Page 35 of Doctor’s Forbidden Match

“Hannah?” Mom’s voice cuts through my daydream. “You still there?”

“Sorry, yes. I’m here.” I clear my throat, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my body. “He said everything looks as it should.”

“That’s great news.” Her voice sounds distant in the next breath, like she’s turned away from the phone. “Honey, guess what? Hannah’s ankle is going to be okay.”

She must be telling Dad. My chest squeezes tight with homesickness, replacing that warm flutter with an ache. I miss them. Miss the easy comfort of home, of Mom fussing over me in person instead of through a phone, of Dad’s terrible jokes at weekly dinner at their place.

“That’s great,” Dad calls back.

“What else did he say?” Mom asks, her attention back on me.

My mind flashes again to the way Dr. Sterling’s eyes traced over my legs, the way he looked almost pained when he told me I needed to rest. It wasn’t what he said, exactly. It was everything he didn’t say; all the tension crackling in the silence between his words.

“Just keep resting. Nothing different from what I’ve been doing.” I keep my voice casual, even as my heart picks up speed, remembering.

“How are you managing work?”

“I have the scooter for shooting, and I use crutches for everything else.” I try to sound upbeat, like it’s totally fine and not at all frustrating.

“Are you eating?”

I roll my eyes, even though she can’t see me. “Yes, Mom.”

I’ll work on putting together something to eat after we hang up. I have some ramen and cooking supplies in the pantry. I can manage something simple that won’t require me to stand for too long.

“Taking your pain reliever?”

“Yep. Just took some, and I’m lying in bed right now.” The medication is already starting to work, making everything feel heavy, and the throbbing has settled down to a dull ache.

“Are you elevating your leg?”

“Doing it now.” I grab the pillow next to me, wincing as I slide it under my foot.

“I’m still thinking I should come down there.”

“No, Mom. I don’t need anyone. I promise. I’ve got it handled. I have an assistant on set.” My words are starting to slur slightly, exhaustion and medication pulling me under.

Clearly not convinced, she makes a disgruntled sound. “Are you sure?”

“I promise you’ll be the first person I call if I need more help.”

“Okay, good.” Her voice softens, satisfied for now. I yawn again, this one so big my jaw clicks.

“I better go, Mom. I’m tired.”

“Alright. Goodnight. I’m glad it’s healing well.”

“Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too. Night, sweetheart.”

I hang up just as my stomach rumbles—a sound that reminds me I haven’t eaten since lunch—but my body feels way too heavy to get up and make anything. The bed has me in its grip; the white duvet soft beneath me, and the pillow under my injured foot perfectly positioned. I’ll just close my eyes for five minutes, and then I’ll get up.

My phone slips from my hand onto the mattress beside me as my eyes drift shut, Dr. Sterling’s face still lingering in my mind. Those piercing eyes behind his glasses.

Five minutes, that’s all I need…

Chapter 15