I laugh. “That’s unsettling.”
“Tell me about it.” His eyes hold mine.
Another beat passes. Something unspoken stretches between us.
“Frank isn’t subtle, is he?” I add.
He lets out a quiet breath. “That’s one word for it.”
My mouth curves. “He definitely has opinions.”
“He always does. Usually accurate ones.”
I still for half a second. My heartbeat accelerating instantly. “Oh”—I place my clipboard down and fold my arms— “is that so?”
“He’s been doing this a long time.”
My lips part, then press together again as I try to decide how far to take this moment of honesty.
“And what exactly do you think he was saying?” I blurt out.
He tilts his head. “I think he was suggesting we’re terrible at pretending nothing’s happening.”
A soft, almost-flirtatious laugh slips out. “That’s unfair,” I reply with a smile. “I’m doing an excellent job.”
He glances pointedly at my flushed cheeks. “Sure you are.”
I roll my eyes, but there’s warmth there. “So … should we be concerned?”
“About Frank?” he asks.
I nod.
“No. He’ll forget by lunchtime.”
“And the rest of it?” I ask, quieter now.
He holds my gaze. “That might take a little more effort.”
My breath catches as I try to figure out what he means. Is this going too far? What started as innocent flirting feels bigger now.
“Well,” I reply, stepping back toward the station, “good thing we’re both professionals.”
I begin to walk away and feel his attention still on me, and then I hear him murmur, “That’s never stopped anyone.”
I pause, glancing over my shoulder.
“Excuse me?” I ask.
He straightens. “Nothing.”
I study him for a moment, something warmer passing through his eyes. I tuck my hair nervously behind my ear and smile. Then I walk away. Not sure what just happened.
At the end of the day, I’m at the nurses’ station with my coat on, ready to head out for the day.
Colton approaches. He pauses as I log in to check Frank’s vitals before I leave.
“You’re off early today,” he notes.