Playboy Surgeon, Top-Notch Dad. Janice Lynn

his sleep-deprived body, Oz scanned the cafeteria to find an empty table. He spotted several of his cardiac unit colleagues at a close-by table.

      In particular, he saw Blair.

      Pushing a short strand of her wispy dark hair behind her ear, she laughed at something the cardiac nurse manager she sat with said.

      Blair.

      He wasn’t sure what it was about her that made him seek her out, but he always did. Perhaps he liked to see the pretty flush that rose in her cheeks when their eyes met. Or how she quickly looked away, her breath catching.

      He liked Blair. Had from the first moment they’d met. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Oz had wanted her from the moment Dr T introduced them. But an affair was all he’d ever want from any woman. All he’d ever allow any woman to expect from him. He suspected, though, that Blair was the kind of woman who’d expect loads more than physical pleasure.

      Which was why Oz might look, might tease Blair, but he’d never go further.

      Based upon the way her feet kicked into high gear anytime he was near, she’d likely tell him where he could go if he ever did reveal how attracted to her he really was, anyway.

      Maybe it was just as well.

      With Dr T’s failing health, the last thing Oz needed was to become distracted by a woman. His friend needed Oz to stay focused on the cardiac center and running Dr T’s day-to-day life.

      Passing by their table, Oz acknowledged the three nurses. “Hey, Kanesha, Blair, Becky.”

      “Dr Manning.” Kanesha flashed her brilliant white teeth in a big smile. “Join us?”

      “Please do.” Becky scooted her tray over. “You can sit by me.”

      Not so long ago, Oz would have sat next to the blonde nurse, would likely have taken up the constant offer in her eyes. That was before Dr T had gotten sick.

      Oz had decided to make his friend’s life as good as possible under the circumstances. Currently, Oz spent all his spare time trying to make that happen, right down to moving hundreds of miles away from his home so he could be with Dr T and work in his place so the man could keep his health insurance. Oz didn’t have time for dalliances with pretty nurses, particularly not ones who worked in the cardiac center.

      He glanced longingly toward the empty table in the corner of the cafeteria.

      “Come on, Dr Manning, we promise not to bite.” Kanesha patted the empty chair next to her. “We’re not taking no for an answer.”

      Reluctantly, he set his tray next to Kanesha’s, across from Blair and Becky.

      Kanesha took a sip of her iced tea. “How’s Dr Talbot this morning?”

      Why hadn’t he told a corny joke or something before someone could bring up the subject of Dr T? Wherever he went, someone inevitably asked about Dr T. Wasn’t that why he’d wanted to be alone? To not have to dwell on the fact he was losing the only person who’d ever really cared about him? That the man he loved was dying?

      The older heart surgeon had been Oz’s saving grace, the one constant good in his life. He had been more than a professor, more than a mentor. He’d been like a father. Much more so than the bastard who’d biologically fathered him.

      Oz twisted the lid off his bottled water. “I spoke with Dr T’s nurse after they got home from his chemotherapy. The treatment went okay, but he’s had a rough day.”

      He wished his friend would let him go with him to the appointments. Dr T wouldn’t. Not Oz. Not Blair. Not even Stephanie, Dr T’s lady friend.

      Blair glanced up, but quickly returned her attention to her food. She’d grown quiet the moment he’d stepped up to the table. Although he’d never figured out why, she didn’t much care for him. Her earlier praise to Mr Duke had caught him off guard, had swelled his chest with pride and made him feel a little light-headed.

      Praise from Blair didn’t come easily. He’d found himself wanting more, to have her look at him with admiration, with attraction matching what he felt for her.

      Just as well that Mr Duke’s comment about Blair being a “keeper” had reminded him that he and Blair were nothing alike.

      “I talked with him this morning before they left. He sounded so down.” Blair still didn’t directly look at him. “Did something happen?”

      “He couldn’t sleep. I sat up with him most of the night.”

      With a long, intricately designed fingernail, Kanesha gently scratched the base of a tightly wound hair braid. “I thought he had a private duty nurse around the clock?”

      Although Dr T had complained about the cost, Oz had hired the private duty nurse, paying for the care himself when Dr T’s insurance had refused. Normally a nurse stayed around the clock from Sunday night through Friday evening. Usually Oz covered the weekends, with Blair and Stephanie’s help.

      “Angie had something come up with her grandson around ten and had to leave.”

      Unfortunately after Angie had left, Dr T had awakened in pain and dry-heaving. He hadn’t been able to return to sleep and had wanted company. Despite the long day Oz had put in at the hospital, he’d sat up with him.

      “She’ll be staying tonight, though?” Blair’s concerned eyes met his.

      Oz’s breath hitched in his chest. Damn, but she had beautiful eyes. The most vivid green he’d ever seen. Her makeup-free face and natural beauty quite often had him staring at her, trying to figure out what it was that made him wish she were different, that she didn’t expect the things from a man he knew she’d expect.

      Not to mention Blair’s daughter. Although he adored the little girl, Addy was enough reason to leave Blair alone.

      He never became involved with women who had children. Never. Too complicated.

      He nodded. “As far as I know, Angie will be there. She was back this morning prior to Stephanie arriving with Dr T’s breakfast.”

      “I can sit with him tonight so you can get some sleep.”

      As if he’d sleep, knowing Blair was under the same roof.

      “Me, too.” Becky gave Oz a flirty smile.

      “Thanks, but sitting up with Dr T isn’t a problem.” Oz cherished the time with his friend. How many more opportunities would he have to chat with him? How long before he’d never again look into his friend’s caring eyes?

      Seeing the once vibrant man so feeble was wearing on Oz, but he’d never admit that to anyone.

      Especially not Blair.

      “No, but you can only sit up so many nights in a row before doing so takes its toll on you,” Blair pointed out, staring at him closely.

      Her concern pricked a sore spot deep in Oz’s chest. Other than Dr T, had anyone ever expressed concern over his well-being? His mother on occasion when he’d been young, but she’d sent him away to private school about the time he hit puberty. He’d never returned home.

      “You look tired. Dr Talbot needs you taking care of his patients, not getting sick.” Blair’s reprimand put him in his place. “If you getrundown and can’t work, he’ll worry about the cardiac unit. He doesn’t need that right now.”

      He should have known her real concern was for Dr T, not him. She’d always shot him down at every opportunity during his visits. Or avoided him altogether. That wasn’t so easy this time.

      “If Angie has to take off, I’ll call, Blair.” He shot an apologetic look toward Becky. “Dr T is picky about who he’ll let stay overnight, but you’re welcome to visit him.”

      “Thanks.” Becky didn’t attempt to hide her disappointment.

      Kanesha chuckled.

      Blair