Skinny Pants

  Well, in a year or so, I will be thin. So perhaps all was not lost?

  “I apologize for not telling you I don’t normally run,” she said. “And I understand why you feel so strongly about lying.”

  “Forgiven,” he said. “Especially since you ran your ass off today. Good job.”

  She glanced over to find him smiling. Oh, no. Don’t do that. My heart is going to stop, and then how will you get off this mountain?

  “Thanks,” she said. “I really enjoyed the challenge. It was a nice change from the treadmill.”

  “So you do run,” he said.

  “More like speed walk or slow jog when I can’t make my morning walks outside. There’s a great gym down the street from my apartment I use a lot.”

  “Either way, I’m impressed. You weren’t lying when you said you’re in good shape.”

  “I can press over three hundred pounds with these thighs.” She smiled proudly, looking on ahead. “I wonder if that will change after I see Dr. Vernon and lose weight.”

  “So you are going through with the surgery?” he asked, surprising her with his disapproving tone.

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  “I don’t think you need it,” he said.

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I’m speaking as a friend, not a doctor. But there’s always a risk of complications—always. And you are healthy and young. I think there are other ways to lose weight.”

  “I’ve tried everything,” she argued.

  “Not running.”

  This was strange. He was trying to convince her not to do the procedure. But why? He knew her size would eventually lead to health issues, especially if she got bigger later in life when her metabolism slowed.

  “Nope, you’re right,” she said. “I haven’t really tried running, but I’m not sure that will change things drastically.”

  “Train with me for a few months and see. Then you can decide if you want to risk your life in surgery.”

  She didn’t know what to say. Having him, a hot, body-perfect beast, tell her to stay like this was really strange, but he did have a point. “Wouldn’t I just slow you down?”

  “Not for long, I’m guessing. You come across as the kind of woman that men have a hard time keeping up with.”

  Macie blinked. Was it her imagination or did Jack, well, get a little flirty with her? Her toes tingled. Oh. Stop. It was a simple compliment. Nothing more.

  “What makes you say that?” she asked.

  “I don’t know. Maybe it’s the way you rise to the challenge.” He glanced sideways at her and smiled. “So is that a yes?”

  He really meant it. He wanted to make this running together a thing.

  “I’ll think about it.” She bit back a smile, not wanting to appear too eager, though he couldn’t be interested in more than just a friendship. Meanwhile, she’d wanted him from the first moment she’d stepped into his exam room. Getting to know him was only making it worse, and where would that leave her? With a broken as hell heart.

  “Don’t think. Just do.” The corner of his mouth hinted at a smile.

  She scoffed jokingly. “You’re kind of bossy, Dr. Reed.”

  “You love it and you know it, Nurse Franklin.”

  Macie snickered, but when she looked at him again, his face held a serious expression.

  “You have a very dry sense of humor, don’t you?” she commented.

  “No. Not really. I…” his voice trailed off.

  “What?”

  A long awkward silence filled the air as they continued their slow descent.

  Finally he spoke up. “I used to laugh all the time. I think I’m just a little rusty.”

  Things suddenly made sense. That photo of him looking so happy must’ve been from before his divorce. Maybe it was even his ex who’d been cut from the photo. Either way, Jack still seemed to be carrying a lot of baggage from the breakup, and Macie didn’t want to start flicking off scabs when he was clearly trying to move on—the new job and new town all screamed fresh start. But at the same time, he hadn’t moved across the country. He’d stayed close to his family and still babysat for his nephew.

  Obviously a man who loves his family. Was there anything hotter?

  “Time heals all wounds, Dr. Reed.”

  “And they heal even faster when you have a lovely nurse to stitch you up.”

  Did he just flirt with her again? No. Don’t be delusional, Mace.

  “What are you doing Thursday night?” he added.

  What! He just asked me out! Her stomach turned into fluttery knots. Wait. No. No. Don’t get all excited. It’s as friends, I’m sure. Or not?

  Macie felt like she was in an arm-wrestling match between her hopeful side and her realistic side. She knew which one she hoped would win, but the fear of rejection was terrifying.

  “I think I’m free. Why?” she said.

  “The Giants are playing. Interested?”

  Baseball? Darn it! That could mean anything.

  “I’d love to go,” she said, “but I’m not a huge fan of the game. I mostly go for the beer and hotdogs.”

  He looked at her, feigning shock. “I thought you were Miss Healthy.”

  “Healthy yes, crazy no. Who passes up a chance for their favorite foods? You are paying, right?”

  He smirked a little but kept his eyes on the trail as they limped along, the day getting hotter and making them sweatier where their bodies touched. Of course, that only made her think of how it might feel to have him on top of her making wild passionate love.

  Dr. Reed continued looking amused.

  “What?” she prodded.

  “Nothing.”

  “Tell me or I’ll think you’re laughing at my R-rated workout clothes,” she said.

  He glanced at her chest for a fraction of a moment, as if trying very hard not to look. “Hotdogs and beer are the only reason I go to games, too.”

  She suddenly felt warm and toasty on the inside. His comment meant that he thought they were clicking. If only she could figure out if it was at the friend level or something else.

  The two of them hobbled down the mountain together, and damned if she didn’t catch him stealing a few side glances at her pushed-up breasts. A very hopeful sign. But as they got to the parking lot, she couldn’t help dwelling on the fact that this relationship, as easy and great as it felt, was nothing like the online email fling they had going.

  He wants her. But he likes me. The sudden revelation felt like a wet cold blanket dropped on her head.

  I am going to do the surgery. That was all there was to it. How could he or any man love her for what was inside if they couldn’t get past the exterior wall? It’s like a castle with an alligator-filled moat. Everyone was too busy looking at the giant lizards to pay any attention to the fine stonework and classic architectural features.

  Regardless, after today no more Catrina. Not after she’d learned about his heartbreaking divorce. Tonight, she would write and tell him that she wasn’t ready for a relationship because she needed to work on herself—true. She would wish him luck and thank him for everything he’d shared. But tonight it would be over.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Monday morning, Macie got up early, deciding to hit the gym for an hour before work. Today she would run as long as she could. Tomorrow she’d add five minutes to that time. Then she would keep on adding until she could keep up with Jack. It was an ambitious goal, but with the stitches in his leg, he’d be out of running-commission for about eight or nine days, which was just enough time to build some stamina for their next trail excursion.

  As for Catrina ending things with Dr. J-Love? She had done it, just as she said, and she felt great about the decision until Tuesday morning, when she sat at the nurses’ station and spotted Dr. Reed coming toward her, his long face glaringly obvious.

  Oh no. Had she done this? She’d smothered his flame with Catrina so abruptly that he likely wondered why. Dammit.

  “Dr. Reed!??
? She put on her brightest smile for him. “How’s the leg?” She had driven him to the ER and personally stitched it up. Some of her best work. The only downside was that the entire time they were together at the hospital, nurses kept coming by to check on him. “Oh, you poor baby. What happened?” Jack seemed indifferent, but it seriously raised her hackles watching all these women flirt with him. It made her realize that Jack wasn’t going to stay single forever. If she wanted her shot, she had to hurry.

  Jack came up in his white coat, planting his forearms on the tall counter in front of her while she stood, putting them face-to-face. The air instantly infused with his sweet leathery cologne. Or was that the hospital’s new hand sanitizer she smelled on him? Either way, he’s ownin’ it.

  “Leg’s fine,” he said. “I couldn’t have done better myself.”

  “Glad to hear it,” she said, trying to be chipper. “And what brings you to our lowly neck of the woods, eh?”

  “Lowly?”

  “Well, isn’t it true there’s a day spa over in the plastic-surgery wing?” She smiled. “And sushi every day for lunch?”

  “Sushi, no. Day spa, yes.”

  Her jaw dropped. “Really? I was just joking.”

  “They call it a rejuvenation retreat, but it’s for the high-profile patients, mostly to help with recovery, reducing scarring, all that.”

  Macie nodded slowly. “I’m still jealous. And now I’m making a mental note to change departments.”

  “Don’t. You’re better off here, helping people who really need it.”

  Did that mean he was beginning to regret his choice of changing specialties and working here? Can’t have that.

  “Now, now,” she said, “don’t be so cynical, Dr. Reed. People need pretty butts and chins, too.”

  He toggled his head from side to side, like he wasn’t convinced. Nor did he smile at her joke. In fact, the man looked like something serious was eating away at him—a subtle hardness in his eyes and the corners of his lips turned down ever so slightly.

  Oh no. The man is miserable. But what else could she do? Things had to end with Catrina. Now he could spend more time getting to know a real woman instead of some fantasy.

  “So what’s up?” she asked in a low voice, noting some of the other nurses circling like horny vultures, wanting to swoop in and grab a piece of Jack-meat.

  “Are you free for lunch?” he asked. “I need to talk to you.”

  Uh-oh. It does sound serious. What could he possibly want to talk about? Had he somehow figured it all out?

  No. Impossible. There was no way in hell to link her to Catrina. Maybe he just wants a shoulder to cry on.

  “Sure, but what’s the matter?” she asked.

  “It can wait,” he said. “I have a break after my ten o’clock lipo. I should be done around noon.”

  “Great.”

  “Thank you, Macie.” He smiled softly, the tender look in his eyes telling her he really meant it. It touched her, frankly, that he would turn to her when he needed someone.

  Wait. How horrible am I? She’d caused his misery, and now she was reaping the benefits of getting to console him? It was wrong on so many levels. Yes, but I ended things. That was the right thing to do, and now it’s time to move on.

  “I’ll swing by and get you,” he said and turned, heading out toward the waiting area.

  Just then Dr. Bollinger came around the corner. “Nurse Moo, where are those test results I asked for?”

  The Chadster did not hold back on the disdain, and Macie felt her face glow red hot. He’d belittled her within earshot of Dr. Reed.

  Alright. That’s enough. It was one thing for Goo and Foo to call her Moo, and she didn’t mind when work friends like Kirsten said it either because she meant it as a term of endearment. Kirsten had even gone out with Macie, Grace, and Fiona a few times, earning her the nickname Koo, an honorary sisterhood title. But it was an entirely different thing to let some imbecilic hater, like the Chadster, use the name to humiliate her. Especially in front of Jack.

  Macie turned her entire body to give Dr. Douchebag a piece of her mind.

  “What the hell did you just call her?” growled Dr. Reed, getting right into Dr. Bollinger’s face.

  The Chadster stepped back, holding up his two palms. “Hey, back the hell off.”

  Like bees to honey, nurses and patients popped out of exam rooms and from around corners to witness the drama.

  Oh no. Macie stood behind her station, watching in horror as Dr. Jack Reed—Mr. Cool and Calm—visibly bubbled over like a pot of boiling pasta.

  “What gives you the right,” Jack snarled, clenching his fists, “to call her that name? Does she look like a fucking cow?”

  The Chadster shrugged. “I heard someone call her that once. Must’ve stuck in my head. Honest mistake.”

  “Well,” Jack poked Chad’s chest, “that mistake just cost you everything. Get the fuck out of this hospital.”

  “I don’t work for you,” the Chadster sneered.

  “You’re right. You work for BWE Healthcare, a division of Bennett Wade Enterprises.”

  “Exactly. So you can fuck off,” the Chadster looked at Jack’s name badge, “Dr. Reed.”

  Jack reached into his pocket, slid out his cell, and punched in a few numbers before holding it up to his ear. “Hey, Bennett. It’s Jack.”

  Ohhh…shit. Macie cupped her hand over her mouth.

  “Yeah. I’m great,” Jack said. “But I’m afraid there’s a little issue. A Dr. Bollinger here has taken it upon himself to rename some of the nursing staff.”

  Jack listened for a moment while the Chadster’s jaw flapped, and anger sizzled in his eyes.

  “Yes,” Jack said, “you are correct in assuming it was neither appropriate nor flattering.” Jack paused for a brief second. “Yep. See you Sunday.” Jack ended the call, returned his phone to his pocket, and smiled. But this time, it was a smile unlike any she’d seen from Dr. Jack Reed. “My brother-in-law says you’re welcome to file a complaint with HR, your lawyers, and the Board of Medicine. However, you are to get the hell out of his hospital.”

  Macie watched as Bollinger’s face turned sheet white. “You-you can’t do that. There are rules.”

  “Exactly. And they don’t permit you to demean Macie like that. Goodbye.” Jack stepped aside, indicating that Chad Bollinger should take his leave.

  The Chadster flared his nostrils. “You’ll hear from my lawyers.” He stomped away, and once he was out the doors, Macie watched Jack exhale with deep satisfaction.

  He turned toward Macie, acting like it was all in a day’s work. “Sorry he put you through that. See you for lunch.”

  Macie nodded, feeling her heart do somersaults. It wasn’t that she couldn’t stick up for herself, but he’d done something no one ever had. He’d defended her honor, man to man, fight to the death. Career death at least.

  Macie released a dreamy sigh and watched him walk away, her entire soul all tingles and bonfires. It’s really just not possible for a man to be so perfect. But every time she said that, Jack Reed proved her wrong.

  I need him in my life.

  CHAPTER TEN

  If Dr. Reed had been a mere sex symbol before the Chadster incident, then he had reached Beatlemania status now. Everyone was talking about him, and any eligible bachelorettes were in serious love with the man. Macie was no exception.

  “Ready?” Jack asked, standing by the nurses’ station just after noon when she came from one of the exam rooms.

  She didn’t want to show it, but seeing him there, waiting for her—yes, her—felt like being singled out by a rock star mid-concert to go backstage.

  She tried not to go giddy on the man. “Let me just grab my purse.”

  “For what? I’m paying.”

  She smiled in gratitude. “In case I need to powder my nose?”

  “You don’t wear makeup,” he said dryly.

  “Yes I do.”

  He leaned closer, studying her fa
ce. “Really. Are you wearing any today?”

  Foundation, bronzer, blush, and mascara. “Nope.”

  “Didn’t think so.”

  A twitch of guilt nagged at her stomach. “Okay, I am, but you’re not supposed to know since I go for the natural look. And now you’ve guilted me into staying away from even harmless little lies.”

  He blinked his intense green eyes at her. “I like it.”

  “What? The unnecessary honesty that’s preventing a woman from having even the smallest of secrets?”

  “No. Your makeup. I like that I can’t tell you’re wearing any.”

  “Oh.” She ran her hand through her long hair. “Thank you.”

  He dipped his head. “Any foods off-limits?”

  “No, but aren’t we just going to eat at The Sage?” That was where everyone went.

  “Mmm…I had something a little more adventurous in mind than our cafeteria.”

  “More adventurous than booger green? Well, I have been in the mood for monkey brown.” She smiled, grabbing her purse.

  “Have you ever tasted monkey brown?” He didn’t smile, but now she was onto him and his dry humor. It was all in the eyes.

  “No. Have you?”

  “I’ve tried everything, and some things aren’t meant to be eaten. Monkeys and their brown aren’t one of them.”

  Macie chuckled. “Funny doctor. But now I’m wondering if our definitions of adventurous eating might be out of sync.”

  “This is Napa. How crazy can it get?”

  “Yeah, this is pretty crazy,” she said as they pulled up in his Tesla to the exotic meats taco truck beside a construction site five miles from the hospital. “Why do I feel like I’m being tested?”

  A glimmer of amusement twinkled in Jack’s eyes. “They have steak and chicken tacos, too. All very good.”

  They got out of his car and went to the end of the very long line.

  “I don’t scare that easily. What are you ordering?” she asked.