“Here’s the doctor.” She bent low. “He always gives a present if you’re good.”
That got the child’s attention. “Present?”
I strolled over and sat down on the rolling stool. “If you’re good. And you get to choose it yourself.”
Jane sniffled. “It hurts.”
I tipped up her chin. “That’s why chalk belongs in the box, not your nose.”
“Jerry dared me!”
Her mother groaned, and I looked at her. “Brother?”
“Yes.”
I chuckled. I had tormented Jennifer when we were kids too.
After a quick exam, I stood. “Okay, I’ll have that out in a jiffy,” I promised.
I approached the nurse, who indicated the tray. “Everything is ready.”
“Thank you, ah…? We haven’t met.” I held out my hand. “Colin Preston.”
“Miranda Chalmers.”
“Welcome to the ER.” I shook her hand, wondering at the odd feeling of how right it fit with mine wrapped around it.
“It’s up there pretty tight.”
I blinked then realized she meant the chalk.
“I have a trick,” I assured her. “I’ll have it out fast. Have the treasure chest at ready.”
Two minutes later, I held up the damp piece of chalk. Miranda had wrapped her arms around Jane, holding her head for me and telling her a funny story about a mouse to distract her.
“Okay, young lady. Before you get your present, you have to promise, no matter what Jerry dares you to do, you will ask yourself if it would be something Mommy would want you to do, okay?”
“Okay,” she sniffled.
Five minutes later, I poured a hot cup of coffee, grateful for a stolen minute. Miranda walked in, and I lifted the pot. She nodded and smiled, and I held out the cup I had just poured for myself. I grabbed another one, and we sipped in silence for a moment.
“You’re good with calming the patient.”
“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.”
I laughed. She was intriguing. “Finding your way around all right?”
She shrugged. “It’s all new. The hospital, the town, but I’ll figure it out.”
I was about to ask her if I could help when the door opened.
“Car accident coming in fast. Need all hands on deck.”
We both set down our cups. Since then, all our interactions had been professional, although every time I saw her, she intrigued me more. But there never was the right moment alone with her to continue our conversation.
Mack’s voice interrupted my musings. He hurried over, yanking up his hood. “Shit, it’s cold. Let’s go—there’s a beer and hopefully a pretty nurse waiting for me!”
Chuckling, I followed him. I was secretly hoping for the same thing.
It took me thirty minutes to make it through the crush at the bar to find Miranda. She was perched on a stool at the end of the bar, sipping a glass of white wine when I approached. She smiled, her expression open and warm. I ordered a beer and another glass of wine for her, and we tried our best to make conversation over the din. I noticed a vacant table in the corner and indicated it with a tilt of my head. With a nod, she slid from her stool. Without thinking, I grabbed her hand, and we pushed our way through the throng of people and to the quiet corner. Her hand felt strangely right nestled in my palm, and for some reason, I was loath to release it when we reached the quieter spot.
She sat down, and I joined her with a sigh.
“You worked a double. You must be exhausted.”
“A little. But I wanted to wish Douglas well. One beer, and I’ll head home.”
“Oh.” She nodded in understanding, but I saw the flash of disappointment on her face. Knowing I would be useless once I drank the beer in front of me and the exhaustion caught up with me, I took the chance.
“How about we get together somewhere not so noisy next time?”
She furrowed her brow.
“Next time?”
I took in a deep breath. “When I take you out. On a date.”
“Are you asking me out?” she teased, her lovely eyes dancing.
“If I were, would you say yes?”
“I guess you have to ask to find out.”
I picked up her hand and kissed the knuckles. “Would you go out with me, Miranda? Please?”
She grinned. “Yes.”
“When is good for you?”
“I’m off on Thursday.”
It was only Monday, but considering how long I had already waited, a few more days was nothing.
“May I take you to dinner?”
“I would love that.”
I squeezed her fingers. “Great.”
Our hands remained clasped on the table, and neither of us moved to break the connection.
And I was fine with that.
I cursed loudly as a car going past me didn’t slow down or swerve around the puddle. The dirty, cold water hit me like a frigid slap in the face, dousing me completely. An unusually warm day had melted the snow, creating puddles and icy sidewalks. As night fell, the temperatures dropped, and grates froze again, the water forming deep wells by the curbs. Walking was dangerous, and most drivers were careful. Except, of course, for a few assholes—such as the one who’d just covered me in slush and water. I groaned and headed back to my car, digging around in the trunk and grabbing the bag I kept a change of clothing in. I headed to Miranda’s apartment and waited until she buzzed me up. When she opened the door, her eyes flew open wide with shock.
“Colin—what happened? Are you all right?”
I handed her the flowers I had purchased for her, grimacing over the fact that they had been sprayed as well. “Some ass went past me too fast. Drenched me. And your damn flowers.” I looked down with a shake of my head. “I have to change before we go out, if I could borrow a towel and your bathroom for a moment?” I lifted my duffel bag. “Not sure what’s in here, but it will at least be dry.”
“We can postpone.”
“No. I’ve been looking forward to this. I swear it’s the only thing that’s kept me going all week. I’ll change, and we’ll be right back on track.”
My words made her smile. I wasn’t lying. Tonight had been at the forefront of my mind since I’d left her in the bar. She had been in my thoughts constantly.
“Come in,” she urged.
I stepped in, and she shut the door. “Take off your coat, and I’ll throw it in the dryer. You change, and we’ll have a glass of wine while your coat dries.”
“Thank you.”
I slipped off my shoes and carried them to the bathroom. I looked in the mirror and laughed—no wonder Miranda looked so shocked. My face was splattered with mud—there was even some in my hair. My pants were wet and dirty and my shoes caked with grit. Since my coat had been open, my shirt was coated as well. I was a mess.
There was a knock on the door, and Miranda handed me a couple of towels and a facecloth. “Use the shower if you want. I think your clothes need to go in the wash with your coat. Drying it won’t help. It’s filthy.”
I lifted one eyebrow in a teasing gesture. “Getting me naked already, Miranda? I usually need dinner first.”