The Man Who Has No Love - Victoria Quinn Page 0,29

was impressed. “My goal is to force the healthy cells to turn into a militia for the body. Athletes take drugs to improve their performance. I’m sure there’s a way to do that with our immune system, without the pharmacological effects of typical prescription drugs.”

“I noticed what you did with the phytochemicals from the cauliflower. Was that successful?”

“Inconclusive at this point.”

“I really like the idea of utilizing what we already have. People are turning to harsher drugs to fix their problems, but it’s creating more problems in the long run. It’s deceptive to our patients.”

“I agree.” That was why I’d invited her here. We wanted to treat patients—not make them worse. I was sure other physicians had good intentions with their patients, but they were simply going about care in the wrong way.

“I know this is a bit personal…but I wanted to share my condolences for your father. I know he passed years ago, but I know that must have been so hard, knowing you could have helped him if things were different.”

I nodded. “I appreciate that, Dr. Hawthorne.”

“Please call me Kathleen. I worked hard for the title, but it’s so time-consuming saying all of that every time we address each other.”

“Kathleen, it is. And you can call me Deacon.”

“Much easier.” She smiled. “So, can I see my lab? I’m a bit excited to see my canvas.”

“Of course.” I left the desk and came around to her side. “I’ll give you a tour as well.”

“That’s very kind of you, Deacon.” She stepped up next to me, keeping my pace even in her heels, just a few inches shorter than me. She was easy to talk to like the other physicians I worked with. It was just easier for me to get along with people similar to myself, because we were always interested in talking about work—which was the only thing I ever wanted to talk about.

Dr. Hawthorne wanted to step into my lab, so I took her for an intimate tour, showing her exactly what I was working on so she could see it with her own eyes. On the way, I introduced her to everyone else, and the men were particularly timid around her, probably because she was attractive.

It caused me to work late, and I wasn’t in the back seat of my car until six. I texted Cleo. Hey, baby.

Hey, babe.

I smiled as I looked at the exchange on my screen. Tucker wants us to meet him for a drink at 7. Can you make it?

Uh…I think so. I’ll ask Matt to finish up for me.

He’s introducing us to some woman he met.

Really? Oh, that’s so great!

I knew she was relieved because that meant their relationship was truly in the past. But I already knew Tucker had no hard feelings—because he’d pushed me toward her so hard. After Cleo dumped him, he’d gotten laid more times than I did. But I never told her because that seemed crass. Her name is Pria.

Lovely name.

Can we go together?

I should probably go alone. I’ll meet you there, Deacon.

I was really annoyed with all this secrecy. This was an important relationship to me, and I was tired of pretending to be single. I was tired of tiptoeing around Valerie when I didn’t give a fuck how she felt about Cleo. Alright. Cleo worked long hours, and there were times when I didn’t see her for days, and while I missed her, that never really bothered me. But this…this shit was getting old.

I got to the bar before Cleo.

Pria was a blonde. With long, curled hair and light-colored eyes, she was exactly Tucker’s type. She was turned toward him with her fingers wrapped around her beer, smiling as he spoke to her, her fingers slightly twirling her hair.

I really didn’t like talking to people I didn’t know. I already struggled with people I actually did know. So, I had to sit there and get to know this woman, who might not even be a serious presence in Tucker’s life. He might have a new girl next week.

I stopped at the bar and ordered two beers just to stall in case Cleo walked in. When she didn’t, I headed to the table and sat down.

“Look who it is.” Tucker clinked his beer against mine. “Where’s Cleo?”

“Running a little late.” I turned to Pria. “I’m Deacon. Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand.

“Pria.” She smiled, shook my hand, and then returned to twirling her hair. “You both look so much alike…”

“But I’m hotter, right?”