Chapter Twenty-One
Men are idiots. We all know this, so why is me being one a surprise to anyone? -Asher
Asher
I care about her? What the hell was I thinking when I said that? I shake my head and mutter to myself again. I’m a world-class idiot.
I love her. That truth is as undeniable to me as the anatomy I studied in medical school. It just is. She’s the one I want to be with. But my fears…my fears hold me back from saying those three little words that would make her mine in every way.
“I assume you’ll be bringing Lyla to the benefit dinner in a few weeks?” Nurse Vicky’s harsh voice breaks through my self-flogging thoughts.
I glance over at the severe older woman. “Um, I hadn’t thought about it really. I’m sure I probably will.” I type a note about a patient in the computer and then look up when Nurse Vicky clears her throat.
“Is there something that was bothering you Nurse Vicky? Something I could help you with?” I arch an eyebrow and give her an expectant look. She’s glaring at me like I just ran over her dog or something. I mean, she always glares, but this menacing look is worse than usual.
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed the way you watch my protégé or that you two sneak off to that closet every time you can.” Her wrinkled finger waves at me like I’ve been a naughty boy. Well, I have been. At least in that closet, I have been. Now, if it were Lyla asking me if I’d been a naughty boy…that’s a fantasy I could explore. I almost grin, but then look at Nurse Vicky and thinking of any kind of sexual act in her presence is a major turn off. I try not to shudder.
“Um, I guess we have run into each other a time or two in the supply closet. Guess we just have a weird sense of timing.” I shrug and try to make myself the picture of innocence. I screw my face up into the puppy dog look I used to give my mother when she was lecturing me. Unfortunately, I’m thirty-eight instead of ten so that face no longer works.
“I’m not an idiot, Dr. Cannon.” She places her hands on her hips and her brown eyes narrow. “You’re not fooling anyone. You sleep with women around here like we’re in one of those stupid soap-operish medical shows. This is real life. We’re treating real people here. The board might not look so highly on the fraternization between you and a student nurse.”
Now, I’m starting to get angry. Yes, I’ve snuck off to the closet a couple of times with Lyla when we both had a break. Yes, I’ve dated a couple of women who work here. But my reputation has been greatly exaggerated. By everyone. Even my sister thinks I’m some kind of swaggering doctor with a million lovers. I blame this assumption on Grey’s Anatomy.
“Nurse Vicky, I suggest you mind your own business. I also recommend that you remember that we’re all grown-ups here and that Lyla can make her own decisions. I have not, and I never will, neglect my job for a romantic encounter. I’ve always been professional when seeing patients and I dare you to find someone who says differently.” I cock my head to study her. “Maybe you’re the one paying too much attention to what other people are doing instead of their patients.”
“W…well, I never,” she sputters. “You know I’m a professional through and through.”
I sigh. “I do, Nurse Vicky, and I respect you for it. And I swear to you Lyla and I will do our best to keep everything between us out of the hospital. I care about her.” There goes that ugly word again.
Nurse Vicky’s face softens. “I’ve always respected you, Dr. Cannon, and I know Lyla’s father did too. He thought the world of you.” Her whole demeanor changes when she speaks of Dr. Kennedy. It makes me look at her in a new light. I wonder if once upon a time Nurse Vicky had a crush on Lyla’s father. She’s human, after all. I think most of us tend to forget that because she’s always so harsh. But she was young once. And she has feelings like the rest of us.
“Thank you for that, Nurse Vicky,” I pause, thinking how to best reassure her, “and I promise you I’ll do everything in my power not to hurt Lyla. She’s important to me. She’s always been important to me.” I decide to drop my guard since she’s let hers down a little. “I never expected to feel this way about anyone, especially not the girl I watched grow up, but I do have a lot of feelings for her. Things I’m still trying to figure out myself. I promise to you I’m not playing games with her.”
She studies me for a moment, as if considering my sincerity, and then nods. “I believe you. Just show her respect and try not to distract her too much, okay? She has the potential to do great things here.”
Pride swells in my chest. Yes, she does. She makes an incredible nurse.
“I’ll do my best.”
Nurse Vicky seems satisfied with that answer and starts to walk away. She turns and frowns at me one last time. “You should probably know something, Dr. Cannon. Perhaps have a little warning.”
“Warning about what?” I ask curiously.
“Dr. Powers is due at the hospital this afternoon for a consult. Might want to prepare yourself for her arrival.” She arches an eyebrow.
Shit. Fuck my life.
I muster up a half smile. “Thanks for the heads up, Nurse Vicky. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
Nurse Vicky finally turns and walks away, leaving my shell-shocked figure behind. I sit down in a nearby chair with a thunk. What kind of shit show would Madeline Powers leave in her wake?