Page 45 of Still Afraid

“I appreciate the accolade, but I was being a decent human being. My soon-to-be wife was also glad you’re okay. No ill effects after the ordeal?” Not that she’d been hurt. Josh hoped the reminder of Chloe was well-placed.

“I’ve had a bit of a headache.”

Josh sat at the computer, swiped his badge, and pulled up Breana’s chart. “Headaches are normal after a traumatic event. Be sure you’re eating well and drinking plenty of water. If sleep is a struggle there are options, such as melatonin or other over-the-counter options. Adequate sleep and nutrition are the first things to be sure are balanced since you didn’t suffer a head injury.”

He scanned the medical history she had given the nurse before he came in. “Your history looks pretty straightforward. Do you have any concerns you’d like to address with today’s visit?”

“Umm …” Her eyes darted around as if she was trying to come up with something.

“If not, I’ll give your heart and lungs a listen, and we can get you on your way.”

She shot him a big smile and shoved her hair behind her shoulders, thrusting her chest into the air, thus bringing attention to her low-cut top.

He diverted his eyes and tried not to release the exasperated breath building up inside him.

Doing his job, he stepped closer and placed the stethoscope in his ear. With the other end pressed to her chest, he listened to her heart. While he counted, Breana reached up and stroked his arm.

He jerked it away and stepped back. “I’m sorry, Miss Montego, please don’t touch me. I need to count the beats of your heart, and I’m listening to see if there are any irregularities in the rhythm.”

She folded her hands on her lap. “Fine.”

“Thank you.”

He managed to finish listening to her heart and her lungs. “I think that’s sufficient for today. Sami can answer any other questions you have. Have a good day, Miss Montego.”

“Please, it’s Breana. You know that. Did you enjoy your lunch on Monday?”

The sigh finally came out. “The Chick-fil-A was delicious, but it was inappropriate for you to send it to me. If you are going to be a patient of this office, we can’t accept those kinds of gifts from individuals. We have a kind older woman who brings cookies once a month, but those are for the entire staff, not one person.”

A scowl darkened Breana’s face.

“Again, Chloe and I are both grateful to you for showing us around on Thursday and we’re glad you’re safe. Have a good day.”

Before she could say anything else, he left the room. Instead of stopping anywhere else, he went to his office and closed the door. Lord, did I handle that all right?

No clear answer came.

A moment later, a soft tapping on his door turned his attention. “Come in.”

Sami opened the door and looked like she was about to bust out laughing. “Miss Montego seems to have a thing for the good doctor.”

He glared at Sami.

Her laughter broke through. “Oh, come on, it’s hilarious.”

“No, it’s not. I’m about to be a married man.”

“And she’s just flattering you because you saved her during the tornado.”

“I didn’t do anything.”

“That’s not how she sees it. But don’t worry about it, she’ll get over herself eventually.”

“Maybe so, but I’d like to put a note in her file that Dr. Hendricks needs to see her instead if possible.”

“I can absolutely do that. I saw how she was and, frankly, I was going to put it in there anyway.”

“Thanks, Sami.”