Page 25 of Doctor’s Forbidden Match

“Okay, Hannah.”

“Thanks.” I try to sit up straighter, wanting to look more capable than I feel.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m all right. Apparently, this is how I’m going to feel for a couple of days, so I was wondering if I can get out of here.”

“Well, Dr. Cooper’s been here, but I know you have to be cleared by Dr. Sterling as well. He’s technically the lead on your case.” She shifts her weight, clutching her tablet to her chest.

“Could you call him?”

Her face looks a bit pinched for a second. Like she’s weighing whether to say something.

“I’m sure he’ll come for me.” The statement leaves my lips more confidently than I feel. Using my celebrity status feels like admitting defeat, as if I can’t succeed on merit alone, but right now, I’ll do anything just to get the hell out of here.

“Sure. Let’s see what I can do.”

“He did say he was going to come back in a couple of hours.”

“He’s been back a few times, but every time, you’ve been asleep.” She says it casually, like it’s no big deal, but something in her tone makes me pay attention.

“Oh,” I say, surprised to hear this. I only remember the one. My cheeks heat slightly at the thought of him standing here, watching me sleep. How did I look? Did I have my mouth hanging open? Or worse, was I drooling? Oh God, what if I was snoring?

I try to eat some of the toast and cookies, whatever I can get my hands on, thinking I’ll do anything to feel better, to prove to Sterling I’m good to go. The toast is dry, but I wash it down with juice. I’m still wondering who gave me the flowers, but I can’t focus on that. No, I need to worry about finishing this food and getting my strength back so I look strong enough to leave.

As the door opens, I expect Sterling, so I quickly dust my face of crumbs, but it’s the nurse again. My shoulders sag slightly, disappointed. It’s him I need to convince, not her.

“Any luck with him?”

“Oh yeah, he’s on his way. I just wanted to give you your medication. Antibiotics and more painkillers.”

“Thanks.” I take the medication from her outstretched hand, tossing them back with a sip of water. Then I wait, anxiety creeping in. I smooth down my hospital gown and run my fingers through my tangled waves.

He steps in as the nurse is leaving. She nods at him, and he returns it with a small dip of his chin. Then he turns to me, and I try for a casual smile. My pulse picks up traitorously, and it has nothing to do with the medication and everything to do with the way his eyes land on mine.

Great. Just what I need. A crush on my doctor.

“Well, hello, sleepyhead. You’re all alert and ready to go, I hear.”

Sleepyhead. I smile goofily at his playfulness before I clear my throat to answer.

“Yes, Dr. Cooper said it was fine for me to go. She’s given me everything I need.”

“I heard.” He nods. “So let me do one last check, and then you’re good to go.” He moves to the foot of the bed again.

After a brief inspection, he takes a deep breath. “Hann—” He stops himself. “Sorry, Miss Morgan.”

I smile sweetly, even though my skin is prickling. “You can call me Hannah.” We’re past the formality stage, don’t you think? You were holding my hand in pre-op.”

He crosses his arms defensively. “Miss Morgan is appropriate for the doctor-patient relationship.”

He’s drawing a line. I understand why, but I want to test the boundary anyway. “Dr. Sterling,” I counter, and his eyes shimmer with humor, but his lips don’t move. Not even a twitch.

“I’ll have them bring the crutches up.”

“Can I use one of those scooter things?” I gesture vaguely, trying to picture the knee scooters I’ve seen people use.

His eyebrows draw together. “The ones people use instead of crutches?”