I stand in front of her, watching the wheels in her head spin as she tries to think of a good answer to my question. Ive known Taylor her whole life. Shes smart and this is a question I know she can answer. However, I think her nerves are getting the best of her. While I wait for her to formulate her response, I take her in.
Its been a while since weve seen one another. Years probably. Shes grown a lot over that time. Her long dark hair is curled and hanging around her, highlighted perfectly. Shes tall, and thin but has the kind of curves that all women want. Shes wearing a black pencil skirt, and high heels that make her legs look amazing. Shes wearing a navy blue top thats tucked into her skirt and held in place by a wide belt. Her lips are full and glossy. And her blue eyes are wide, sparking with fear.
What about family medicine appeals to you more than working in a hospital? I have to admit Im just curious as to why she wants to work at my practice.
She smiles. Well, hospitals are impersonal. It would take years for me to work my way up into a position like my brother holds. That means Id be stuck working the E.R. pushing through patient after patient. I want to work on a personal level. I want to know my patients. I want to help bring a child into the world and then get to watch them grow through yearly check-ups and visits. I want to know the staff I work with. I want to view my coworkers like were one big family. You dont get that in a hospital where the staff is always changing. But most importantly, I want this for me, for the life I want to live in the future. Weve lived in the city our whole lives. Its fast and cold. I want to move to a small country town and open my own practice. Live a warm and quiet life.
I nod, surprised by her answer. I like that. I smile. How does your family feel about that?
She gives me a lopsided smile as she shrugs, causing her dark hair to bounce. Honestly, they got everything they wanted with Dillion. Hes some big-shot surgeon and the two of you own a billion-dollar business. Theres no way I can beat that so Im not even going to try. Im just going to live my life the way I want. I dont care about money or notoriety. I just want to be happy.
A smile spreads across my face. Well, it sounds like youre doing exactly what you need to do. Come on. Ill show you around. I lead her toward the front desk. Gina, this is the newest member of the staff. Dr. Taylor Collins. Her brother is Dillion Collins.
She smiles warmly. Its nice to officially meet you, Dr. Collins. Gina holds out her hand to shake.
Taylor shakes her with a warm smile of her own.
I love your brother. Hes in here quite frequently. The whole staff loves him. Hes a great guy, funny too," Gina says.
Taylor laughs. Thank you. I wouldnt trade him.
I turn to address her. Gina is just one of our receptionists here. We have a total of six, but youll meet them another time. I turn to face Gina. Thank you, Gina. Please excuse us while I show Dr. Collins around the facility.
She nods and I lead Taylor back toward the door. On staff, we have a total of four M.D.s including myself. Youll make the fifth member of our crew. Of course, this week youll simply shadow each of us through our day-to-day. Between patients, you can get to know the nurses and the way they do things. Theyre the ones you want to talk to as theyre the ones who run this office. We stop at the nurses station. This is Beverly, our head nurse. Beverly, this is our newest member, Dr. Taylor Collins.
The two ladies smile and shake hands.
Beverly is like a mother to all of us. She manages the nurses and she keeps us doctors on track. If you have any questions at all, Beverly can answer them.
Taylor nods. I look forward to getting to know you.
A few more nurses walk in for their morning shift. They move behind the built-in desk and start putting their things away. Ladies, this is Dr. Taylor Collins, shes joining us. Taylor, these are the nurses. Gwen, River, Zoe, and Michelle.
They all wave and say hello before I lead her back to her office. Once inside, I catch a glimpse of something that momentarily shifts my focusthe white coat we had prepared for her, hanging on a coat rack in the corner. I grasp it, feeling the weight of the fabric, and present it to her. "The team wanted to make you feel at home. Theyve even had your name embroidered on it."
Her reaction is immediate and genuine. She takes the coat and her fingers gently trace the navy blue thread that forms her name. The look of surprise and delight on her face is unmistakable. I notice her perfect pink lips curve into a smile revealing her pearly white teeth. Im struck by her beauty and I fight the urge to let my mind wander in the direction it wants to go.
Taylors eyes sparkle with disbelief. Wow, this is amazing. I get an office?
I chuckle. We usually keep five doctors on staff. Wed just lost one when Dillion asked if I had room. It worked out perfectly. Feel free to decorate however you see fit. The only thing I ask is that you dont nail holes in the walls. I like to keep the building looking new as long as possible.
She nods. Okay, thank you. She moves around her desk, setting her purse down before pulling her white coat on. It fits her perfectly. My eyes trail down her long, slender neck to her breasts which look firm and full. Her waist is narrow, her hips widergiving her an hourglass figure that my hands are itching to explore.
I clear my throat. Ill let you get settled. Youll be shadowing me today and my first appointment is at eight.
She nods. Ill be ready.
I turn and leave her office, making my way back to mine. I need to put some space between us.
Inside, I shut the door and let out a long breath. Why the fuck did I agree to this? Because Dillion asked. Dillion and I have been best friends since we were toddlers. Hell, were practically brothers at this point. We went through nursery school together and moved into an all-boys private school. Then we attended Harvard University and Medical school together. Weve gone different ways through our medical careers, but weve never been far from one another. It was almost ten years ago that we started our company together and after that, our lives have been intertwined since.
When it comes to Taylor, she should be my little sister but I havent looked at her that way since the day she turned sixteen. Dillion brought me to her sixteenth birthday party and the moment I saw her in that white dress, the only thing I wanted to do was tear it off of her. However, I was almost thirty at the time, and touching her was illegal in more ways than one. I managed to stay away from her that night and have only had to fight that urge on the few occasions that Ive seen her sinceher high school graduation, her going away to college party, a few Christmas, and family get-togethers to name a few. But now, I have to work with her every day. I have to look at her, talk with her, and mentor her. How in the hell am I going to fight against this pull Ive always felt toward her?
I pull on my coat and exit my office, grabbing the chart for my first appointment. To my surprise, Taylor is already chatting it up with the nurses. She notices me getting ready for my appointment and she rushes over, ready to follow me inside.
I offer her a forced smile before knocking on the door and walking inside. Mr. Newmen, how are you doing today, sir? I drop the chart and go to the sink to wash my hands.
Oh, Im doing alright, the older gentleman says.
This is Dr. Collins. Shes our newest member of the team. If you dont mind, shes going to shadow me through your appointment.
He looks at her and smiles. I dont mind at all, darling.
She smiles wide at him before holding out her hand to shake. Its nice to meet you, Mr. Newmen.
He offers her a toothy grin and bows his head. Its nice to meet you too. Its about time you got some more pretty girls in here, Doc.
I laugh as I sit behind the computer. So, hows the new medication treating you?
He doesnt bother pulling his eyes from her as he answers. All is well.
No side effects? I ask.
Mr. Newman shakes his head but still cant seem to take his eyes off Taylor. Nope. Not at all.
I continue to ask questions trying to hide my annoyance at the fact that hes so distracted.
I see that youve lost a little weight, Mr Newman. Do you think thats due to the medication?
He shrugs, still staring at her. Im just not hungry.
I nod. I understand, Mr. Newmen but you dont have much weight to lose. You need to make sure youre getting your daily nutrients. We can lower the milligram if you think that would help.
Whatever you think. He leans toward Taylor. Im sorry for staring, Miss, but you remind me so much of my wife when we were young. A real beauty, my wife was.
Taylor smiles. And I bet you were quite a charming young man yourself.
He laughs, his cheeks turning pink with her comment. I was. I was a baseball star.
Her brows lift. Is that right? What team did you play for?
I stand up. Im going to listen to your heart. I put the stethoscope in my ears and move the end to his chest. I listen to the steady beat, noticing that it sounds to be beating a little stronger this time. Im not sure if that has something to do with the medication or if its because Mr. Newmen is smitten by Taylor.
I move to his back. Deep breaths.
He sucks in four deep breaths as I move around, listing to his lungs. Well, everything sounds good. I move back to the computer. I think were done here. Its up to you if you want to try lowering the milligrams on your medication. We can try this out for another month if you like, however, if you lose any more weight, well have to readjust.
He nods. We can wait another month.
Taylor holds out her hand and she helps the old man off the table. It was very nice to meet you, Mr. Newmen.
He gives her his best smile. It was nice to meet you too, young lady. Ill see you next month.
He walks out and she giggles. What a sweet old man.
I frown at her. Next time, keep your flirting to a minimum.
She frowns like Ive offended her. Flirting? I was being polite. Since when is kindness mistaken for flirting?
I narrow my eyes on her. Mr. Newmen was here for a med check for his heart medication. You know what happens when an old man has a beautiful young woman flirting with him? His heart races. Now I have no idea if it was due to his new medication or you.
She crosses her arms. "I get that but I was just trying to make the patient feel welcome and at ease. Now, Ive somehow crossed the line?"
I give her a look that should remind her that today is her first day and I see the fight drain from her. Theres a fine line, I warn. "Just be aware of how your interactions might be perceived, especially with patients who are here for medical reasons.
She presses her lips together as her eyes fall to the floor between us. I understand. I apologize and it wont happen again.
I stand, moving toward the door with her following along behind me.
The day repeats in about the same fashion. Youd think the men that come into the office have never seen a beautiful woman before. They all have to shoot their shot, flirting with her, telling her how beautiful she is, or just staring at her instead of listening to me. Each time it happens, my anger only gets worse. I dont like my office being disturbed and her presence is disturbing things. I know she cant help it. Shes gorgeous and men act accordingly. It just makes me regret the decision to bring her aboard more than ever before.
CONTINUE READING!