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Chapter 3
Lori shut the exam room door, leaving Gunner alone. She took a deep breath before moving on, trying to regain her composure. The attraction was strong, making her wonder if she’d concealed her reaction to him.
As Lori walked down the hallway, she attempted to subdue her emotions. It wasn’t often that she responded to a man like that. But he was a hunk, that was for sure. At over six feet tall and built solid, Gunner was an intimidating figure.
Yet Lori found him sexy. It was more his attitude than his looks. Those pumped muscles, strong shoulders, and rock-hard chest caught her eye.
He had been a Navy SEAL, so he was expected to be physically fit. But Gunner had qualities beyond that. He had been curious, so asked why Lori was sad. That was very perceptive of him, not a trait she was used to in a man. Yet she had been reluctant to reveal too much. The more she spoke to him, the greater the chance that her feelings would be obvious.
That could be embarrassing. Lori was a doctor, so was duty-bound to keep things professional. The doctor/patient relationship was sacred; she had a responsibility to make it safe for a patient. Then a random thought occurred to her.
Once a month, Lori volunteered at the VA, so Gunner couldn’t be a regular patient. She hadn’t seen him before, and might not see him again. That was a depressing thought. But it wouldn’t be against any rules to get to know him, as long as she wasn’t his regular physician.
Lori couldn’t fathom where her mind was going. There was no guarantee that Gunner had any interest in her, other than concern about her happiness. And she had just met him, which meant that she should forget the encounter.
For the rest of the morning, Lori treated patients, trying to give each her best—although her mind was elsewhere. When the shift ended, she went to the ladies’ room to splash water on her face and look in the mirror. She couldn’t recall when a man had stirred such desire.
She dried her face and clutched the towel, thinking of her engagement and how it had been odd for her. Although she had clung to the notion that she wanted to marry Matt, the chemistry had been off. Despite a list of reasons why Matt was a good choice, she hadn’t been in love.
That had been difficult to admit, but it was true. Lori had no business getting involved with any man so soon after her failed engagement. Clearly, she didn’t make good decisions. Giving in to her attraction to a patient had disaster written all over it.
But good sense didn’t overpower Lori’s urge to see Gunner again. On her way to the parking lot, she envisioned how virile he had looked. In response, her skin tingled and her cheeks warmed. The memory was nearly as powerful as the encounter.
Lori had to get a grip. Gunner had been a nice break in her routine, but no more. He was gone and that was the end of it. She could dream about him, as there was no harm in that. But the chances of seeing him again were slim. If she was smart, she would be sure not to take a shift at the VA on a day that Gunner had an appointment. That was the only way.
Lori prided herself in having control, but she hadn’t encountered attraction like this before. It felt like swooning for a heartthrob in a movie or falling for a book boyfriend. Only Gunner was all too real. She’d best stay away.
*****
Before returning to the clinic, Lori met her best friend for lunch. She had met Jessie Scott in med school and they had been close ever since. It would be good to get together and have a friend to talk to. Since her father’s death, Lori hadn’t done much socializing.
They met at a Taiwanese café that wasn’t far from Jessie’s office. The honey-walnut shrimp was delicious, and Lori’s mouth was already watering. Maybe the morning had stirred more than desire; she was hungry. She had her appetite back.
Jessie called out, and Lori spotted her across the parking lot.
Her friend was dressed for business. Jessie was a dermatologist and operated a thriving practice. Her specialty was skin care and anti-aging. She also treated skin cancer, and Lori saw her yearly for a routine check. Also, her friend recommended beauty products.
“Hey, Jess, good to see you.”
Jess walked over, her long brown hair bobbing in a ponytail. She gave Lori a hug. “It’s been so long. We have a lot to catch up on.”
Lunchtime was busy at the restaurant, but Lori managed to get a table for them. The place wasn’t fancy. It had white walls, parquet flooring, and laminate tables with plastic chairs. The food was the draw, and the restaurant buzzed with activity.
The waitress came by to take orders, then a Lori smiled at her friend. “It’s nice to have a break.” Lori noted Jess’s glowing skin, requiring little makeup. She wore eyeliner to accent her dark brown eyes, but not much else.
“I brought you something,” Jess said, handing over a tiny floral bag. “You have to try that. It’s a sample. You’ll love it.”
Lori peered inside the bag.
“It’s a moisturizer that makes your skin so soft,” Jess said. “It’s a brand you’ve used before.”
The drinks arrived, and Lori put the bag aside to take a sip of iced tea. “What’s new with you?”
“I’ve added another dermatologist to the practice,” Jess said. “The clientele has grown, and I need to care for my patients. The new doctor is a plastic surgeon, so will fill a much-needed specialty.”
“That’s great to hear,” Lori said. “What about Allen and the kids?” Jess had been married for ten years and had two adorable daughters. Her husband worked in the financial district with investment bankers. Lori didn’t know the details, but he provided well for his family and was a great husband.
“The girls are really involved in school,” Jess said. “You remember when you were in grade school?” She paused. “Yeah, me either, but trust me, there are a lot of activities. My husband helps with the driving and even picks them up after school when I don’t get off in time.”
