Starting with a Kiss

“Good job, Greg. Any other items we need to address?” Dr. Taylor asked the staff.

Not hearing any, the meeting was adjourned.

“Susan, can I speak with you?” Abby jumped up before she could be cornered by Greg Hastings and, gathering her notes, hastened to join her friend.

“So,” Susan said, glancing over her shoulder.

“You and Greg. Is this a trend? You two went to that banquet last week, now co-chairs? Hmm, anything you want to share with a friend?”

“Yes, I wish I didn’t have this assignment. And didn’t you hear, last week was a duty escort arranged by Dr. Taylor.”

“Not according to the rampant rumors going around. Apparently there’s a nurse on the surgical wing who is very miffed.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake. Doesn’t anyone have anything better to do than gossip?”

“About our sexy Dr. Hastings? I doubt it.”

“Oh, well, if it’s just about him—”

“Not exactly.”

Abby waited until the hallway was almost deserted, then dared to ask, “Not exactly?”

“There was some speculation as to the way you were dressed.”

Abby groaned with embarrassment. “I knew it, it was too much, wasn’t it.”

“Certainly not your style,” her friend said gently.

“My neighbor helped. She’s a bit more flamboyant than I am.”

“I thought you looked fantastic.”

“Well, some parties thought I looked like a tart.”

“Greg?”

She shrugged. “If he did, he was polite enough to refrain from saying so.”

“Who?”

“Just a friend who obviously felt no such restraints.”

“And the purpose of that dress?”

Abby glanced around to make sure they couldn’t be overheard. “I was trying to make someone take notice.”

“Honey, I think the entire male population of the hospital took notice. Super doctor by day, femme fatale by night!”

Abby scowled. “Not my intent.”

Susan studied her for a moment. “There’s a happy medium—you just need some pointers.”

“Are you volunteering?” Abby asked, diverted temporarily by the idea. She had been over the top last week. And it hadn’t done a speck of good. Jeb had not found her attractive—just the opposite.

“No, but I know someone who would be perfect.” The teasing look in her eyes made Abby wary.

“Right—in my spare time. But in the meantime, I didn’t stop you to discuss my social life. I wanted to ask you about that procedure you were talking about a few weeks ago. I have a kid who is not responding to normal treatment.”

Thankfully, their conversation turned to medicine and Abby was able to put aside the memory of that embarrassing night.

Until she showed up at Dr. Hastings’s office that afternoon just prior to four. She made sure she was not late. His door was ajar, the secretary’s desk empty.

Should she wait, or just go in? Taking a step closer, she heard voices. Someone was in with Greg. She’d wait.

“Shall I leave the door open when your four-o’clock appointment arrives?” The voice came from Greg’s secretary, Rose. Abby had met her once before.

“Why?” The sound of papers being shuffled drifted outside the door.

“Your reputation, of course,” Rose said with asperity. “After the way Dr. Trent was dressed when you took her to the banquet, you have to know she’s trying to vamp you.”

“Vamp me? Where do you come up with these terms, Rose?”

Abby’s cheeks began to burn again. Did the entire hospital think she had been trying to make a play for Dr. Hastings?

“I’m into retro. Anyway, I’m looking out for you.”

“Yeah, the man most likely to sweep a woman off her feet.”

“One look at your killer smile and every woman in sight will swoon.”

He laughed.

Abby stepped closer, charmed by the rich tone of Greg’s laughter. If only she didn’t feel she was the butt of the joke. Damn, why had she let Kim talk her into all that makeup and that dress?

“Rose, you’re priceless. When Dr. Trent arrives, show her in, and then shut the door.”

“What was that about last week?”

“Darn if I know. I expected a quiet, mousy physician to open her door, so I was as surprised as anyone else at the way she looked.”

There were several seconds of silence. Mousy? Was that how he saw her? Did everyone see her that way? Abby turned to tiptoe away when Rose spoke again, her voice pensive.

“You know, maybe she’s looking to change her image. You could help.”

“Me?” Greg laughed again. “I don’t think so, Rose.”

“Think about it, Pam could get her some clothes that suited her personality. Elise could give her pointers on walking and looking sexy, and how to apply makeup for an understated look. I’m serious, Greg.”