“This is Doctor Nathan Hale,” Zoe’s voice continued. “But everyone here calls him Doc. He could have made millions in a city, but instead, he chose to return to the place where he grew up, where everyone knows his name. At great personal cost, hedoes all he can for the people of Islingburn: he’s not just a family practice doctor, but also an OB, a hospice provider, an expert with children, and a friendly ear for people going through hard times.”
More shots of Nathan with patients rolled across the screen, interspersed with a few images of him walking up to the viewpoint or getting into his truck.
“Not everything is easy here. Many patients can’t afford regular doctor fees, so Doc only charges them what they can afford. He’s the only doctor in the town, meaning that he often works long hours to see everyone. And, like everywhere else, sickness and injury do happen here.”
More images of Nathan and his patients scrolled past.
“But this is a town where people still watch out for each other. Where doors are left unlocked so kids can run from house to house. Where people bring their doctor homemade jams and prizewinning zucchinis as payment. A town where the doctor would prefer to help people than be rich and famous.
“Are you ready to visit Islingburn? Are you ready to meet Doctor Nathan Hale, the ‘Hottest Doctor Alive’?”
The final image, of Nathan laughing with a waiting room full of patients, remained on the screen as the music swelled once more. Then it was replaced with a title in flowing cursive that looked a lot like the wrought-iron signs that featured all over Islingburn:Just Ask Doc.
The screen went dark, and Nathan sat for a long moment, looking at his own reflection on the black screen.
“So?” Zoe asked. He saw in the reflection that she was bouncing on her toes. “What do you think? Oh, no. You hate it. Don’t you?”
“Zoe.” Nathan got out of his chair and turned to face her. Before he could second-guess himself, he gathered her into a warm hug, wrapping his arms around her. Just like the last time, she fitted perfectly into his arms, and this time, she hugged him back without hesitation. She was soft and warm and smelled lovely.
“Thank you,” he said into her hair. “It’s perfect, Zoe. I mean, you made me look a little too good, but I suppose I shouldn’t complain about that.”
She laughed into his shoulder. Gently, he released her.
“Truly, though. I know it isn’t what you had in mind when we first started, but it’s great. Do you really think people will watch?”
“Definitely.” She grinned at him, and he saw that she was bouncing on her toes again. “Everyone wants to know more about the ‘Hottest Doctor Alive,’ and finding out that you’re really a good guy instead of some scandalous playboy will be a nice surprise.”
He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to lift her into his arms and carry her to the bed and make out like they were teenagers. He wanted to hug her again. He wanted to tell her how much this pitch meant to him.
Only the last option seemed at all possible.
“Thank you for taking the time to see how great Islingburn can be.”
“After seeing the Seven Wonders, I was sold.” Zoe winked.
“Can I take you out to dinner?” Nathan asked. “To celebrate the pitch?”
“It seems a little early to celebrate.” Zoe bit her lip. “After all, no networks have picked it up yet.”
“True, but you should never delay celebrations,” Nathan told her. “You should feel proud of everything you've done so far, whether or not it works out exactly the way we want.”
“I like that.” Zoe smiled. “Okay, dinner. But I probably need to change.” She looked down at her yoga pants and T-shirt, and Nathan laughed.
“You can if you want to, but I think you look beautiful like this, too.” He’d no sooner spoken the words than he realized he shouldn’t have. He shouldn’t have called her beautiful. It was too late, though. Zoe lifted her gaze to his, and her soft brown eyes were wide. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and her lips parted, ever so slightly.
This was it. She wanted him to kiss her.
But Nathan, who never thought he’d be anything but a bachelor, wasn’t brave enough. He second-guessed himself — maybe she didn’t really want this. Even if he did kiss her, where would it lead?
“Okay, so I’ll meet you downstairs in five.” He backed away. “See you soon.”
“Right.” Zoe smiled, though she looked a little disappointed. “See you in a minute.”
Nathan fled.
Dinner was not as awkward as he’d feared after the almost-kiss. The more Nathan thought about it, the more he thought he might have misread the situation anyway. Zoe was just excited about the pitch, that was all. They ate and toasted each other with milkshakes, and talked about the show and about Islingburn. It was all light and easy and just right.
“Well, this is it,” Zoe said, lifting her chocolate milkshake to him. “Next stop, New York.”
