Playing Doctor

"Looks like you've got a fan," Aurelia murmured, smiling.

Daniel shrugged, but smiled too. He wanted to ask her what this coffee date was about… if it was a date-date or if it was really just her saying thank you for seeing her on a Saturday, which wasn't necessary… but he wasn't sure how to bring it up.

"So, I wanted to tell you, I took your advice and made an appointment with Dr. Schmitt. I'm seeing her in a few hours."

"I recall you mentioning that in your email," Daniel said, looking at her across the table. "I think you'll like her. She's only had her practice for about a year, but she's smart and funny and I think she'll make you comfortable."

"Yes, I read her reviews, many people said the same." Aurelia nodded.

"Here you go, one decaf, cream and sugar, one regular and two scones." The waiter set them on the table. "Can I get you anything else, hun?" he asked, looking directly at Daniel.

"No, but thanks, I think we're good."

"Alright then, just give me a little wave if you need a top up, or anything." He smiled and moved off.

"I hope you don't mind me asking you out for coffee," Aurelia said, breaking off a piece of her scone as she stared at her plate. "I…" she glanced back up and met his gaze, "I don't know a lot of people here yet and, well, you're just… you make me feel …" she stopped, and her cheeks turned that rosy hue again.

Daniel reached across the table and took her hand, drawing her eyes back to his. "I like you, Aurelia, a hell of a lot more than I should, seeing as I'm your doctor at the moment," he said softly, so they wouldn't be overheard. The last thing he needed was for someone to report them to the ethics board.

Aurelia nodded. "We don't have to do this… I … I can leave—"

Daniel squeezed her fingers, holding on to them as she started to pull away. "No. I want to see you. I had planned to ask you out once you weren't my patient anymore, but we're talking six months at least and I don't want to wait. I've known you for a week and I can't get you out of my head. We are just going to have to be really careful. So, if you are good with that, with us keeping this quiet… then I want to see you."

Aurelia smiled and her whole face lit up. "I don't know hardly anyone anyway, so I'm good with that."

Daniel chuckled. "Tell me what book you've been reading this week."

"Oh," Aurelia picked up her coffee and sipped it. "Well, I just started reading Blood in the Bayou, by C. M. Sutter."

"Are you enjoying it?"

"Well, I'm only on chapter two, but it has grabbed my attention, I'll admit." Aurelia smiled. "What about you? Have you picked up anything new?"

Daniel sighed. "Haven't had much time to read lately, I took on this new patient, she's really pretty and sweet and has kept my mind occupied for the last week."

Aurelia laughed and the pretty pink hue returned to her cheeks. "Oh stop," she said, giggling as she ducked her head, as if trying to hide from his compliment.

"It's true," he replied chuckling along with her, "but I did pick up Girl Jacked by Christopher Greyson, I'm looking forward to starting it."

"You'll have to tell me how you liked it. I've enjoyed that whole series. Jack Stratton is a great character. I think you're going to like him."

Daniel grinned. "Well, I hope so, since the series is eight books long so far." He waved to the waiter, calling him over for a top up.

"What can I do for you, hun? Another scone? A top up?"

"What do you think, Aurelia? Another scone?" Daniel glanced across at her and smiled.

"Sure, they are delicious."

"Then two more scones and top ups for us both."

"You got it, doll." He wandered off to get their orders.

They continued to chat about books for a while and then Daniel switched the topic. "So… tell me about Portland. Did you work there?"

Aurelia frowned. "For a while. I was really good too, one of the top in my field. I was recruited by the office I worked for straight out of college. But Marcus… he didn't like how many hours I had to put in, so eventually he talked me into leaving my job."

"But don't you like your job?"

"I do. I actually really love corporate tax accounting, finding ways to save companies money, it's a bit like a treasure hunt, you know? A mystery waiting for me to solve."

Daniel laughed at that. "And who doesn't love a good mystery?"

"I know, right?" She grinned.

The waiter returned with their new scones and refilled their mugs, then left with another wink at Daniel. He was going to have to leave the guy a generous tip, he was efficient and friendly — okay a little more than friendly, but not in a bad way — and he knew when to back off.