The Rebel Doc Who Stole Her Heart Read Online Free Page B

had more command over her reactions.
    Unable to wait any longer to scrub in so that she could begin her procedure on time, she stepped towards the sink when a spot became available. Just as she took her place, the group erupted in laughter.
    Dr. Smith turned, almost bumping into her. “Hey, Michelle.”
    Out of the corner of her eye she noticed the other women drifting away. She placed a foot on the pedal to start the water. “Hi,” she said, concentrating on washing.
    “We were just talking about getting together tonight at a bar downtown. I’ve been asked to fill in as part of the surgeons’ band.”
    “You play?”
    “Don’t sound so surprised. I play a mean guitar. I think that’s why Schwartz requested me to take his place. More for my guitar skills than my medical ones.”
    “I didn’t know Dr. Schwartz played in the band.”
    Had he said he wasn’t surprised? She refused to let him make her feel like she didn’t belong. “No, it doesn’t surprise me that you play guitar. I was just making conversation.”
    “Interesting. You don’t strike me as someone who makes small talk.” Was he trying to needle her on purpose?
    “I don’t believe you know me well enough to know what I do.”
    He pressed his lips together and nodded as if in deep thought. “You’re right. Maybe we should try to change that.”
    Michelle looked at him. Where was this going?
    “A group of us are getting together after the band plays on Saturday night. Why don’t you join us then? Practice that small talk.”
    “I’m busy.”
    “Well, if your plans change we’re going to be at Buster’s. Wherever that is.”
    “It’s right in the central part of the old city.”
    “A surgeon and a tour guide. Two for one,” he said with a grin.
    She smirked at him. “My father used to take me there for burgers when I was a kid.” Why was she telling him this?
    “Really, your father took you to a bar?” His tone implied he was teasing.
    She made an exasperated noise. “My father would never have taken me to a bar.”
    Dr. Smith chuckled. The man was baiting her again. Wasn’t he ever serious?
    “It wasn’t a bar then. Just a grill. Mr. Roberts owned the place and was a friend of my father’s. I don’t know what it’s like now, but it was once a place with brick walls and had these old wooden tables.”
    “You haven’t been lately?”
    “Not since I was a child.”
    “Why not?”
    “I just hadn’t thought about going.” That wasn’t true. It had been her and her father’s special place. The memories were just too strong there. They made her miss her father more.
    “Maybe it’s time to try it again.”
    She finished scrubbing her nails. “I don’t think so.”
    “Well, I hope you change your mind. It could be fun. If they still have burgers, I’ll buy you one,” he said, passing her on his way toward the OR.
    A few minutes later she entered behind him. The team was talking and softly laughing at something Ty must have said. He seemed to always be saying something outrageous. She couldn’t blame her team for reacting. She’d smiled more since she’d met him than she had in a long time, but her nerves had been on edge just as often.
    Everyone quieted down and became attentive when she joined them. “Are we ready to begin? By the way, it’s nice to see you here ahead of me, Dr. Smith.” Her voice carried a teasing tone. She didn’t tease. What was happening to her?
    “Glad to be here. This time I wasn’t stuck helping out at a car accident.” His gaze caught and held hers.
    He’d made his point. It figured he’d have a good reason that would make her feel bad about her actions the day before. “Understandable. I hope everyone was okay.”
    “Everyone was fine. I’m ready to begin when you are, Michelle.” His eyes twinkled when he said her name.
    Her jaw tightened beneath her mask. Demanding that the aggravating man call her by her formal name in the OR was a battle she didn’t think she could win.