“You know nothing of our relationship,” he retorts.
“I know you don’t have a relationship,” I reply, feeling a bit proud of myself for the comeback and the irritation that washes over his face.
“Maybe not at this moment, but she’s always come back to me.”
“Not this time, Dr. Williams,” I state smugly and don’t even try to hide it.
He opens his mouth to counter, but there’s a quick rap at the door, followed by Oaklee entering the room. “I have everything we need. I apologize for it not being available in the room,” she says, setting everything down on the counter before turning her gaze to me and adding, “the room we usually use for these types of procedures is being utilized by a specialist at the moment.”
“No worries,” I reply softly. “The good doc and I were just getting acquainted a bit.”
Something that resembles panic flashes through her features. “Oh?” she asks, somewhat hoarsely.
“Yep. He was just informing me how different a small town is to the city lifestyle he’s used to. You know, all the gossip and busybodies,” I say. “Nothing is secret in a place like Cooper Town. Everyone talks about everything. You know, who broke up, who’s cheating on who…” I leave the statement hanging, the weight of my words heavy.
Lance clears his throat. “Nurse, I want to irrigate this wound. Since he was working outside, and I’m sure the jobsite is dirty, anything could have gotten in here. Let’s get him numbed up.”
He turns his attention to the lidocaine and preps the syringe. I glance at Oaklee, and even though she’s wearing tension lines around her eyes and mouth, she still looks positively beautiful. I can tell working with this asshole is taking a toll on her, and I hate it. If I could somehow pull her away from him forever, I would. But she doesn’t need a knight in shining armor. She needs a friend who stands by her side, and if needed, steps in front of her to protect her from the Lances of the world.
Lance heads my way. “Wish I could say this wasn’t going to sting a little, but it will.” And he smiles.
“I can handle a little prick,” I reply, grinning smugly, just as he did when he entered the room.
Oaklee coughs, but I’m pretty sure she did it to cover a laugh. She keeps her focus on what’s on the counter, and her shoulders are drawn up and shaking just a little. Oh, yeah, she’s laughing, and I fucking love it.
Lance rubs an alcohol swab around the wound, and yes, that doesn’t feel so great. Then, he sticks the needle into the tender skin and pushes the syringe. There it is. The burn. I hold completely still, refusing to so much as flinch or tense as he pulls the needle out and moves to the other side of the wound and does it again. I get a third shot, which is just as uncomfortable as the first two.
“Now we wait a few minutes for it to numb up.”
“Great, you got a TV or a Mad Libs book?”
His eyebrows arch up. “Mad Libs?”
“You know, a fun book to keep me occupied while I wait.”
“It’s going to be three minutes.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I need a little more time. I do my best work when I’m not rushed and can really take my time and savor the fun.” I go ahead and give him a Cheshire cat grin just to goad him a bit more.
His ears turn red, and his mouth is in a tight, straight line. I almost laugh out loud.
Good, asshole. Serves you right.
Oaklee spins around, holding a stack of papers tightly against her chest. “Dr. Williams, I have the paperwork filled out and ready for you to finish.”
He nods, reaching a privileged hand out for her to walk closer and give him the papers, which she does. He scans the documents, but I pay no attention to him. My gaze is on the beautiful nurse. She’s a bit more relaxed now that we’re getting down to business.
“How does it feel?” Lance asks, scooting beside the table once more. Before I can reply, he reaches out and taps the skin around the wound. “Can you feel this?”
“Naw, I’m good,” I reply.
“All right, Nurse, let’s flush it out with saline,” he instructs.
I watch them work, mentally noting how they work decently together, but more because their professionalism has taken over, not because they have chemistry. When it comes time for the stitches, Oaklee brings a tray on wheels over and positions it right next to Lance.
“Ready, Mr. Miller?”
“Yes—no, wait, Doc. I need something for comfort.” Extending my hand toward Oaklee, she nibbles her bottom lip to keep from smiling.
