Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56213 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 281(@200wpm)___ 225(@250wpm)___ 187(@300wpm)
Why is he so angry? There must be a source. Duke has some deep-seated issues he needs to address. Duke’s file included a full medical evaluation, complete with X-rays from torn ligaments and broken bones. In the six years since he entered the NHL, Duke has done some severe damage.
I mostly work with professional athletes. After helping the Redskins’ starting quarterback get over his drug dependency and subsequent divorce, word spread that I’m a miracle worker for the athletically gifted. That led to my ex-husband using his political connections to score me this gig with the Washington Capitals.
My practice is still in its infancy, and with the cost of rent in Washington D.C. and my school loans from Georgetown, I need all of the handouts from my ex I can get. Duke isn’t the first hockey player I have treated. Though, he is the first with serious anger issues.
Five minutes before my session with Duke begins, my secretary knocks on the door. She pokes her head into my office and then steps inside, giggling like a child. I assume she’s lost her mind until I spot the source of her laughter. Duke is behind Rose, looming over her as he grabs the doorframe and whispers something into her ear. Just great. Duke already has my secretary wrapped around his finger.
I have a strict no-fraternizing policy. As a doctor, I have ethical obligations to my patients, and I expect my employees to follow the same rules. My ex had to pull more than a few strings to get the contract with the Capitals, and I’m not about to have one of my employees mess it up for me.
“Dr. Devine,” Rose says with laughter in her voice. “Your three o’clock is here.”
“Thanks, Rose. You can leave us.”
We exchange a look, one that tells her to keep her distance from Duke. She knows the rules. Rose had to sign a handful of documents my lawyer prepared for her because of my affiliation with professional sports teams. I have fantasized about Duke plenty of times, but I would never cross that line with a patient. It takes years to build a reputation and five minutes to destroy it.
Rose nods in understanding and then exits my office, closing the door behind her. I press my palms to the refinished wood and step out from behind my desk. As I approach Duke, my tongue goes dry. Every nerve in my body is on fire. His stare is intimidating, and so is his massive frame. He towers over me, his shoulders and arms even thicker in person.
Duke extends his big hand to me with a cocky smirk plastered on his face. “Duke Baldwin.” His eyes travel from my face to my chest and back to my eyes.
I flash a warm smile and shake his hand that engulfs mine. “Nice to meet you. I’m Dr. Devine.”
Our hands linger for far too long before I finally withdraw mine and take a step back. The corners of Duke’s mouth curl up in a lopsided grin. He shoves his fingers through his thick hair that falls back into place, settling on his forehead.
He studies me like a specimen under a microscope, and my breath hitches when he steps closer, invading my personal space. “You look too young to be a doctor.”
I point at the wall behind my desk. “My diplomas say otherwise.”
“So, you were like Doogie Howser, some kid genius?”
I laugh at his reference to the old television show about a boy who became a doctor when he was a teenager.
“I’m not as young as I look.” I wave my hand toward the couches on the right side of my office. “Why don’t we get started? The clock is ticking.”
Duke grazes his bottom lip with his teeth. “How old are you?”
“The last time I checked, I’m the doctor, and you’re the patient. I’ll ask the questions when we’re in this office.”
“And when we’re out of this office?” He cocks an eyebrow at me. “How about I ask you questions over drinks?”
I shake my head. “That’s never going to happen.”
“You’ll change your mind,” he says with a playful smile. “Eventually.”
“I don’t date my patients.”
“That’s a shame.” He winks and then walks past me.
I knew Duke was a player on and off the ice, but I didn’t expect him to be so forward. We’re not even five minutes into this session, and he’s already hitting on me. I would love to say yes to his offer. Under different circumstances, I would go out with him in a heartbeat. Who could say no to that face?
Even in the dim light of my office, I can see every dip and crevice beneath the black Under Armour shirt that hugs every muscle of his sculpted abdomen. His shoulders are like mountains. I want to grab hold of them and climb. Of all the pro athletes that have stepped into this office, Duke is by far the most attractive. He has a few small scars on his face, which I assume is from all the fights. Still, he’s gorgeous beyond words. Duke has a certain aura about him that commands the room, forcing you to notice him.