The Most Eligible Doctor. Karen Rose Smith

blew against the house, causing the flames in the fireplace to crackle and leap. When Jed glanced at her, she made a point of pulling the blanket up and averting her gaze. The shadowed intimacy of the room made them more aware of each other instead of less. Brianne doubted if she was going to get any sleep, but at least she’d be warm.

      “Would you rather work for Dr. Olsen?” Jed’s deep voice carried an edge of tension.

      “Because of what happened?”

      The mantel clock ticked.

      “Yes. I never should have kissed you. I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. I can talk to Olsen about it—”

      “No. I don’t want to work for another doctor. I like working with you,” she insisted quickly, in spite of her own misgivings. She liked the way Jed handled patients, and she was learning a lot from him.

      The clock ticked loudly, marking off a few more seconds.

      “You’re sure?”

      “I’m very sure.” Her fingers played with the satin edge of the blanket and then she said, “Jed?”

      “Yes?”

      “Why did you leave a specialty practice to become a general practitioner?” It was the most tactful way she knew to pose the question. She wanted to know why he’d gone to Alaska…and why he’d come back here. She guessed something had driven him, and she needed to know what it was.

      “My reasons don’t matter anymore. They’re in the past. I’m happy with what I’m doing now.”

      It was a polite way of telling her to mind her own business. And she would…for tonight.