Page 13 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

He liked to think of himself as the kind of man who faced his problems head-on.But when it came to the problem of Shelley leaving, he didn’t even want to think about it.

He gave her a half-smile.“Do you mean you’ve been thinking about hanging out all day with me?”

She made a face.“No.You know what I mean.”

“Unless you’re talking about turning your job into a permanent position, then no, I don’t know what you mean.”

She let out a short laugh.“Come on, Trip.You know we’re going to have to get some interviews lined up.I understand that you had some bad experiences before I arrived to save the day, but I’ll help you find someone competent.I won’t leave you in the lurch.”

He sat down on the other end of the sofa.“How about you just don’t leave?”

His heart pounded even faster.He’d tried to sound like he was joking, but he didn’t know if he’d pulled it off.

She stared at him for a long moment, and when she finally opened her mouth to speak, he didn’t want to hear it—didn’t want her to remind him that she’d only stayed for so long because he needed her, or that he was holding her back when she wanted to move on.

He forced out a laugh.“I know.You never planned to stick around, and you did me a favor staying this long.I’m only joking.”

He shrugged.“What can I say?The clinic’s never run as well as it does now, and that’s all down to you.You can’t blame me for being an opportunist.”

She nodded slowly.“No, I guess not.But like I said, we’ll find you a replacement.I’ll help.We should probably write up an ad.”

His heart sank.He’d only wanted to back off and not put too much pressure on her.Now, it seemed he’d encouraged her to get things in motion for her departure.

“We can talk about it next week.”He forced a smile.“It’s the weekend right now.No work, okay?”

He couldn’t read her expression as she nodded her agreement.If he had to guess, he’d say she looked disappointed.A heavy weight settled in his chest at the thought that she was disappointed about not being able to get things moving on finding her replacement.

He needed to get his shit together.He neither wanted nor needed a woman in his life.And after Shelley left, it’d be easier for him to remember that.

“So, since we’re not going to talk about work, what do you want to do today?”

He was surprised when she got to her feet.

“Like I told you, I have errands to run—chores to take care of.I should get going.”

His heart sank.He’d really messed this up.He didn’t want her to go, but what could he do?His mind raced as he stood to join her.

“Want to come back for another movie tonight?”he asked.It was all he could think of.When she didn’t immediately respond, he hurried on.

“I mean, you’ve seen how much food I still have to work my way through.You’d be doing me a favor.”He smiled.“And there are those sundaes sitting there.There’s no way I’ll be able to eat all of them.”

He relaxed when she smiled back.

“You’re tempting me with sundaes?”

“Yep, I’ll admit it.I’m stooping that low.”

Instead of laughing with him, she frowned as she asked, “Why, though, Trip?”

He had a feeling that if he gave her an honest answer, she probably wouldn’t come back.

He didn’t want to lie to her, though.He blew out a sigh.

“It’s like you said last night.There’s no reason that we should both sit home alone.”He smiled when he remembered something else.“And besides, I’m trying to be nice here—trying to do you a favor by giving you the chance to sleep in that comfy bed again.”

She laughed.“Now thatistempting.”

“So, give in to temptation.Are you really telling me that you’d rather stay home in your little house in town than come down here, eat great food, drink great wine, and sleep on a cloud?”