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CHAPTER THREE

ALEC WONDERED WHY Katy’s expression had become strained, just as he still wondered why she seemed so cool toward him. Surely she wasn’t still upset about their little kiss from five years ago?

Then there’d be a brief moment when she was more like the old Katy he used to know. He couldn’t deny that he wanted to see more of that Katy, who used to think he was great. Why did he miss her former adulation when he was no longer the troubled kid he used to be?

“Are your parents coming to the wedding?” Nick asked.

“I doubt it. They’re both still in Russia while Dad teaches how to do his valve-replacement technique there.” And he’d be just as glad to not have his father there, grilling him on his life and telling him his surgical work wasn’t as important as a cardiologist’s.

“I figured you’d have to work,” Katy said, “so I hadn’t even thought about you coming.”

And didn’t that make his ego feel great? Though the way she’d been toward him the past times he’d seen her at family get-togethers had shown she no longer thought of him much, period. “Are you really going to make me fake again that I can Greek-dance?” Alec asked, which earned him a small smile from her.

“Nick’s the master dancer. He can teach you.”

“Never did me much good in the past.” It was pretty obvious Katy didn’t want to teach him, which gave him a twinge of disappointment. He remembered well the times he’d watched her lead the dancing, mesmerized by her movements and her joyful smile. “What time are you two flying out?”

“Nick has us leaving at some crazy time, like six a.m.,” Katy said with a scowl. “As though I’m not already getting zero sleep.”

“Think of your lack of sleep as a rite of passage. Kind of like hazing in a fraternity,” Nick said with a grin.

“Mr. Empathy, as usual,” she said, punching her brother none too gently on the arm. Nick raised both fists, jabbing them in the air back at her.

“Okay, you two.” Alec shook his head but at the same time he had to chuckle. Some things never changed. And when it came to the Pappas family, not changing was the best thing in the world, as far as Alec was concerned. “Truthfully, though, the more hours you’re in the hospital, Katy, the more you’re exposed to all different kinds of cases that are invaluable for learning. The time schedules aren’t just for torture.”

“I know, I know. I’ll try to remember that in the midst of my zombie state tomorrow. I doubt we interns will even be able to stay awake for the after-work welcome dinner with the teaching staff,” she said. Her tone might be grumbling, but those blue eyes of hers were lit with the enthusiasm and wonder he’d seen in them, and had always enjoyed, forever. She turned her beautifully lethal gaze on Nick. “Does it sound silly to say I’m really excited to be one of … of you now? A real doctor, like Dad?”

George Pappas. Alec’s chest grew a little heavy, thinking of the man who’d been more of a father to him than his own. Knowing how hard it had been on every one of the man’s family when he’d died. And on himself too, despite not being a real member of the Pappas tribe.

“Your dad would be proud of you.” He reached for her soft hand and squeezed it. “He was proud of each one of you, but I think he had a special place in his heart for his youngest.”

Tears filled her eyes, and he kicked himself. The last thing he wanted to do was make her sad. Then she smiled through the tears, and the jab of guilt eased.

“Thank you. I know I don’t have much experience yet—that I have a crazy amount to learn. But I think you’re right. I think he would be proud that I’m at least trying.”

Trying? The Katy Pappas he knew never tried. She worked until she accomplished whatever damned goal she’d set for herself, from the most simple to the most difficult.

“There’s no question about that, Katy,” Nick said, his voice a little rough. “Here’s another toast to you for always making him proud.”

“To you, Katy.” Alec raised his glass to hers. Maybe it was because she couldn’t see too well through the tears in her eyes, but for whatever reason, as she tried to clink her glass to his, she completely missed. And managed to toss most of her glass of wine straight onto his lap.

“Oh! I’m so sorry, Alec!” Katy leaped from her seat, grabbing her napkin to dab vigorously at the wine staining the bottom of his shirt, moving down to dab even harder at the biggest pool of liquid in a place he didn’t want her dabbing.

Or maybe he did, because seeing her hands on his groin, feeling them pressing against him, shortened his breath, stepped up the beat of his heart and invited an instant physical response he couldn’t control.

“Let me handle it, Katy,” he said, firmly grabbing her wrist before she could feel exactly what was happening to him and embarrass them both.

“But the stain is setting, and—Oh!” Suddenly her motions stilled and her widening eyes met his. Obviously, his body’s response to her hands all over him was plenty clear.

“Yeah. ‘Oh.’” What else could he say? Except maybe, Touch me some more, please.

“Katy, having you around sure livens things up.” Laughing, Nick headed to the kitchen. “I’ll get a wet towel.”

‘I’m … sorry. Really sorry. So, so sorry.” Her face was nearly as red as the wine, and she stood staring at him as though she was frozen.

“It’s okay. Really.” He should be sorry, too. Sorry that she felt embarrassed, sorry that his clothes might be ruined, and sorry that his body had responded the way it had. In spite of all that, though, he found he didn’t feel sorry at all. In fact, his primary feeling at the moment was wishing the two of them were alone so he could strip off his wet clothes and see if that led anywhere good.

As soon as the thought came, the heat that had surged throughout his body was quickly replaced by ice, and he wanted to pummel some sense into himself. Not only was Katy Nick’s little sister, she was his student, damn it. He absolutely could not think of her in that way, ever, despite the fact that, right now, he clearly was. But that was not acceptable. Not under any circumstances, but especially while he was her superior at the hospital.

He’d already tried to blow up his own career with that kind of mistake, and had succeeded all too well in blowing up someone else’s. The last thing he wanted was to lose the respect he’d tried so hard to regain since his stupidity of the past.

And risking Katy’s career and reputation with the same kind of stupidity? Never.

* * *

Had she really rubbed her hands all around and pressed down on Alec’s privates?

Katy walked down the hospital corridor, face burning as she thought about the reality that, yes, she sure had. Even worse, she now knew something she hadn’t before. Which was that he apparently became aroused easily and was more than well endowed.

Long ago, she’d fantasized about—well—all of that. But she knew last night’s impressive reaction had had nothing to do with her. Lots of men might respond that way to any woman fondling them, inadvertently or not. And since Alec had gone through girlfriends in high school like a patient with a bad cold went through tissues, she shouldn’t be surprised he was one of them.

What was a surprise had been her own reaction. That in addition to feeling beyond embarrassed, she’d also found herself fascinated by the swelling beneath those jeans of his. As though she was some innocent kid and not a grown woman. She was quite sure Alec’s swelling—and what a ridiculous way for her, a doctor, to be thinking of his erection—was no more impressive than any other man’s. Well, she wasn’t sure, but she no longer had any desire to find out. Did. Not.

For the tenth time that morning she shoved down thoughts of any and all of Alec’s body parts and headed to her next patient’s room. “Good morning, Helen!” Katy stepped to Mrs. Patterson’s bedside and patted her thin shoulder. “Ready to go home?”

“I wish I could. But I’m heading back to rehab at the nursing home until I’m stronger.”

“I know. But you’re going to be out of there before you know it.” She took her stethoscope from her neck and pressed the bell to her palm to warm it before she placed it against the woman’s chest. “Do you have someone to help take care of you when you’re home?”

“My daughter’s coming for a bit after I’m home. Today, though, my son is taking me back to rehab.”

“That’s good.” The woman didn’t look too excited about that, but who would be? “I know it’s not much fun doing rehab, but knowing it’s going to make you independent again makes it worth it.”

“I don’t mind it, really. The nurses and physical therapists are lovely. But all this has been very depressing.” Helen sighed. “Until I broke my hip, I was pretty strong and walked my little dogs every day. Now I feel just awful with this stomach pain. It’s enough to make me want to move on to heaven to be with my Albert.”

The sadness and frustration on the poor woman’s face squeezed Katy’s heart. She wrapped her arm around Helen’s shoulders to give her a hug. “I can imagine how hard it is to feel weak and not well when you’re used to being up and about. But your tests don’t show any problems, so I bet you’re going to be feeling good again soon. Hang in there.” A tall, skinny man with long hair knocked on the doorjamb, which surprised Katy. It couldn’t be any later than seven a.m. “Can I come in?”

“Hello, Jeffrey.” Helen shifted her gaze from the man to Katy. “Dr. Pappas, this is my son. Jeffrey, this is Dr. Pappas. She’s been taking good care of me.”

“Thanks for that,” Jeffrey said, then came to stand between Katy and his mother, rather rudely. “Mom, I need a little cash to fix my car. Can you front me a loan? I brought your checkbook.”

“I just gave you money for your car last week.” Helen frowned, but took the checkbook he handed her.

“I know, but there’s something else wrong now, so I’ve been driving yours. I’ll pay you back soon.”

“This has to be the last time. My medical bills are adding up.” Helen scribbled out a check. “Please remember I need you to pick me up whenever I’m released today.”

“Okay. Call me.” He dropped a quick kiss on her forehead and headed out the door. Katy couldn’t believe he hadn’t even asked his sweet mother how she was feeling.

She squeezed Mrs. Patterson’s hand one more time. “If I don’t see you again before you’re released, I hope you’re back to walking your pups very soon.”

Katy left the room and looked at her patient notes. Next was a seven-year-old boy named David, who’d had a complication when his appendix had ruptured. Alec had done the surgery nearly a week before Katy had arrived, but the poor child still had a drain in his belly.

About to knock quietly on David’s door in case he was still asleep, she was surprised to hear the deep rumble of a man’s voice. Then was even more surprised to see Alec in scrubs, sitting on the side of the boy’s bed. What was he doing, seeing a patient so early?

She shoved aside the discomfort that again heated her cheeks. She had to see the man every day, for heaven’s sake, and he’d probably forgotten all about the little fondling incident. “Good morning, Dr. Armstrong. You’re an early bird today.”

“I wanted to stop in and see our star patient before I start morning surgery.” He stood and smiled down at David. “The drain’s looking good, buddy. We just might be able to take it out in a day or two.”

“I can’t wait!” David grinned, showing a missing tooth. “But I’m feeling lots better, Dr. Armstrong. Thanks for the car stuff you brought me. Will you come back and see me later?”

“I’ll try, David.” He tousled the boy’s hair and turned to leave, and his sweet expression and the warmth in his eyes made Katy’s breath catch in her throat.

Had she ever seen him around children before? Except back when she’d been a child? She couldn’t remember, but it seemed he was pretty good with them. His surgery schedule was so heavy she couldn’t imagine he’d be able to come back to see the child later, not to mention that the welcome dinner was tonight, but it was nice of him to tell the boy he’d try.

“I’ve checked David out, so you don’t need to, Dr. Pappas.” They moved to the shadow of the doorway where he paused. “What patient are you seeing next?”

They stood so close together she could smell his aftershave, see a tiny spot next to his lips that he’d missed when shaving, feel the heat of his body near hers. Unwittingly, her thoughts turned to touching him the night before, and she started to feel overly warm. From embarrassment, of course.

“Mr. Lyons in 2215.”

“Better watch out you don’t spill anything on him. Mr. Lyons can be quite a character.”

Lord, she’d hoped he wouldn’t mention it again. Even in the low light of the room she could see the amused glint in his eyes. His lips tipped up into a slow smile, and she found herself staring at his mouth. Swallowing, she took a step away from him so she could breathe. “Can we please just forget about that? You know I sometimes have a clumsiness problem.”

“I’ll try to forget about it. But you know what, Dr. Pappas? I’m pretty sure that’s not going to happen.”

He left the room and she sucked in a breath. Their exchange had smacked dangerously of flirting, and she shouldn’t let that happen. Also shouldn’t enjoy it, but she’d be lying to herself if she claimed she hadn’t.

About to head to her next patient’s room, Katy realized she’d been so distracted she hadn’t thought to ask Alec to sign Mr. Lyons’ release papers. What was wrong with her? Work had to be her number-one focus, dang it.

She hurried down the hall to catch Alec, wishing their last conversation hadn’t been about her grabbing his privates. His tall figure stood by an elevator, and she stepped up her pace. “Dr. Armstrong!”

He turned to her, and his gaze swept her slowly from head to toe. Feeling a little breathless from hurrying, she stopped next to him. “I forgot to ask you to sign Mr. Lyons’ release papers.”

She looked up at him, his eyes meeting hers for a long moment before he reached for the papers. “And I forgot to ask you if you’re excited about helping with some surgeries in a few days. I’ve put you first on the list.”

“Is that an honor, or is it because you want me in and out of there before I kill someone?”

“We try not to let interns kill anybody. It’s against hospital policy.”

So were some other things he hadn’t worried about in the past. But, of course, he was joking. “I confess I’m not excited. But I’m sure it will be an interesting experience.”

“It will be. Especially for you, Miss Science. Weren’t you always the one conducting various weird experiments on the kitchen counter until your mom yelled at you?”

“Is this your way of calling me a geek? I—” Her phone beeped a text message and she looked at it then frowned. This couldn’t be right.

“What is it?”

“The nurse says Mrs. Levitz is having a panic attack. Shortness of breath, chest pain, and a fast heartbeat.”

“She’s the one who had her gall bladder removed by Nick yesterday, right?” Alec asked, his teasing expression instantly replaced by calm professionalism. “Her chart said she’s prone to panic attacks. Prescribe lorazepam and see how she does.”

Katy frowned up at Alec. “I don’t know. I left her only a short time ago and she was fine. Looking forward to being discharged. I just don’t see her having a panic attack right now.”

“Since she has a history of them, most likely that’s what it is. You’ll see this more often than you would guess.” His eyes were thoughtful, seeming to study her. “But sometimes it’s important to listen to your instincts. Go see her. Let Nick know your conclusion and what your thoughts are on what needs to be done.”

“Okay. I will. Thanks.” She turned and her chest felt suddenly buoyant. How could it not when Alec had basically just told her he had faith in her to figure it out? She had a ridiculous impulse to look over her shoulder to see if he still stood there and was surprised that he was. Not just standing there but holding the elevator door open with his eyes still on her.

Something about his expression made her heart thump a little, and she realized she was failing miserably in keeping her former crush from rearing its ugly head. Also failing in re-erecting the cool wall she’d been so good at keeping between them before she’d started working there.

“Hello, Mrs. Levitz,” she said as she walked into the patient’s room. “I hear you’re feeling upset.”

“I don’t know what’s wrong.” The poor woman was breathing hard and wringing her hands. The brown eyes staring up at Katy were filled with fear. “My chest hurts. I don’t feel good. I’m scared.”

“Okay, let’s take a look,” Katy said in a soothing voice as she took her pulse. No doubt about it, Mrs. Levitz was behaving completely differently than she had been only an hour earlier. But why? A panic attack seemed unlikely, despite her chart saying she was prone to them, since she certainly hadn’t been worried about going home. Quite the opposite. But something was going on, there was no doubt about that.

“Did something upset or worry you, Mrs. Levitz?”

“No. No. I just started feeling bad all of a sudden.”

“Her chart says she often has panic attacks,” the nurse said in a low voice as she reset the monitor that had been screeching at the patient’s elevated pulse.

“I know,” Katy murmured. “But that just doesn’t seem right to me, after speaking with her earlier.” Think, Katy. What could be going on here that’s not obvious? Chest pain, shortness of breath, and elevated heart rate were, indeed, consistent with a panic attack. But as she peered at the monitor next to the bed she noted that Mrs. Levitz’s oxygen level was low, too. And a panic attack wouldn’t cause that.

With tension rising in her own chest, she pulled out her little medical book and studied it. Thought back to the cases she’d had in med school. Then she nearly shouted Eureka as the answer struck her.

Pulmonary embolism. Unusual, but not impossible after gall-bladder surgery, and it would account for every symptom the woman was experiencing. It was a post-op complication she knew every surgeon dreaded. It also had to be diagnosed and addressed immediately.

“I want a CT scan run on Mrs. Levitz,” she said to the nurse, adrenaline surging through her. “Stat.”