Whats your hurry? Still clutching my arm, he reached back and pushed the door closed.
I frowned. I didnt want to end up like Kathleen, with bills to pay and no job, but neither did I want to end
up as Pattersons next plaything. I have a lot of work to do, I said, trying to pull away from him.
Yes, Ive noticed how tense youve been lately. He released me, but continued to block my path to the door. I think maybe youve been working too hard.
Im fine, really. I tried to dodge past him and collided with Albert, the life-size skeletal model grinning cheerfully from his stand next to the desk.
Albert clanked and swayed like a macabre set of wind chimes. At Halloween we dressed him up and stationed him by the reception desk with a bowl of candy, but the rest of the year Albert was a mute observer of the goings-on in Pattersons office. If those bones could talk
The real reason I wanted to see you is I have a question about one of the notes you transcribed for me. Patterson walked around the desk, seemingly all business, but I didnt let down my guard. He pulled a folder from a stack in his out box and beckoned me toward him. Its right here. Please take a look and tell me what you think this means.
I leaned over the desk, staying as far from Pattersons octopus arms as possible. Fortunately, I could read upside down. Patient is recently divorced, suffering from nervous strain. I looked up at Patterson. Im certain thats what you said on the tape. Is there something wrong?
Not wrong, but I couldnt help thinking how well that phrase describes your own situation. He pressed the tips of his fingers together and looked down his nose at me, as if Id suddenly developed a rare disease. Or a third breast. You know, Phoebe, not only am I your employer, but I think of myself as your physician, as well. Its obvious to me that since your divorce, you, too, have been exhibiting signs of nervous strain. I believe I can help you.
I started backing toward the door. Dr. Michaels over at County General is my doctor.
For a man of his size, Patterson was amazingly quick. He came around the desk and pulled me to him in a bear hug. It was like being caught in the elevator doors, my ribs creaking, my breath cut off. I find you so attractive, he murmured, and began kissing my neck. Wet slobbery kisses. Youd think a man who considered himself a modern-day Don Juan would have a better technique. I struggled, caught tight in his crazed grip.
Nose buried in my neck, his ear brushed up against my lips, pink and vulnerable. I know how to take advantage of a good opportunity when I see it. I bit down hard.
He screamed like a woman, a high-pitched shriek that was probably heard two floors away. I shot out of his arms and was standing by the door by the time he straightened up. He had one hand clapped over his ear and his eyes were wet. Why did you do that? he asked, seeming genuinely puzzled.
Did I mention I have this thing about being held against my will? I turned the doorknob. Im going to pretend this never happened, I said. But if you so much as lay a hand on me again Ill report you to the AMA, the TMA, the BBB and anybody else wholl listen.
Phoebe, Phoebe, Phoebe. He started toward me again, arms outstretched, pleading. I know youve been without a man for months now. Surely you must need the physical release
I was out the door before he finished the sentence. My feet pounded down the carpeted hallway in time with my furiously beating heart. What I need is to be left the hell alone, I muttered as I rounded the corner, headed toward the front office. Joan was going to hear about the doctors latest shenanigans.
I didnt see the man at the end of the hallway until it was too late. I had a fleeting impression of broad shoulders and dark hair before I barreled into him. Papers scattered as he was shoved back against one wall. He struggled for balance, holding on to the only support availableme.
2
Youre the one who ran into me, lady. He righted himself and stared down at me. He was quite tall and, in a better mood, I probably would have thought he was handsome, with his tousled dark hair and heavy-lidded eyes. He was fairly young, midtwenties, I guessed.
You should watch where youre going, I snapped.
I could say the same to you.
We glared at each other, both rumpled and out of breath. Not unlike two people in the aftermath of a particularly vigorous round of sex. I swallowed. Now why had I thought of that? Except, of course, that he was a particularly handsome man, and those dark eyes of his seemed to look right through me, as if he could tell I was wearing my best Givenchy underwear.
Stop it! I ordered myself. I glanced around, hoping someone would come to my rescue. The
office was eerily silent and I realized everyone else had gone to lunch. Me and handsome Hank here were alone, except, of course, for the lecherous doctor.
I smoothed my hands down my sides. The thing to do was to stay calm and collected. That was me. Ms. Cool. If youre here to see the doctor, his office is back there. I pointed down the hallway.