headed down the hall to the examination room. Before I could make it, Sarah zipped around the corner and stopped in front of me, her eyes wide.
“Dr. Bridges, I’m so sorry for getting distracted like that. I was just working and going over the schedule and then I look up and bam, like, the hottest guy in the world is staring me right in the eyes.”
“It’s fine, Sarah,” I said. “Don’t worry about it.”
“But I was being totally unprofessional. I should’ve told you right away he was here and not gotten carried away and—”
“Totally fine, Sarah.”
“But wow – did you see him?” Her eyes widened with excitement as she pointed in the direction of the exam room. “Those eyes and those muscles and that accent! You can’t tell me you weren’t totally shocked when you saw him.”
I had been, but I wasn’t telling anyone about it. “What was that you were saying about being professional?” I finished with a slight smile.
“Oh-oh-oh,” she said, as if realizing she’d gotten carried away again. “Sorry, sorry.”
“Just take a deep breath.”
She did, clearing her throat and closing her eyes as she composed herself. “Anyway, he’s ready for you.”
“Got it. Thanks, Sarah.”
She made a finger gun and clicked as she cocked her thumb. “Your breath smells great, by the way.”
I laughed. “Thanks.”
Truth be told, I was a teensy bit miffed at Sarah for what had happened. I hated being taken by surprise like that – in my office everything had to be just so. But I cut the girl some slack. The guy…he was really hot.
I put all that out of my head as I approached the exam room. I checked my breath, then opened the door and stepped inside. The room was dark, as it normally was. The light for the examination screen on. As I entered, I noticed that my patient wasn’t seated and waiting but was in front of one of the eye care photos on the wall, his phone out in front of it as he prepared to take a picture.
“Mr. O’Conner?”
“Hold on, love,” he said, glancing over for a moment before turning his attention back to the photo. “This thing is amazing – trying to get a shot of it.”
I’d noticed his accent before, of course – how could I not? But being in the room with him made me realize just how deep his voice was. Between that and his accent and the way the sleeves of his T-shirt clung to his thick, powerful biceps; my panties were never going to dry.
He clicked the camera to take a photo before turning back to me. “This is so cool,” he said. “Where’d you pick this up?”
I glanced at the picture, which was some eye care info sheet from what looked to be the fifties. “Not sure,” I said. “I think one of the receptionists got it at an estate sale.”
“It’s grand,” he said. His eyes, brilliant green even in the low light of the exam room, flashed with surprise. “But where are my bleedin’ manners?” He stepped closer to me and extended a huge hand. “Patrick O’Conner.”
His eyes flicked up and down my body. Normally, that would be cause for offense, but something about Patrick was different – I wanted him to look at me.
I regarded his hand with hesitation – not because I was against handshakes, but because I had a feeling that touching his skin would be more intense than I bargained for. But what could I do? Refuse to shake his hand?
I took it and shook, and just like I’d expected, it sent a thrill through my body. His skin was warm and rough, and just standing there holding his palm was enough to make me wonder what those big hands would feel like all over my body.
I cleared my throat and focused. “Dr. Bridges,” I said. “But you can call me Lola.”
I was surprised to hear that last part slip out of my mouth – I normally liked to stay on professional terms with patients.
“Lola?” he asked, slipping his phone back into his pocket. “Lovely name. I’ll be good and not make any jokes about the song.”
I laughed. “You do and we’re already friends. Most people can’t resist.”
He smirked, his eyes flashing again. “Well, I’m not most people.”
I’ll say. It took all the restraint I had not to let the words leave my mouth.
“Anyway,” I said. “I’d normally know a little about what you’re here for, but since your appointment was very last minute…”
“And thanks a