PATTON
I am all business, ignoring the fact that she’s obviously surprised to see me. I’m doing my very best to ignore my body’s reaction to seeing her again. I reached out automatically to steady her on her feet but let go just as fast when I felt her curvy body pressed into mine. Up close, Cora is even more tempting than faraway Cora. I clear my throat and concentrate on discussing the facts of the patient, including his injuries and mental state. I have to concentrate or I’ll notice just how beautiful Cora is, and how devastatingly gorgeous she’s become. Her body has matured into the sexy, feminine curves of a woman, and even without allowing myself to look her over, I can’t miss that fact.
I need to get out of this office where we’re alone together, and I need to do it now.
I cross my arms over my chest and step back from her. Even her scent is intoxicating. In a guarded voice, I am very thorough in discussing the patient. I stare over her head and focus on a plaque on the wall as I drone on and on about what needs to be done. “Do you have any questions?” I ask her.
“No. You want Mr. Nelson set up with a behavioral health therapist, one that will specialize in preparing him for transitioning from soldier to civilian. Furthermore, you would like his wife to partake in any counseling so that she can help with his transition and make it smoother. You would like me to find him some suitable jobs to apply for, so he’s still able to contribute to the family dynamic. You would also like for me to monitor all of his progress and keep the file current. Correct?”
She’s good. There’s no doubt about it. She took all my doctor jargon and long spiel and was able to tell me exactly what I asked for in just a few sentences, telling me that she is a good listener and good at her job.
I nod. “That’s it exactly.”
I move to walk past her, and she moves in front of me, making me wait as she stands in front of the door. Her hand goes up, and I stop before she can touch my chest. “What are you doing here? How long have you been here? Are you avoiding me?”
Is she kidding? Maybe she just needs to hear me say it to gain better closure.
I step back again, not sure what to say. Maybe I just need to be upfront with her. I promised her brother I’d keep an eye on her, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. But I can continue doing it from afar. I’m not here to interfere with her life.
3
Cora
My heart is pumping fast and beating like a drum in my ears, but I have to find out what the heck is going on. Patton is speaking to me like I’m a complete stranger. Combine that with the fact that he hadn’t returned a single one of my calls and there is no denying that something is up.
Patton takes a step back after I blocked his way out, putting more space between us before he speaks. He acts as if I’m a leper or something by the way he doesn’t even want to stand close to me. “It’s obvious why I’ve kept my distance. As to why I’m working here, I work exclusively with veterans now, and this was a perfect fit.”
Flustered, I throw my hands up. Is he kidding? “Obvious? No, Patton, it isn’t obvious. I need you to spell it out for me. I think you owe me that much. I’ve called you so many times over the past year, and you haven’t returned one phone call.”
He hangs his head as he says my name. “Cora—”
His voice is gritty and filled with emotion as he reaches for me and then almost instantly drops his hands. It’s like he can’t even stand the thought of touching me. Heck, he acts as if he doesn’t want to be close to me.
The fact that he doesn’t even want to touch me is like a slap in the face. I take a step back until I’m up against the wall. “Don’t, Patton. Don’t act like you feel bad for me or whatever this is. You obviously don’t want anything to do with me, and I’m sorry that I’ve been pushing myself into your life. I thought... I just thought—” I stop and shake my head in irritation. I can’t tell him, though—not what I really thought. I had hoped there was something between us, at least I felt there was, but I must have imagined it all.
“Cora, listen to me. You don’t have to do this. You don’t have to call me or reach out to me because of some kind of duty you feel toward Jason. I couldn’t save him... You don’t owe me anything. I assure you it isn’t necessary that you put yourself through this.”