she nodded. “Yes, Dr. Thomas. The nurse brought my discharge papers a
few hours ago. i was just packing my stuff before heading out, but i’m
glad You stopped by. i wanted to thank You for Your help.
“i
can’t tell You how humbled i am by Your act of kindness. You saved my
life, and i will be forever grateful,” she said as her eyes darted
around the room, looking everywhere but at Me. she shoved a sweater into
her bag with less care than she took with her other clothing.
her words were sincere, but for whatever reason, I must have made her
nervous, although I wasn’t sure why. she gathered the plastic bag and
her purse before quickly brushing past Me and exiting the room.
This was not how I envisioned things going. I increased My pace and
caught up with micah at the nurse’s station. It was all or nothing; I
only had a few moments to make an impression.
“ms. foster? micah?” I called out. I composed Myself as I approached her.
she slowed her pace, bid farewell to the nurses, then turned in My
direction. I jumped at the opportunity, unable to wait a moment longer.
“ms. foster, I was hoping to speak with you before you left. Once you
signed the discharge papers, the doctor-patient relationship ended. That
means I’m no longer your treating physician and you’re no longer My
patient. With that said, I have a question I’d like to ask. Please hear
Me out. Don’t take this the wrong way . . .”
her facial expression was unreadable, so I continued.
“I’m not trying to be a creep, but I would regret letting you leave
today without at least giving this a fair shot. I sincerely apologize if
you feel this is inappropriate or too forward, but ms. foster, I’d love
your company for a drink or dinner . . . whichever you’d prefer. Will
you allow Me to take you out?”
Waiting for her answer seemed to
take an eternity. she didn't look at My face; instead her gaze landed
somewhere around the name embroidered on the left breast pocket of My
lab coat. her lower lip found its way between her teeth as she stared,
apparently deep in thought. In what seemed to be a delayed reaction, she
gawked up at My face, clearly surprised by My question.
Was
she put off by the entire idea or just caught off guard by My request?
Either way, her answer would let Me know which way she was leaning. I
just hoped to God she wasn’t leaning toward no.
she finally provided Me a small reprieve. “You want to take me out?”
“Yes.”
“Like on a date?”
“Yes,” I replied again.
“i’m sorry, Dr. Thomas, but i don’t date,” she said, dismissing Me as she continued toward the elevators.
Oh, she was going to make this interesting. her flippant attitude
bothered the hell out of Me, but I was going to see this through. I
quickly followed in an attempt to catch her before the elevator doors
opened and she walked out of My life.
Coming to select e-book retailers on 11/27 Thanksgiving Day!
Bio:
Harper Miller is a thirty-something native New Yorker. She’s traveled
the world and lived in a variety of places but always finds her way back
to the Big Apple.
A lackluster love life leaves time to
explore new interests, for Harper it is writing. The Sweetest Taboo is
her debut novel. In her mind the perfect Alpha male possesses intellect,
humor, and a kinky streak that rivals the size of California.
When she isn’t writing, Harper utilizes her graduate degree in the field
of medical research. She enjoys fitness-related activities, drinking
copious amounts of wine, and going on bad dates.