A Very Grumpy Doctor

I hate going to the doctors, but thats not my problem right now. Its that the new physician in town wont stop trying to make me his.

Alexi
I hate doctors.
Hate everything about going to see them.
The cold rooms, the stern faces, the way they act like they know your whole life because of a clipboard.
So when I got sick, I put it off as long as humanly possible, but my fever is getting worse, so I bite the bullet and drag my miserable butt into Wolf Valley Medical.
Im prepared for a shot or some vile-tasting medicine.
What I wasnt prepared for was Dr. Hugh Mercer.
Tall, broad, annoyingly handsome, and so grumpy he makes thunderstorms look cheerful.
He shouldve been intimidating, but instead he was almost…gentle.
For some reason, he looked at me like I was the most important thing hed seen all day.
I had rushed out when we were done, but now every time I turn a corner, hes there.
Checking on me.
Asking if Im eating.
Offering to drive me home.
And I keep doing the only reasonable thing I can think of.
Running in the opposite direction.

Hugh
Ive been a doctor for years.
Ive met every kind of patient—nervous, stubborn, loud, angry, but nothing prepared me for Alexi.
She walked into my exam room with flushed cheeks, a runny nose, and enough attitude to take down an entire ER.
And I fell.
Hard.
She hates doctors, hates asking for help, and hates that I can read her fever from across the room, but I dont care.
I care about her.
The woman who refuses to slow down even when shes sick.
The woman who blushes every time I get too close.
The woman who keeps staring at me like Im the one who needs medical attention.
Now I just have to figure out how to get her to stop running long enough to see the truth.
She doesnt need a doctor.
She needs me.
And Im not giving up on her or us.