“Yes,” I reply, raising my voice. “I did have a good weekend. Thank you for asking.”
Dr. McCormick turns into the kitchen. I heard him coming down the hall before Lucas did. I smirk and he steps back, releasing my hand.
Dr. McCormick smiles cheerfully as he refills his coffee cup. He is jollier by the day, probably excited about the prospect of impending retirement. “Good to see you two getting along this morning. Quarantine must have done you some good.”
“I think Dr. Bell enjoyed it more than I did,” Lucas replies. “At least, she was more vocal about it.”
His double entendre rushes past with all the subtlety of a freight train, but Dr. McCormick offers no sign of recognition. I dig the heel of my shoe into his foot before turning away.
“Dr. Thatcher was the real trooper. In fact, confinement seemed to suit him. I think he would do well in prison.”
Dr. McCormick laughs. “I guess some things never change.”
Fifteen minutes later, Lucas and I are standing in the hallway, prepping to go see our first patient. It’s 7:55 AM and I am hot. Bothered. My picture of professionalism is devolving into more of a porny polaroid.
“Would you stop?” I blurt out, angry.
“Stop what?” he asks.
Practiced innocence drips from his chiseled features.
“Stop looking at me like you’ve seen me naked,” I hiss under my breath.
His mouth perks up. “I don’t think Pandora’s box works like that. How would you prefer me to look at you?”
“Like before. With hatred. A dash of contempt.”
“How about this?”
“Worse.”
With him standing right beside me, his chest pressed against my arm, I’m swaying like a haphazard stack of blocks. A clumsy toddler could knock me on my ass.
“Just look the other way will you? I’m trying to finish reading this chart.”
“I’ve already gone over it. Mr. Nichols. 58. Routine annual exam. Can I look at you again?”
“He didn’t mention any complaints on the intake form? And no. Nothing changes between us. What happened in that exam room stays in that exam room.”
“No complaints. He’s fit as a fiddle. I agree, the exam room is off-limits, so how about you meet me in my office at lunch instead? I’d like a round two, and from the way you’ve been eyeing me all morning, I know you would too.”
My eyes widen at his brazenness. It is said that eyes are the windows to the soul, but in that moment they expose my libido. I wish I had curtains.
I knock on Mr. Nichols’ door and stride in. It’s Lucas’ turn to take the lead.
“Good morning, Mr. Nichols. I’m Dr. Thatcher and this is my associate, Dr. Bell.”
“Why’s there two of you?”
I hold up my casted hand, which is now a blacked-out mess thanks to my attempt to cover up Lucas’ handiwork. The Star Wars cover-up was only temporary; I needed his handwriting and his hearts off my sleeve.
I perch in the corner while Lucas starts the annual. He’s listening to Mr. Nichols’ heart when I realize with a start that we’re back at the scene of the crime. This is the exam room. Mariah has replaced the Highlights magazines with fresh editions and my tongue depressor line is long gone. The rest is just as we left it. The wall where Lucas had me pinned is right in front of me. Taunting. When I blink, I see us there: Lucas pressed up against me, grinding his hips against mine. I see my head thrown back against the wall and his hands stripping me bare. I’m naked and his mouth is on me. Hot and wet. Dipping lower, making me moan.
The pop of a nitrile glove snaps me back to reality.
Lucas is done with the annual. He’s assuring Mr. Nichols that we’ll use an in-network lab for his workup. He’s leading me out of the exam room after him and I’m only a touch more cognizant than a houseplant.
“You look pale,” Lucas says.
There is concern in his voice—concern!
So I grip the lapel of his white coat and drag him after me. The hallway is empty and his office is too. It’s tinier than mine. I’ve never been inside because I never had a reason to go in before, but now I have a reason and that reason is inconveniently located between my legs.
I confirm no one spotted us slip inside and then I close the door tight. Click. We are alone. I lock it too. We are really alone. Lucas is shocked.
But I’m already stripping off my white coat.
“Listen Romeo, I’m only using you,” I say.
My white coat is tossed onto his chair.
“I want to get inside your head, dull your edge,” I continue.
My silk blouse is inverted over my head and tossed to the floor.
“I need you to fall for me. I want you to hand your heart over willingly so I can break it. That way, you’ll leave and give me the practice.”
My pants are unbuttoned and I’m stepping out of them.
“It’s the oldest trick in the book, Lucas.”