by Aly Nichole
Friday rolled around and by that point Nathan and I had talked almost every day via text. Sometimes they were quick how are you texts or sometimes they were fun conversations about our day. Or like the Thursday night reminder of my appointment.
I wasn’t in a good mood when I arrived at Nathan’s office. Hailey was in a rare form. She was clingy and cranky, forcing me to carry her into the empty office. There was an incident at her daycare. A little boy was hurting her and the worker was arguing with me, calling my daughter a liar. And before that shit show, my manager was in a fit about me leaving for my appointment. Even though I had pulled twelve hours, he wanted me to stay. The office was empty when I walked in with Hailey on my hip. She was cranky and said a little boy picked on her.
The reception desk was empty. I looked around and noticed the entire office was empty. My head fell back, and I groaned. Today was just not my day.
“Hello,” I called out. I prayed no one could hear the annoyance in my voice.
Nathan appeared out of nowhere with a sheepish smile and his hands on his hips. “So, I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable—” He walked closer. And my eyes raked over him.
Nathan’s green scrubs were tight against his chest and thighs. His voice broke me from my ogling.
“—But my staff couldn’t stay after five so it’s just me and you.” He paused, meeting my eyes. His arms crossed, and he chewed on his bottom lip. “If you are not comfortable with that, I am sure I can get someone to sit in or if you wanted someone on the phone during the appointment. Whatever makes you feel safe being here.”
I blinked twice. No one had ever cared about my feelings before. But Nathan, this god of a man, was worried about them. “I’m okay with it just being us.”
A smile lit up his face, and his arms dropped to his sides. “Good—”
His voice faded away as my eyes went to his large, manly hands. I wondered if his hands would be rough with callouses roaming my curves in heated passion, or would they be soft and caress every inch of my skin? I bet he would know how to make every inch of me feel on fire with just his mouth. What was wrong with me? Was the air in here thick, or was it just me and my hormones?
“—check in on the little man. Then we could chat about what my colleague had to say.”
I missed half of what he said to me because of my hormones. “Okay, that sounds like a plan.”
Hailey finally moved her head from my shoulder and looked at Nathan. “We’re going to see the baby again?”
He leaned down just enough to meet her eyes. “That’s the plan. Would you like to help me? All my usual helpers left me.”
She giggled. “I’m too little to be your helper.”
Nathan gasped. “No, you can’t be. You look so big!” He exaggerated his voice.
Hailey’s body was shaking in my arms from her laughs. “Doctor Nate you silly!”
He chuckled. “I heard that about me.” Nathan put out his arms. “Do you think I could carry you and give your mom a bit of a break?”
Hailey lunged out my arms, nearly had me fall on my face, to get into his arms.
“Whoa, princess. We don’t want Mommy to fall.” He chided as he caught her.
She turned to me with enormous eyes. “I’m sorry, Mommy, I got excited.”
I placed my hand on my lower back. “You’re fine, baby.”
He signaled for me to follow him back to an exam room.
Nathan gave Hailey all his focus as we walked to the room. “I think I will show you every part of your little brother. How does that sound?”
“Really?” Her little legs kicked.
“Yes, ma’am.”
I looked around the room; it differed slightly from the last one I was in. The walls were a soft pink with white trimming. There were the same comfy chairs from the waiting room and a round table with toys and games for kids.
Nathan set Hailey down and turned to me with a soft smile as he pointed to the table. “If you want to lie down and pull up your shirt.”
His deep voice sent shivers down my spine, and flashes of fiery passion filled my head. Heat pooled in my cheeks. I shook my head to clear it and climbed on the table and pulled my shirt up.
Nathan started showing Hailey the machine and explained what he was doing.
“Why do we put this on Mommy’s belly?” Hailey asked while Nathan squirted the warm gel on my stomach.
Nathan hummed, clicking buttons, and moved the wand around. “This cool thing in my hand makes sound waves. The sound waves make the picture on this screen.” He tapped the computer screen. “So this cool gel helps the wand do that.”
Haileys eyes were wide, nodding to everything he said.
Nathan’s face broke out in a smile. “See here, Hailey, that’s your brother’s nose.”
Hailey gasped. “That’s so cool.”
He chuckled, “It is cool. Now let’s check his legs.”
I listened to him show her all the different parts of her baby brother. My eyes teared up. Nathan was so attentive to her. Hell, even to me. Every day he had texted me, asking me how I was feeling and doing. If I needed anything.
And that is how it went. He had her right next to him and pointed out all the different parts of the baby. And Hailey was loving every minute. He was giving her all the attention. The attention of a man, something she had never had.
“What do you think, Hailey? Does your little brother look okay?”
She gave him an affirmative nod. “Yep.”
“All right.” Nathan turned the machine off and wiped my stomach. His hands brushed against my bump. They were rough and calloused. My body gave an involuntary shudder.
He cleared his throat. “All right, I think I got it all, but here is a wipe if I missed.”
I took some wipes. My hand shook as I cleaned up the couple spots he missed. I couldn’t stop replaying the way his hand felt on my skin. I pulled my shirt down and sat up. He took the dirty wipes from me and tossed them.
Nathan placed his hands in his pockets. “I don’t need anything else. We can head over to my office and talk.”
“Okay.” I got off the table, took Hailey’s hand, and we followed Nathan.
His office wasn’t much different from the last time we were here, but one thing was new. Over in the corner was a kid's table and a basket of toys, much like the ones in the exam rooms.
Hailey immediately ran to it and picked up a toy and played, ignoring us.
“I thought that would be a winner.” His eyes were bright as he watched my daughter play.
“When did you do that?” I tried to keep the emotion out of my voice.
His hand went to his neck. “Um, this week.”
I stared at him. Dangerous thoughts entered my mind. I collapsed in the chair. “Okay.”
He sat down behind his desk and clasped his hands on top. “I talked to my pediatric cardiologist friend. He had a look at your son’s scans.”
I gripped my bag. This was it.
“He concurred with my findings. Your son has a small murmur in his heart.”
My vision blurred, my ears buzzed. I tried to keep my focus on him. I knew I needed to know how bad this was.
“It’s small. There’s a very good chance he’ll grow out of it.”
I let out a gush of air. “Oh, thank god.”
“Dr. Stanley has agreed to take your son as a patient. He will be the one to monitor his heart after he is born. I hoped I didn’t cross a line, but I scheduled an appointment for you to meet with him. Just to get you started so you won’t have to wait.” He tapped his finger on the desk.
“No, thank you. But, he’s okay? My baby will be okay?” I questioned.
His amber eyes focused on mine. “Yes, we are going to do ultrasounds with every prenatal visit to make sure it’s staying small. But yes.”
My body slumped and my shoulders felt lightened. “Thank god.”
He opened a drawer, pulling some paperwork out. “I have your appointment details alo
ng with paperwork to fill out for his office.”
I took them and placed them in my purse. “Thank you.”
Nathan nodded. “All that’s left to do is schedule your next appointment in four weeks, which would be your 28 weeks.”
I swallowed hard. Tears were building in my eyes. “Nathan.”
Our eyes met. “Sadie.”
“This is—thank you.”
“I—yeah, of course. I am happy that I could make this easier for you.”
I stared into his eyes. “No, Nathan, thank you. You are the first doctor to care this much about me.”
It was the truth, the doctor with Hailey was okay but they never took the time to care. The doctor did the bare minimum to get me through the pregnancy. They didn’t care about anything. And with this pregnancy, Dr. Gails obviously didn’t care because they called Nathan.
His hands reached out for me, or at least I think they did, but in a flash, they were back in his lap.
“I will take care of you and your son. I promise.”
I wanted to see her.
We texted every day since her appointment a week and a half ago. Some days our texts were superficial, and others we played twenty questions. But her last text included a picture of her cute as hell pout in her work uniform, and it said she had to work from ten to six.
I quickly texted my dad that our lunch plans had changed and told him where to meet me. It couldn’t be classified as stalking. And that was the story I told myself as I sat across from my dad and watched her flit between tables, checking on customers.
My finger tapped against the fabricated table, not even looking at the menu. Sadie’s golden hair was pulled into a high ponytail. Her bump was perfectly outlined in her black uniform. Her head fell back as she laughed at something a customer said.
Sadie Mosey was fucking gorgeous and I was fucked. She gave me feelings I long packed away when I was fifteen.
“Your mom started asking Sam and Katie if they have friends to set you up with.”
I whipped my head from Sadie’s ass to my dad’s face. “No.” My voice raised and my mouth dried.
My dad’s one brow raised and gave me you’re a dumbass look. “No, but she’s worried about you. Should I tell her not to worry?” He gave a pointed look at me, then at Sadie.
I focused on my menu and ignored his insinuation.
“Was she the reason we picked this place today instead of going to our normal place near the hospital?” He prodded some more. I wasn’t going to tell him anything. I knew it would be down the family grapevine before I got to my car.
I looked over my menu. My dad was a good looking guy. His black power suit was on full display. His red hair peppered with white and grey hairs. And his beard had its own patches of grey and white.
My dad leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers against the menu. I knew what he was trying to do, and if I was thirteen, it would have worked.
“That doesn’t work on me anymore.”
“Hi, welcome to Mancy’s. Can I start you off with something to drink or are you ready to order?”
I jumped in my seat. “Fuck.”
I heard my dad snort and her giggle and it went straight to my dick. Fucking Christ.
“You did that on purpose.” I accused her while narrowing my eyes.
Sadie’s electric eyes twinkled, and the corners of her mouth pulled up. “Maybe.”
“You’re lucky you’re cute or I would have to be mad.” I relaxed into my chair.
Sadie’s cheek reddened. She shifted her eyes to my dad. “What can I get you, boys, to drink?”
“I will take a coke and I need a bit more time to look at the menu.” I picked up my menu again and looked through the options this time.
“I will also take a coke, and I’ll wait to order.” My dad gave a lazy smile.
Sadie’s chest and neck turned red as she nodded. I couldn’t be mad, my dad always had the charm on. She ducked her head. “I’ll be back in a few.”
I could feel my dad’s gaze on the side of my face. “Yes?”
“How do you know her?”
I kept my eyes firmly on the menu. “Sadie is technically a patient.”
“Nate.” His voice was full of concern.
I knew I was walking a fine line, but apparently, my mind and body didn’t care about the consequences if this turned for the worst. “Sam called me for a consult and I couldn’t fucking stand how Gails handled it, so I took her on.”
He kept watching me.
I shifted my weight in my seat. “What?”
“You like her.” His voice was soft. I knew my dad was pitying me.
“I like all my patients.” I white-knuckled the menu.
“You like her more than a patient.” He pushed more.
I wanted to lie; I did. I want to argue that she was nothing more than another patient, but I knew. I knew that there was more to my feelings.
Sadie’s face crimsoned as she sat the drinks down, breaking the tension that was building between my dad and me.
“Okay, gentlemen, here you go, are you ready to order?”
My dad snorted. “Gentlemen, she obviously doesn’t know you.”
I rubbed my nose with my middle finger.
He laughed and handed Saide his menu. “I think I am just going to get a classic burger and some fries.”
Sadie took the menu, and her cheeks and neck were flushed. She quickly turned to me and readied her pencil. But she didn’t meet my eyes.
“I’ll take the same.” I then handed her my menu. As she went to grab it, I gently took her hand into mine. Her eyes widened.
“Are you feeling okay? You look a little flushed.” I rubbed my thumb across her knuckles. Her skin was so soft and her minty scent overcame me. Fuck.
Her cheeks redden more. “Oh no, I’m okay — Just um — hot. I’m going to put your order in.”
My dad leaned over and smacked the side of my head.
“Ow, fuck,” I snapped and let her hand go.
“Nathan.” He scolded me.
Sadie snickered, grabbed my menu and walked away from the table. Her gait had a little waddle to it. It was sexy as fuck. And I was a twisted shit.
“Nathan Evans Valentine.” My old man was enjoying my torment a little too much for someone who had concerns about my crush.
“What.” My fingers went back to tapping on the table.
“She’s your patient. And you have no idea of her home situation.”
I hated when he made a logical argument. I had assumed that there was no baby daddy in the picture because he was never at the appointments. She also never spoke about it.
“I think it’s just her and her daughter. She never talks about anyone else.” I didn't want to think about the possibility that she was with anyone else.
“Just be careful. Being with single moms can be messy.” He tipped his drink back.
I narrowed my eyes, debated calling him out on his hypocrisy. My dad pursued my mom, and she was a single mom of two, me and Ira.
His green eyes unfocused for a moment before focusing back on me. “You can give me that look all you fucking want, but I know what I’m talking about. You better sure you’re ready for that responsibility.”
I huffed. “I’m just her friend. ”
“Mhm.”
Our food was delivered, and Sadie only checked on us once before we asked for the check. I couldn’t help but leave a large tip.
“This one is a consult. And this one is a request for you to teach a six-month class on fetal surgery.” Patty smirked as she laid down the last folder on top of a ridiculous fucking stack of papers.
I met my assistant’s eyes before looking back at the stack of bullshit. Patty knew I loathed paperwork. I especially loathed when universities and other hospitals nagged for me to teach. I didn't want to teach. Maybe in ten years when I had more time as a practitioner. Right now, I just wanted to help families. But everyone wanted a piece of me after a procedure I came
up with and published with FDA backing.
“I’ll look over these, thank you, Patty.”
Patty raised one brow as I slid the teaching request pile to the far side of my desk. I didn’t acknowledge it.
“Have a good rest of the day.” I waved her off instead.
I slumped in my chair, glaring at the offending stacks.
“Um, Nathan.”
My head popped up and there stood Sadie with little Hailey clasped to her hand.
“Hey, is everything okay?” I stood.
“I’m sorry for barging in but no one was out there and I needed to talk to you.” She walked closer to me. She nibbled at her bottom lip.
“Okay,” I drawled. I felt my gut clench and my beat pick up.
Sadie let out a breath of air and straightened her back. She pulled out a wad of cash and set it on my desk. “I can’t accept this. It’s too much.”
I looked at the cash and then back at her. And felt my shoulders relax and my chest filled with something unrecognizable. And I had to curb the urge to smile. “Sadie.”
“No, listen. I have no idea what this thing is between us. I know I consider you a friend and I could possibly have some hormone attraction thing going on.”
I lingered on every word she said as she continued.
“I can’t stop imagining your hands on me, but I feel almost dirty and horrible for keeping two hundred dollars for a tip.” Sadie clapped her hand against her mouth and her eyes widened in horror.
I hid my groan. But my dick took notice and twitched. “Why don’t you take a seat?”
Her face drained of color as she collapsed into a chair. Hailey went over to my game table.
She removed her hand from her face. “Oh god.”
I closed my eyes for a moment and attempted to remove the dirty thoughts her words provoked. “The tip is yours and it’s not a big deal. As you said, we are friends, and sometimes friends do weird stuff like leave outrageous tips.”
A little color returned to her face as she shook her head. “It’s too much.”
It’s really not, I thought. I waved my hand. “Meh, put it aside for baby stuff.”