Doctor Love

Chapter 17

KATE’S POV

I let David kiss me.

His lips touched mine with unexpected gentleness, warm and soft against my mouth. The hospital room faded away as his hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing across my skin with such tenderness it made my heart stutter.

For a man who'd spent months firing sharp words at me across hallways, his kiss was shockingly gentle – almost reverent. The scent of his cologne, something woodsy and expensive, filled my senses as he leaned closer. His other hand slid to my waist, steadying me as my knees went embarrassingly weak.

It was unexpected and I didn't realize I was kissing him back and also enjoying the kiss until he stopped.

"Kate," he whispered, his voice husky and unfamiliar.

The sound of my name on his lips snapped me back to reality. What was I doing?

I quickly pushed him away and asked him to leave. My hands trembled as I smoothed down my scrubs.

"What the hell was that?" I demanded, putting as much distance between us.

David ran a hand through his perfectly styled dark hair, messing it up in a way that made him look less like the arrogant attending physician and more like... someone I could actually like.

"I don't know," he admitted. "I just... when I found you collapsed on the floor... Kate, you scared me."

"So this was what – a pity kiss?" I spat out.

"No!" His eyes flashed. "That's not what this was."

"Then what was it?" I crossed my arms protectively. When he didn’t say a word, I continued. "Just go," I said, turning away from him. "Please. Just go."

He hesitated, then sighed deeply. "I'm sorry. Not for the kiss – I won't apologize for that. But I am sorry for how I've treated you since you arrived. I was threatened by you, by how good you are, and I acted like an ass."

The apology caught me off guard more than the kiss had.

I didn’t reply so he nodded, accepting my silence, and took the door out.

The moment it closed behind him, I collapsed into the chair, touching my fingers to my lips. I couldn't believe David kissed me. Weren't we at each other's throat a few hours ago? Did my illness suddenly turn him into a kind man?

"I don't want pity," I said aloud to the empty room.

I should avoid him henceforth. He can't keep confusing me this way. One minute he's critiquing me in front of the entire team, the next he's kissing me like I'm something precious. It was too much.

The room felt suffocating suddenly. I needed air, needed space to think. But my thoughts kept returning to my condition – the reason I was in this mess to begin with.

I began to think about my illness. I became a doctor because of this. Because I heard it had no cure and I was determined to find one. I've done a few treatments which didn't work. I came to Meridian Grace because I knew how much money they put into their researches. They collaborate with scientists from all over the world. Once I become Dr. Bennett's assistant, I'll have access to the laboratory and I could make more enquiries. For now, there was nothing I could do.

It had been a while since I had an episode like this, but it was nothing new. Dr. Bennett had instructed me on what to do and what not to do before leaving. I could see the pity on his face as he left. Rita, on the other hand, was staring at me with the same disgust. I was sure she didn't know, and I was glad Dr. Bennett didn't say anything about it.

I stood up when my phone rang. It was my father.

"Hey, Dad," I answered, forcing cheerfulness into my voice.

"Katie! Just checking in on my favorite doctor. How's your day going?"

I thought of telling him about my episode but decided not to bother him. "Work is fine. Busy as usual."

"You taking care of yourself? Eating? Sleeping? Taking your medications?" The familiar litany of questions made me smile despite everything.

"Yes to all of the above," I lied. "Promise."

"That's my girl," he said warmly. "I just wanted to check up on you."

"Thanks, Dad. Love you."

"Love you too, kiddo."

After we hung up, I walked out of the room, trying to be strong, even though Dr. Bennett told me to take the day off. But how could I? I couldn't. I'd just stick around the hospital until it was time to go home. There was no way I'd go home now and have my dad begin with his interrogations.

I was rounding the corner to go get changed into my regular clothes when I almost bumped into someone running.

It was Frank, and he was breathing heavily. When he saw me, his eyes widened, and he screamed, "Dr. Kate, are you okay now?"

I raised a brow. Did he know I fainted?

I nodded with a tight smile. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Are you sure?" His voice rose several octaves. "I heard you were ill? How can you be terminally ill?" He screamed, alerting the attention of passersby, both patients and nurses.

My stomach dropped.