SH Medical 08 - The Baby Dilemma Read Online Free Page A

difference between her and the youngest of her siblings, Paige’s nieces and nephews ranged from school age up to their late twenties.
    Still, a couple of her nieces and nephews had babies of their own. Maybe we wouldn’t be so isolated, after all.
    “You’re thinking again.” The amused baritone belonged to Mike. With a fluid motion, he reversed the empty chair beside Paige and straddled it. “Someone ought to make a video of your face and put it on YouTube. It would go viral.”
    Paige shuddered. “Don’t talk to a doctor about going viral. It raises scary associations.”
    Nora cast a knowing look in their direction and, after congratulating Mike on his brother’s wedding, turned her attention to Zack and his daughter on her far side. Paige couldn’t blame her for assuming they were indulging in a flirtation.
    “Speaking of viral, that dress could give a guy a fever,” Mike joked.
    Oh, for heaven’s sake! “Aren’t you supposed to sit with the bride and groom?” Paige asked testily.
    “Are you avoiding the subject?”
    “You mean the subject of my voluptuous body?” Might as well give him a direct answer. “Yes, because it’s none of your business.”
    “Then why aren’t you all covered up like my sister Marianne?”
    Maybe it was the teasing light in those blue-gray eyes, or the inviting glint of white teeth. Most likely, she was feeling the contrary effects of hormones. Whatever the cause, Paige found herself wishing that she could have a real conversation with Mike Aaron that didn’t involve innuendo.
    “You must like me or you wouldn’t keep showing up in my path,” she said. “So let me give you a tip, Mike. I guess it’s a cliché to say women don’t like being treated as sex objects, and maybe some do, but not me. Talk to me with respect. Treat me like a friend. I’m not saying that’ll get you anywhere, but it won’t make me dread dancing with you.”
    He started to speak and hesitated. She could practically see the gears shifting.
    “It’s fun to tease you. You flush bright red and I guess I enjoy the reaction,” Mike admitted.
    “Well, I don’t enjoy it.”
    “What else should we talk about?”
    Paige chose the first topic that came to mind. “How about what it’s like to grow up in a big family.”
    “Chaotic,” he said.
    “For me, it was claustrophobic.”
    “How many siblings do you have?” he asked.
    “Three brothers and two sisters. All much older.” The senior brother, Curren, a radiologist, had recently turned fifty-three.
    “I assumed you had at most one sibling,” Mike said.
    “Why is that?”
    “It must take a lot of encouragement and support to go to med school.” As he spoke, he seemed like a different guy, straightforward and thoughtful. Not that Paige expected this new attitude to last, but it was an appealing change.
    “My family opposed my career plans, even though my dad was a doctor and so are two of my brothers,” she said. “They thought I should be a nurse like my mom and sisters and take time out to raise a family. Also, they weren’t convinced that I could hack it. To them, I’m the baby.”
    “A big and very luscious baby,” came the immediate response, followed by, “Sorry. Force of habit.”
    The way he ducked his head was endearing. Paige felt an unexpected touch of regret when she saw Lock waving from the head table. “They’re signaling you over there.”
    Mike glanced toward his brother. “Ah. Duty calls.” He patted his pocket. “I’ve got my toast all prepared.”
    “That comes later, I’m sure. Right now it looks like the food’s ready.” Wait staff had begun setting salads in front of the bridal party.
    “See you when the music starts.” Flashing a grin, Mike uncoiled from the chair and cut away between tables.
    She was rather looking forward to that dance, Paige discovered. And that was the most surprising thing of all.

Chapter Three
    Mike could see he had to plan his campaign differently. Flirting and