Marrying the Playboy Doctor - By Laura Iding Page 0,29
in a few weeks the Packers were going to kick the Bears’ butts.
Ben stubbornly refused to believe it.
The rivalry was all in good fun, and she could tell Ben relished the attention.
Seth stood as if preparing to leave just when Ben’s second shift nurse, Celeste, walked in. “Hi, Seth. Er—what are you doing here?” Her curious gaze rested on Kylie and Ben.
“Hi, Celeste. Have you met Kylie Germaine, the new Cedar Bluff Paramedic Education Coordinator?”
“No, I haven’t, but it’s nice to meet you.” Celeste flashed a warm smile, although Kylie suspected the nurse was already pairing her up with Seth as if they were a couple. She inwardly cringed at the rumor potential.
“Same here,” she said, forcing a smile. “And this is my son, Ben.” Kylie wanted to announce that she and Seth were just friends, but since it seemed awkward she kept her mouth shut.
“Dinner should be here shortly. Do you want a parent tray?” Celeste asked. “Don’t worry about eating in front of Seth. He gets free food for the month as a result of winning the annual baseball game.”
“A parent tray would be great.” Kylie frowned at Seth. “I can’t believe you get free food for a whole month just because you won a game.”
Seth shrugged. “When you’re good, you’re good.”
Kylie rolled her eyes and shook her head. No worries about his ego, obviously. Although she couldn’t help glancing at the clock, wondering when he was planning to leave. Not that she didn’t enjoy his company. But Seth clearly knew most of the hospital staff by name. This hospital’s environment was close-knit, very similar to the community it served.
The longer he stayed with her, the more people would talk.
Finally he stood again, glancing down at her. “Kylie, are you going to be all right tonight?” Seth asked. “I can stay with you, if necessary.”
Stay? As in share the single pull-out bed? Aghast, she quickly shook her head. “No, thanks, we’ll be fine. Honestly.” Then she frowned, realizing he didn’t have a ride home. “Do you want me to take you back to pick up your car?”
“No, I can hitch a ride with someone, no problem.” He frowned, as if he didn’t want to leave her alone. “Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?”
“Yes, I’m sure.” Seth had already gone above and beyond normal friendship just by bringing her and Ben here. The last thing she needed was to continue to lean on him. She made sure her smile was confident. “Thanks anyway.”
“I’ll see you both in the morning, then.” Seth hesitated by the doorway, as if he’d hoped she’d walk him out, but she stayed right where she was.
“Don’t make a special trip in. We’ll be fine.”
He frowned. “I have to work anyway, so I’ll check in before the start of my shift.” He lifted a hand and then left.
Kylie sighed and closed her eyes, rubbing her temple. Ridiculous to feel alone just because Seth was gone. Hadn’t she raised Ben on her own for the past six years? Why was she suddenly wishing for more?
Because of those stolen kisses, that was why. She was letting her loneliness get to her. Seth might be a great distraction for now, but she knew very well he wasn’t a guy she could count on for the long term.
Okay, she needed something else to think about other than Seth. So, while Ben was engrossed in the Disney Channel, she pulled out her laptop and did some work. When she’d finished the first part of the new paramedic training program Ben was falling asleep, so she pulled out the roll-away bed and changed into a pair of comfy sweats. No way was she going to parade around the hospital in her pajamas.
Sleep didn’t come easily. No matter how much she knew it was useless to worry, she couldn’t help thinking about all the worst-case scenarios. What if Ben had a reaction to some medication? Or to the anesthesia? What if the surgery didn’t work and he lost the vision in his left eye? She tossed and turned, sleeping in brief snatches of time but not really resting.
The next morning a nurse woke Ben early, because his eye surgery was scheduled as the first case. Kylie quickly showered and changed, even though it was barely five-thirty in the morning.
“Mom, I’m hungry. And thirsty.” Ben was cross. The thrill of the Disney Channel and the novelty of being in the hospital weren’t enough to keep him satisfied any longer.
“Ben, I’m sorry,