Helen reached out and gave Paige’s arm a placating pat. “Luke needs you.”
Massaging her forehead with her fingertips, Paige said, “I find that very difficult to believe. But I am tempted to come back and give things another try. I—”
“Good! That settles it. You don’t have to do a thing. I’ve already approved it with Chet. He’ll have a replacement here in IM for tomorrow night’s shift. All you have to do is show up in ER.”
“Show up? Don’t you mean have a showdown? I’m pretty sure sparks are going to fly when Dr. Sherman sees me again.”
“Don’t worry, Paige. If any sparks fly it will be the good kind. Now I’ve got to go. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
Paige didn’t have a chance to argue the point. Helen quickly hurried away. For one second, she considered going after the woman and telling her there was no way she was going back to the ER. But for some strange reason her feet suddenly felt like two lead weights.
Darn it! What was she going to do now?
Paige, you’ve never been a spiteful person. You’re going to go back to the ER and treat Dr. Luke Sherman with the same respect that you’d like to be treated with. And no matter how nasty he gets, you’re going to hold your temper and your tongue.
Sure, Paige thought, as she hurried to the drug dispensary. Holding herself together around the demanding doctor would be an easy task. About as easy as running a marathon across Death Valley in the middle of summer.
The next night, as the evening shift took over, Luke had just pulled on his lab coat and stepped into the treatment area when the sound of a soft footfall behind him had him glancing over his shoulder.
The sight of Paige Winters practically sent him into shock and for a long, awkward moment, all he could do was stare at her dark, wine-colored hair, silver gray eyes and soft, slender curves. He’d never expected to see her on this floor again. The fact that she was standing in front of him and seemingly ready to work caused a flood of joy to rush through him. And without even realizing what was happening, the corners of his mouth tilted into a smile.
“Nurse Winters,” he finally said. “How are you this evening?”
Her hands were stuffed into the pockets on a navy blue scrub top. Which was probably a good thing, Luke thought. Otherwise, he might’ve been tempted to show his gratitude by grabbing one of her hands and kissing the back of it.
“I’m fine. I, uh, just wanted to say hello and to, uh, let you know I’m back in the ER.” She paused and nervously licked her lips. “If you think it will be too difficult to work with me, I—”
“It won’t—be difficult,” he interrupted.
She drew in a deep breath and as Luke took in the dainty flare of her nostrils he couldn’t help but notice her creamy skin and full rosy lips. Had she always looked this way? He didn’t remember her being so incredibly feminine. And why was his heart suddenly making all kinds of crazy flip-flops? Had he suddenly become the biggest fool in Carson City?
Paige was an excellent nurse and this past week had been hell working without her. But that didn’t mean the sight of her should have him reacting like a giddy schoolboy. He was a medical doctor, a man who rarely allowed himself to feel much of anything. But this momentary joy he was unexpectedly experiencing was too special to resist.
“Thank you,” she said stiffly.
She glanced away and swallowed and Luke realized she wasn’t exactly feeling comfortable with him. And he could hardly blame her. Since their heated tête-à-tête, he’d thought long and hard about their working relationship and he’d admitted to himself that he’d treated her badly. Not just once, but many times. The fact that she’d forgiven him enough to return to the ER humbled him greatly.
He cleared his throat and straightened his tie, while wondering why he couldn’t find one sensible thing to say to her. But that problem was instantly put aside as a pair of medics pushed through the swinging doors with the first patient of the evening shift.
Because of the regrettable interruption, he said, “Looks like we’re needed.”
Luke took off in long strides to catch up to the gurney and Paige joined him. As the two of them hurried toward the nearest treatment room, he could only think that having her at his side again felt uncannily close to a homecoming.
* * *
“Something is wrong with Dr. Sherman.”
Chavella glanced over at Paige as the two women entered a small break room situated behind the ER treatment room.
“What do you mean?” the young nurse asked. “I thought he behaved very nicely these past two hours.”
Paige filled a small paper cup with water and sat down at a utility table. “That’s what I’m talking about. He’s not himself. He’s behaving like someone I’ve never met before.”
Chavella took a seat directly across from Paige and opened a can of diet soda. After she’d taken a long drink, she said, “Don’t question a good thing, Paige. Just be thankful for it.”
Paige absently studied the water swirling in the bottom of her cup. For the past two hours, Luke Sherman had treated her in a polite and respectful manner. There had been no caustic demands or shouting. He’d not given her any cutting looks or disgusted snorts. The only way he could have been nicer was if he’d given her another one of those smiles. The kind he’d given her just before they started the shift.
She was still thinking about the way that smile had transformed the doctor’s face. All at once he’d been more than handsome. He’d been human. And that in itself was far more appealing than the sexy dent in his chin, or the way his naturally streaked hair fell over one eye, or even that stealthy lion-like walk of his.
Trying to shake away the disturbing image, she said, “You’re right. I should be relieved. Instead, I have the uneasy feeling this is just a momentary lapse and Dr. Sherman will explode before the shift is over. And when he does...”
“What?” Chavella prompted. “You’re going back to IM?”
During the days she’d worked on the IM floor, she’d felt like a coward, running and hiding from the big, bad bogeyman. She’d not been proud of herself.
Drawing her shoulders back, she said, “No. This time I’m going to stand up to him and his nastiness.”
“Maybe you won’t have to,” Chavella suggested. “I actually think he’s remorseful.”
Paige rolled her eyes. “That’s because you’re young and sweet and you want to see the best in people. Now me, I’ve already learned that most men are selfish and self-centered. It’s impossible for them to be remorseful over anything.”
The corners of Chavella’s mouth drooped with disappointment. “Paige, one of these days you’re going to meet a man who will prove you wrong. There are good ones out there. I ought to know. I had one.”
With a rueful groan, Paige reached across the table and covered the top of Chavella’s hand with her own. “I’m sorry, Chavella. You did have a good man. And it’s so unfair that you lost him in such a tragic way. But you will meet another special man. As for me—I don’t really want one. Or need one, either.”
Chavella gave her a wan smile. “One of these days that will change, too.”
Paige didn’t argue with her. Instead, she glanced at her watch and quickly rose to her feet. “You go ahead and finish your soda. The patient with the lacerations left quite a mess behind. I’m going to check on April and see if she needs help cleaning