Flirting with Dr Off-Limits. Robin Gianna

      She shoved aside the discomfort that again heated her cheeks. She had to see the man every day, for heaven’s sake, and he’d probably forgotten all about the little fondling incident. “Good morning, Dr. Armstrong. You’re an early bird today.”

      “I wanted to stop in and see our star patient before I start morning surgery.” He stood and smiled down at David. “The drain’s looking good, buddy. We just might be able to take it out in a day or two.”

      “I can’t wait!” David grinned, showing a missing tooth. “But I’m feeling lots better, Dr. Armstrong. Thanks for the car stuff you brought me. Will you come back and see me later?”

      “I’ll try, David.” He tousled the boy’s hair and turned to leave, and his sweet expression and the warmth in his eyes made Katy’s breath catch in her throat.

      Had she ever seen him around children before? Except back when she’d been a child? She couldn’t remember, but it seemed he was pretty good with them. His surgery schedule was so heavy she couldn’t imagine he’d be able to come back to see the child later, not to mention that the welcome dinner was tonight, but it was nice of him to tell the boy he’d try.

      “I’ve checked David out, so you don’t need to, Dr. Pappas.” They moved to the shadow of the doorway where he paused. “What patient are you seeing next?”

      They stood so close together she could smell his aftershave, see a tiny spot next to his lips that he’d missed when shaving, feel the heat of his body near hers. Unwittingly, her thoughts turned to touching him the night before, and she started to feel overly warm. From embarrassment, of course.

      “Mr. Lyons in 2215.”

      “Better watch out you don’t spill anything on him. Mr. Lyons can be quite a character.”

      Lord, she’d hoped he wouldn’t mention it again. Even in the low light of the room she could see the amused glint in his eyes. His lips tipped up into a slow smile, and she found herself staring at his mouth. Swallowing, she took a step away from him so she could breathe. “Can we please just forget about that? You know I sometimes have a clumsiness problem.”

      “I’ll try to forget about it. But you know what, Dr. Pappas? I’m pretty sure that’s not going to happen.”

      He left the room and she sucked in a breath. Their exchange had smacked dangerously of flirting, and she shouldn’t let that happen. Also shouldn’t enjoy it, but she’d be lying to herself if she claimed she hadn’t.

      About to head to her next patient’s room, Katy realized she’d been so distracted she hadn’t thought to ask Alec to sign Mr. Lyons’ release papers. What was wrong with her? Work had to be her number-one focus, dang it.

      She hurried down the hall to catch Alec, wishing their last conversation hadn’t been about her grabbing his privates. His tall figure stood by an elevator, and she stepped up her pace. “Dr. Armstrong!”

      He turned to her, and his gaze swept her slowly from head to toe. Feeling a little breathless from hurrying, she stopped next to him. “I forgot to ask you to sign Mr. Lyons’ release papers.”

      She looked up at him, his eyes meeting hers for a long moment before he reached for the papers. “And I forgot to ask you if you’re excited about helping with some surgeries in a few days. I’ve put you first on the list.”

      “Is that an honor, or is it because you want me in and out of there before I kill someone?”

      “We try not to let interns kill anybody. It’s against hospital policy.”

      So were some other things he hadn’t worried about in the past. But, of course, he was joking. “I confess I’m not excited. But I’m sure it will be an interesting experience.”

      “It will be. Especially for you, Miss Science. Weren’t you always the one conducting various weird experiments on the kitchen counter until your mom yelled at you?”

      “Is this your way of calling me a geek? I—” Her phone beeped a text message and she looked at it then frowned. This couldn’t be right.

      “What is it?”

      “The nurse says Mrs. Levitz is having a panic attack. Shortness of breath, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat.”

      “She’s the one who had her gall bladder removed by Nick yesterday, right?” Alec asked, his teasing expression instantly replaced by calm professionalism. “Her chart said she’s prone to panic attacks. Prescribe lorazepam and see how she does.”

      Katy frowned up at Alec. “I don’t know. I left her only a short time ago and she was fine. Looking forward to being discharged. I just don’t see her having a panic attack right now.”

      “Since she has a history of them, most likely that’s what it is. You’ll see this more often than you would guess.” His eyes were thoughtful, seeming to study her. “But sometimes it’s important to listen to your instincts. Go see her. Let Nick know your conclusion and what your thoughts are on what needs to be done.”

      “Okay. I will. Thanks.” She turned and her chest felt suddenly buoyant. How could it not when Alec had basically just told her he had faith in her to figure it out? She had a ridiculous impulse to look over her shoulder to see if he still stood there and was surprised that he was. Not just standing there but holding the elevator door open with his eyes still on her.