Chapter 4
Chapter Four
Sloan
Past
I’m zoned out, printing out discharge instructions on a patient when I’m startled by a deep voice.
“Miss Archer, can I have a word?” Dr. McAllister asks, poking his head around the corner right next to where I’m sitting.
“Alone,” he offers, nodding his head to the hallway.
I chance a glance to Kailey who’s smirking slyly but ignoring me as I hesitantly get up.
I follow him into an empty hallway just diagonal from my desk. A few gurneys litter the hallway and surgical trays are lined up against the wall but there is no other staff in sight. An uneasiness still settles over me.
“Is everything okay, Dr. McAllister?” I ask, worry lacing my voice.
“Everything’s great, Miss Archer. I’ve really enjoyed working with you these past few months. You’re a real asset to this department. I see why everyone thinks so highly of you,” he says, smiling softly at me, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Thank you, sir. It’s been a pleasure working and learning alongside you as well,” I offer nervously, sweeping my hair behind my ear. My heart rate ticking up near tachycardic at the intensity in his stare.
“That’s great to hear, Miss Archer. I was actually wondering if I could ask you a personal question?” he asks, leaning a bit closer to me.
My body betrays me and holds me hostage in his stare and closeness. Even though I feel like I’m about to have a panic attack, I reply, “Oh. Uh. Sure. What’s your question?”
“Are you seeing anyone, Miss Archer?” he says, ever so charming, smiling softly at me.
“Am I…? Me? Am I seeing anyone?” I fumble with my words, taking a step back.
Down girl.
“Yes, Miss Archer,” he chuckles. “Are you seeing anyone?” His chuckle is so deep and rich. It almost makes my toes curl.
We are celibate. Staying celibate.
“No, sir. I am not. But that’s by choice,” I say firmly. Partly to let him know that I don’t mix business with pleasure, but also to remind myself that we don’t have time for distractions.
We are not going to get lost in whiskey eyes or imagine our fingers running through luscious silver hair, Reese.
We are not going to throw away our dreams for a man like our mother did.
We have goals and are sticking to them.
Dr. McAllister leans in closer to me. His eyes never leaving mine.
My heartbeat picks up again.
He’s so close. Too close.
We could get caught and I could get fired.
“If we only ever had one choice in life, Miss Archer; it would be a very unfulfilling life don’t you think?” he whispers in my ear, startling me out of my head.
As quick as he appeared, he’s turning around to leave. That’s when I find his woodsy smell surrounding me and the slightest hint of… Is that whiskey? There’s no way.
“Let me know if you decide to make a different choice, Miss Archer,” he says with his back to me, walking toward his operating room.
I’m not sure if the butterflies raging in my stomach are from the close proximity or anxiety.