“I’ll wait.”
“I wouldn’t do that. She’s at lunch now and then has a surgery scheduled.”
“Hmm. I’ll be back.”
“Why don’t you…”
But he was out of earshot before she finished. He went to a hospital map, found out where the cafeteria was and headed there. He took a peek inside. The scents of meat cooking and bread baking wafted over to him.
She sat near a window, alone, eating her meal. She looked so…solitary. He went inside and crossed to her.
“Hello, Dr. Baxter.” When she peered up at him, there was that connection again. “Mr. Ricardi. Can I help you with something?”
“Mind if I sit?”
“I guess so.”
He dropped down across from her. “I know I’m out of line seeking you out like this, especially when you’re eating. But I need to talk to you.”
“Is it your mother? She was fine at our appointment the other day.”
“No. It’s us.”
“Us? I don’t understand.”
“We have a connection. I know you felt it when we last met.”
She blushed. Good. He wasn’t wrong.
“No…I…Mr. Ricardi…”
“Don’t deny it, Anabelle. There were shockwaves when you touched me.”
She shook her head.
“Then call it electricity. Or maybe even love at first sight?”
“Mr. Ricardi.”
“Call me Oliver. Please, Anabelle. I want to see you outside of the hospital.”
“That’s totally inappropriate. Your mother is my patient.”
“Transfer her to another cardiologist. She only has checkups left.”
Anabelle cocked her head. “How do you know I’m not married?”
He glanced down at her hand. “You’re not wearing a ring. And I don’t believe you’d react to me if you have a family.”
“I do have a family. I have twin girls.”
“You didn’t say husband.”
She blushed again.
“I love children. How old are they?”
“A year.”