Tempting Nashville's Celebrity Doc. Amy Ruttan

tried to delude himself. Tell himself the only reason he was doing it was because Vivian’s mother was a perfect candidate for the trial. It had nothing to do with old feelings.

      Keep telling yourself that.

      It was hard to remind himself of that because every time he looked at Vivian he remembered every kiss, every touch.

      The scent of her hair, the taste of her lips.

      That was why he’d never had a long relationship after her. Vivian haunted him.

      She’d taken his trust, something that was so hard for him to give, and crushed it. He knew he’d never feel that way again. Never open up again. So he didn’t bother after a handful of bad dates and failed attempts at a relationship.

      They always broke it off, saying he was never there.

      And it was true.

      His heart was in Germany.

      I have to get away from here.

      Reece turned and shut the door to the office. He was overtired and maudlin. Past was in the past. Focus on the now.

      “Dr. Castle?” Reece turned to see one of his interns run toward him.

      “Yes, Dr. Brody?”

      Dr. Brody caught her breath. “Have you seen Dr. Maguire? She’s needed in the ICU.”

      “Is it something I can help with?”

      Dr. Brody shrugged. “I don’t know. Dr. Brigham told me to find Dr. Maguire. He heard she had come back to the hospital and was in the ER.”

      Reece nodded. “I’ll get her. Tell Dr. Brigham we’ll meet him in the ICU.”

      Dr. Brody nodded and ran back the way she came.

      So much for going home to have some sleep.

      He didn’t knock when he opened the trauma pod. “Dr. Maguire, you’re wanted in the ICU. Dr. Brigham is specifically requesting you.”

      Vivian quickly looked down at her mother. There was such love and tenderness between them. Reece envied it. His parents had never shown much interest in him. Except when he’d walked away from the musical career they had wanted for him in order to go to medical school.

      “You were invited to sing at the Opry. Singing at the Opry will launch your career. You can’t say no.”