yet?”

  “Pretty much all of them are great, with one exception.” I scrunch my nose up thinking about him.

  “Oh?” She scoots closer and turns in to face me. “I’m a great secret keeper. Who is the one?”

  I’m not sure I want to go there. Not right now. I think I can trust her, but what if I can’t? I don’t want to start a rumor, or God forbid, make a bad name for myself week one.

  “You can tell me, Dee. The only person I can’t promise to hide it from is Simon. I tell him everything.”

  “Your husband?”

  “My husband.” She takes another bite and watches me in silence.

  “Fine,” I give in. “I’ll deny it if it gets out though.” She raises her hand, two fingers up and pressed together as though she’s giving me the Scout’s honor symbol. “Dr. Alexander.”

  She nearly chokes as she starts to laugh. “I could’ve guessed.” She takes a drink of her water, making me wait expectantly for her to elaborate. “I told you the other day not to take his behavior personally for a reason.”

  “So he’s an asshole to everyone? Because I have to be honest, I thought it was just me.”

  “He is very private. And not very outgoing when it comes to workplace fraternization and conversation.”

  “Why do I get the feeling you aren’t saying something right now?” I look up from my cheeseburger and pin her down with my eyes. “Has he gotten people fired before? Maybe said something outrageous?”

  Bridget’s head shakes back and forth. “No, nothing like that. He just keeps to himself. Even when nurses and others here try to talk, flirt, he wants nothing to do with any of them.” She shrugs her shoulder then leans in closer, lowering her voice to barely as whisper as she adds, “Many people even think he’s gay. That’s how aloof he is. It’s something I’ve heard from so many people.”

  That’s shocking to me. Even while he’s been a dick, I’ve never gotten those vibes from him. In fact, I’ve felt the exact opposite for brief instances during our exchanges. But maybe that’s just my inner self hoping the good smelling, sexy doctor could somehow be flirted into niceness. But maybe he can’t.

  “That really surprises me. I haven’t got
ten the gay vibe yet, and we’ve run into each other a few times. He hasn’t flirted, but he has certainly been a giant asshole. I swear it feels like I personally did something wrong to him.”

  “Maybe you did. Maybe he isn’t gay after all?” Bridget winks then gets back to her salad. “When April, his PA, gets back, you’ll probably deal with her more. She’s much kinder than he is. Everyone loves her here.”

  “I hadn’t even heard about her yet, but it’s good to know she exists. Where is she?”

  Bridget shrugs. “I only know she’s been out for a while, heard it was a vacation of some sort, but I’m not sure where to or for how long.”

  “Ah, got it. Hopefully she gets back soon. I need someone who doesn’t hate me from his practice.”

  We eat in silence for a few minutes before she breaks the silence again, changing the topics on me completely. “Hey, you haven’t made many friends here yet, right?”

  “You’re my only. Why?”

  She takes a drink and wipes her face, then smiles. “The hospital has volunteered to be a part of a new fundraiser. A lot of nurses, some doctors, and other staff have signed up to work at the event this weekend. You should come.”

  I like the idea of getting out of my apartment and interacting with people, other than the deliverymen and cashiers at restaurants and stores. “What sort of fundraiser is it?”

  “It’s a carnival. For kids with cancer—for kids in every stage from newly diagnosed, to fighting, to cured, or even terminal. What do you say?”

  “I say I’m in.” I miss working with kids. I especially miss our gymnasts back home, not coaching anymore has been a tough adjustment, so it would be nice if I could find an organization here where I can be involved in the community, make friends, and impact young lives. It doesn’t even have to be coaching. I just want to be involved in some way.

  “Give me your number and I’ll text you the information tonight. I think it’ll be a really good time. Just remember, it is new, so there may be some hitches. You’ll get to meet Simon and the kids though!”

  I wipe the grease from my burger off my hands as I recite my cell phone number to her.

  “There, got it. I’m sending you a text so you have mine as well.”

  No sooner than the words are out of her mouth does my phone buzz in my pocket, causing me to pull it out. “Got it. Thanks. I’m actually really looking forward to this.” I save her number in my phone then set it down.

  “I am too.” She checks her watch and stands. “My time is up. I’ll text you later.”

  “Thank you. Wish me luck avoiding you know who the rest of the day.”

  A loud laugh leaves her lips. “Good luck.” With that, Bridget grabs her salad container, drink, and napkin then walks away, leaving me to think on what she said about Dr. Alexander, and the weekend. He may be a thorn in my side, but at least I’m making friends and taking steps to get to know people and be involved out here. It may not happen overnight, but I will make Rhode Island feel like home.

  Seven

  Nate

  Today’s the day. Well, it’s the first day for this year’s big events we have planned. My brothers and I have worked hard over the past five years to put our money, and our passion, behind this organization. NJX Foundation came from the heart, it means more to each of us than any other single thing in our lives.

  We do this for her. We do this to make a difference.

  It’s the first year I’ve opened it up to the hospital to be a part of it. Thanks to Jackson’s genius, and legal knowledge, I can remain anonymous as a cofounder of NJX but still do good and be a part of it. Because of that, I can expand our Rhode Island mission to include my hospital. I’m hopeful we can even get some docs and specialists on board to provide some expertise on occasion to better our kids’ lives.

  Today’s also the first day I’m running an event without either of my brothers. I’m equal parts nervous as fuck and excited as hell. We’ve done every step of every fundraiser, event, drive, and day of celebration together.

  But I’ve got this. Our volunteer team out here has been incredible to work with, and they have made this year’s carnival the most extravagant yet. It’s doing our foundation name justice.

  I walk around the park, redesigned from an open park with plenty of field space to the most epic carnival imaginable. Jump houses, rides, games, and food booths adorn the grass in our signature colors, navy and silver. Our builder was great, working with us to design these booths to have our foundation name and colors present around the grounds everywhere we can. From now on, we will ship them wherever we need to continue providing this much-needed release and day of fun for families experiencing childhood cancer.

  Occasionally I come to a booth donated and run by a volunteer company for the day. The colors on these booths range from the typical red and white, to brighter colors like orange and yellow. Regardless of booth design, though, each booth has an NJX sign on it, showing special prices based on prearranged ticket amounts families can hand in as form of payment. This one aspect of our carnival is all Xavier’s idea. He bankrolls our food booths and trucks, putting his paychecks toward providing to the families here, who are already struggling financially due to diagnosis, can enjoy without worry. We encourage donations, and paying what families can, if they can, but then X covers the rest of the costs.

  Jackson and I chip in with other costs, too. But as a professional athlete, X definitely is more able to cover things when we can’t.

  “Dr. Alexander?” A petite redhead, who can’t be more than thirteen or fourteen, approaches me timidly.

  “Yes?” I try to adjust my stance to be more open and relaxed, less businesslike. She wears a navy tee with the foundation name on it and the word volunteer will be spread in silver across her back.

  “My mom asked me to see if you maybe know where all of the tickets are to hand out when people go to the welcome booth?” She looks down and rubs her navy Converse into the grass anxiously.

  “I’m not sure, but I can help you look. What’s your name?” I slip my hands in my jean pockets and smile at her.

  “I’m Zoe.” Her voice is so timid, almost like she’s afraid of me.

  “Hi, Zoe, I’m Nate.” I hold my hand out for her to shake, and she looks at it like it might sprout knives and attack her. Her green eyes slide from her feet to my eyes, and they widen as she takes my hand.

  “Hi… Nate. It’s nice to meet you.” She pulls her hand back and her posture relaxes a little bit. The behavior is unusual for younger people; they don’t know me at work.

  Unless…

  “Hey, Zoe, are you volunteering on your own? Or did you tag along with a parent?”

  “I came with my mom.” She turns and points behind her at a woman I recognize as a nurse from the hospital. It makes me smirk.

  “Has your mom said I’m a bit quiet and rude?”

  Zoe sucks her lip in and shakes her head no, but her eyes tell me that’s exactly what she’s heard. The look makes me laugh.

  “Can I let you in on a little secret?” I step a little closer to her and lower my voice. “I’m actually really nice, I love kids, and me and my brothers put this whole thing together. But I’m going to need you to keep that between us. Can you do that?”

  Zoe nods her head. “I can.”

  “Awesome. I’ll find those tickets for you, I’ll pull a few off for you to use and spend after you’re done volunteering later too. How does that sound?”

  Her eyes light up and a slight quirk graces her lips. “Really?”

  “Really.” I chuckle. “But you have to keep my secret safe. You can’t even tell your mom. She thinks I’m just a donor for this. Our whole hospital does. I don’t want them to know I run it. Have to keep my badass, mean guy persona intact at work. Deal?”

  This time her smile is wide and her giggle is unrestrained. “Deal! Thank you, Dr.… Nate.”

  “You’re welcome, Zoe. I’ll find the tickets then bring them to you. Have fun today.�
��

  She nods and runs off to help her mom some more, and I set out to find the tickets.

  ****

  Today has gone exactly as it should. From setup this morning, to opening the carnival up to families, to everything running smoothly with volunteers, hospital staff, and families all getting along, enjoying themselves, and mingling with each other. I couldn’t have asked for more. I know Xavier is usually the outgoing and upbeat brother, the driving force for these events and keeping them lighthearted, but I feel like I have done well in his place today. I hope I have at least.

  Micah comes running up to me, interrupting my thoughts and keeping me from dwelling on whether I’m doing a good enough job, and he shields his eyes from the sunshine beaming down on us. “Mr. Nate! Is Xavier here yet?”

  I squat down to his level, grinning when his Colorado Edge hat and shirt catch my eye. I would be willing to put money on my brother’s name being the one stretched across Micah’s small shoulders, with his standard number eighteen just beneath the name. “He couldn’t make it out here this year, buddy.” I turn my lips down into a frown.

  Micah’s gaze shifts down to his feet, and his voice gets small, meek, “Oh. Okay. Tell him I said hi.” He goes to step away and I reach out and close two fingers loosely around his wrist. I hate seeing him so upset, and Xavier would, too. We’ve seen it before. We lived it with her. We don’t want that for any of these kids.

  “He asked me to give you a message when I talked to him yesterday. And I swore I would. Can I tell you before you go?”

  Micah’s eyes grow wide. “He did?”

  “He absolutely did.” I nod my head and rock back to my heels from the balls of my feet. “He asked me if I would find you a little later so we could video call with him. He wanted to see you today just as badly, and he doesn’t want to let you down. Do you think you’d like to video call with him?”

  Micah beams at me and presses his hands together, bouncing up on his toes and nodding. “We can really call him today?”