Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“I never loved the idea of a young person having to die for me to live,” Lou says. “But I’ll hold out a bit longer.” He sits up and leans toward me. “Carol and I have a pact. We’re going to give it another month. If no hearts or lungs have arrived by the beginning of March, we’re going to refuse further treatment and enter hospice together.”
Carol nods. “It’s true.”
I gasp. “You can’t do that! Organs take time. Some people wait months, even years, for the right match.”
Lou holds up a hand. “We’ve lived long lives and we’ve thought a lot about the decision.”
My lips quiver, but I hold back any tears for Lou and Carol’s sake. “I’ll inform Dr. O’Rourke of your decision. You can always change your mind.”
I turn toward the door. I’m usually pretty good about separating my feelings from my patients—after all, this is a hospital, and people dying is a common occurrence—but Carol and Lou are special. I was really hoping they’d make it.
They still could.
A miracle could happen.
They’ve been waiting so long.
After I find Dr. O’Rourke, I’ll go into the employee bathroom and have a good cry.
At least I’m no longer turned on.
I go to the nurses station. Dinah is there, typing something on the computer.
Her eyes widen when she sees me. “Alissa! Have you been ignoring your phone? I’ve been texting you all morning.”
I blink. I haven’t looked at my phone since last night. Maddox has been on my mind. I had to fish it out of my purse this morning on my way out the door.
In fact—shit. I didn’t charge it last night. I meant to plug it in once I got to the hospital, but I tossed it in my locker like I always do. It’s probably dead, or about to die.
Oh, God. Like Carol and Lou.
I swallow the emotions down.
“Sorry. I’ve been preoccupied.”
Dinah narrows her eyes. “Did you have a good date last night?”
The clouds covering my brain part a bit, allowing a little sunlight to come through. I smile at Dinah. “Yeah, actually. He’s a great guy. I’m seeing him again tonight.”
Dinah drops her jaw. “A second date less than twenty-four hours later? Damn, Alissa, he must have it bad.”
I chuckle lightly. “Yeah. I might have it bad too.”
Dinah raises her eyebrows. “Did you…?”
I shake my head. “No. But we snogged pretty fiercely outside my apartment door. It was…” I lean down closer to Dinah’s ear, lowering my voice. “It was bloody amazing. Like, I’ve never been kissed by a man like that. I could hardly sleep, I was so turned on.”
Dinah grins. “Love that for you.” She turns her gaze to the computer. “If one of us gets to escape the perilous land of Chicago singlehood, I’m glad it could be you.”
I roll my eyes. “Dinah, you’re gorgeous. When a man comes along who deserves you, you’ll know it. And who knows. It was a great first date, but I’ve had a lot of great first dates. Men don’t usually start showing their true colors until later in the process. Maddox could be a creep, for all I know.”
But deep in my heart, I know he’s not. Maddox is different from any man I’ve ever met. If his appearance and dedication to men’s fashion didn’t already confirm it, that searing kiss last night certainly did.
I return my gaze to my clipboard. “Anyway, I’m looking for Dr. O’Rourke. I need to talk to him about a few patients of mine. Have you seen him?”
Dinah looks up, her face flushing. “Looks like he just walked in.”
Whenever Dr. O’Rourke enters a room, every female in the area—and some of the males—take notice. He’s got a granite jaw framed by a tightly trimmed beard, dark piercing eyes, and a broad body that could melt any woman into a puddle. Even from under his white doctor’s coat, you can see the muscles of his pecs and biceps straining to break free from the tight V-neck he wears underneath.
Of course, he’s nothing compared to Maddox, even though the two of them share a lot of physical qualities.
“Dr. O’Rourke.” I walk up to him, clutching my clipboard. “I need to talk to you about a few of my patients.”
“Alissa.” Dr. O’Rourke smiles at me. “Did you have a pleasant evening?”
I swallow. Far more than pleasant, but Dr. O’Rourke doesn’t need to hear that.
But Dinah can always be counted on to speak for me.
“Alissa had a great evening. She had a date with a tall, dark stranger.”
Dr. O’Rourke raises an eyebrow. “Did you?”
I glare at Dinah. “Yes. We went to this bizarre club, not too far from here, actually.”
Dr. O’Rourke narrows his eyes. “How bizarre?”
I bite my lip. “Pretty bizarre. It was underground, a speakeasy. Themed after playing cards. Spades, diamonds, clubs, you get the idea.”
“Aces Underground?”