“Funny you should say that. I’m still looking into rescue dogs trying to find the right one. I hear they love long walks on the beach.” She laughed more to herself than him. “Seriously, until I find the right partner, might as well make myself useful here at the hospital. But, back to you. You never answered my question. When was the last time you left this hospital?”
“Months. Home is in Phoenix, and I was in China for a while. But, to answer your question, I left the hospital today to shower at the hotel I’m paying for but never sleep in.” As much as Remington fought it, he enjoyed Sky’s company which was why he broke down and texted her. Remington knew he was asking for trouble when the words left his mouth but he couldn’t seem to help himself. ‘I didn’t know you were looking for a partner?”
Sky pulled her lower lip into her mouth before answering. “I’m not looking per se. But if the right man came along, I might be willing to re-think some previously held positions.”
His eyes followed the small action of her lips. “Positions like no marriage and children?”
“Maybe. I’m sure I was being a little dramatic that day when I said that. My mother can bring out the worst in me. But, at some point, I want a family. However, the man I’m with would have to be really incredible for me to even consider either of those things.”
Remington glanced out into the darkness. “Being a parent is the hardest job in the world. My situation makes dating almost impossible. Not sure if I would be able to figure out how to balance the time. Charlie really needs me. It’s been difficult to be away from her even for a second.”
“I bet. Charlie’s amazing.” Sky got the message loud and clear. He didn’t have any space in his life for her. It was more than understandable.
Maybe if things were different Remington would pursue Sky. He rationalized his wanting to spend time with her as just a way to keep a good relationship with his daughter’s physician. However, when they were together, Remington couldn’t ignore the fact that Sky had been able to do what no one else had in a long time—feel at peace even in the midst of madness. Speaking of peace, he could win a Nobel Prize for keeping his hands to himself over the past couple of weeks. Even though he had been conflicted about what he wanted, it didn’t matter since Sky had put the kibosh on anything romantic between them. Sometimes, the glances that passed between them made him think she was also conflicted about the nature of their friendship. There was no rationalizing the fact that friends don’t typically make a man’s body ache, and Sky had his in a state of semi-arousal every time they were together.
Sky realized she had been friend-zoned. Maybe even doctor-zoned. So, there was no need to test the waters about her desires. Being both, she needed to act accordingly. “As a physician, I can’t stress how important it is for you to take care of yourself. Thus, the beer.”
“You’re worried about me?” He said it as a joke, but his eyes told another story as they looked into hers. They were so intense and filled with need.
He wanted her—physically. She wanted him too. Sky wondered if she could handle being in just a physical relationship? Would she be okay with that? It would solve both of their problems.
The longer Remington held her gaze, Sky began to wonder if he could see the secrets she kept hidden deep inside. Could he tell that underneath the work-a-holic armor was a woman that wanted more? And, by more, she meant him.
She broke away from the heat of his gaze and attempted to put things back on track. Remington had just told her that he couldn’t pursue a relationship. Sex? That was a different story. There were so many reasons not to indulge in any kind of relationship with Remington, not the least of which was the fear he could make her fall in love.
Sky needed to keep things light, and away from that imaginary line they kept crossing. “Of course, I am concerned. I worry about all of my patients.”
“I’m not your patient. Charlie is.” And, that was the problem. Reality was rearing its ugly head again. She needed to be the center of his attention. Remington took another pull on his beer and glanced up into the inky night sky. He marveled at all the twinkling lights.
Silence stretched out between them until he spoke. “Charlie’s never going to walk again is she?”
Sky had to be honest. “I don’t know.” She spoke quietly. “It can take some patients weeks to feel anything and others months. So, don’t give up hope.”
“I supposed I should just be grateful she’s alive. She’s lucky to have you fighting for her. But, damn it. Charlie is a young, vibrant girl, and she might never get to experience her first high school dance. What really kills me is that one day, I won’t be able to walk her down the aisle.”
Sky placed her hand flat on his back and rubbed it across. She bent low enough where they were face to face. “Let’s say that her nerve damage is permanent. That won’t prevent Charlie from having a full and exciting life including you walking her down the aisle.”
Weren’t those the same words he’d