Best Dating Rules, Tamie Dearen [literature books to read txt] 📗

last night, but you were sleeping.” Suddenly a look of consternation passed across his face. “By the way, what were you doing accepting a pill from me yesterday when you didn’t know I was a doctor? That was really dangerous. I could have given you something unsafe.” His voice was slightly scolding.

Emily bristled at his admonishing tone. “I usually have pretty good judgment about people. I’d been forced to trust you all day, so I saw no reason not to trust you at the end of the day. However, now I’m having second thoughts. You’re not my father—”

“Ouch!” Josh held up his hands in mock distress. “Mrs. Gherring, I see what you mean about no one telling her what to do.”

The Gherrings smiled at his discomfort. Anne said, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“I’m sorry, Emily. I only meant to express concern for your well-being. I would never presume to order you around. And I certainly don’t aspire to be your father or anything of the sort.”

“Okay. Apology accepted. As long as we understand each other.”

“I’d like to reach the point where I really understand you, but I think I’m going to need more time. So, seriously... I really do want to check your ankle.”

Reluctantly, she unfolded her legs and stuck her right foot out. He pressed around the swollen area experimentally and then moved her foot around to flex the ankle, watching her reaction. She winced, but refused to make a sound at the pain.

“I’m sorry—I know that hurts. I still don’t think anything is broken. But it is a serious sprain.” He began to inspect the cuts on her legs, which she’d left mostly unbandaged, not having anything large enough to cover them. “Nothing looks too deep. Can I see your arms?”

Sighing, she stuck her arms out at him and he looked until he seemed satisfied. “Don’t you have a gash on your back?”

“Yes, but you can’t see that one.”

He rolled his eyes. “Brad and I cleaned that one off with water yesterday and put gauze on it. Why can’t I see it today? It’s not in a private place.”

“I don’t know, but you can’t see it.” She pressed her lips together in a tight line.

He grinned at her. “Okay. You’re the boss. I think you need to be taking anti-inflammatories for your sprained ankle. O.T.C. NSAID’s ought to be fine. That’s ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen sodium. Unless it’s hurting badly enough you need more hydrocodone?”

“No, thank you. I’d rather hurt a little than get knocked out again. I’ve been unconscious a bit too much lately.”

“I agree,” said Steven. “Let’s keep you off the heavy stuff.”

Josh frowned at Anne. “Are you all right, Mrs. Gherring? You seem like you’re about to pass out.”

“Oh, I’m okay. Just a little queasy.”

“Actually, you could really help us out. Anne needs a new IV port,” said Steven.

“What?” asked Josh, reaching to examine the proffered arm. “Oh, I see. Yes, this area’s really inflamed. So you removed an IV port from this spot?”

“Yes, this morning. It was really hurting,” Anne explained.

“And why do you need an IV?”

“She’s got hyperemesis gravidarum. They have her on IV fluids for nutrition support and antiemetics,” said Steven.

“Really? You’re pregnant? How far along?”

“We’re not sure. Maybe ten weeks,” said Anne.

“She was interviewed about it on the news last week,” said Emily.

He shook his head. “I never get to watch television. Saturday was the first day I’ve had off in weeks. I was supposed to be off today, but I got called in.”

He turned back to Anne. “Wow, you’re really thin. I’ve studied about this, but I’ve never seen a real case. It’s pretty rare. Well, except some of them go undiagnosed. Do you have a severe case? Have they talked to you about TPN?”

“We’re hoping to avoid it—so many complications. But I need to eat so I can gain some weight.”

“I’ll be glad to put in a new needle for you. Do you want it in the same place on the other arm? Or some place different?” He opened up the sterile IV kit they handed him.

“Yes, please. On the other arm. I really appreciate this, Josh.”

“My pleasure,” he said, as he quickly inserted the IV needle. “Just a pinch. How’s that?” He taped the new port in place and took off his gloves. “I’m hoping to ingratiate myself with your whole family,” he said with a conspiratorial grin.

“Thank you, Josh,” said Steven. “If there’s anything I can ever do to help you, let me know.”

“I will. Do you need help starting a new fluid bag?”

“No, we’ve got it down,” said Anne, as she and Steven headed toward the bedroom.

Emily felt her palms sweating when her parents left them alone together. He really made her nervous. Time to give him the boot. “Okay… Thanks for dropping by.”

He sat down on the couch next to her. “Can I drop by another time? I’d like to see you again.”

Her stomach turned a somersault. “You would?”

“Yes, I would. I don’t have a lot of spare time right now because of the residency program, but I’d like to spend it with you.”

“Why? I told you I had a boyfriend.”

“Well, that’s not exactly what you said, but I’ll let it pass. Let me explain. When I see something really great, something I want, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get it. I’m not the type of man who gives up if it’s not easy. I’m willing to work at it and wait a long time if I have to. I’m in no hurry. I sense you and Spencer are on unsure footing here. I don’t think he’s the right man for you. If and when you change your mind, I’ll be right here waiting to prove to you I’m the right guy.”

The smile never left his face as he stood. After a moment she thought to close her mouth.

“No pressure. Just think about it.” He walked to the door to let himself out. “I’ll see you later.” Before she could protest