Free Beginning with Forever by Lan LLP Page A

congested hallway, and to my astonishment, witness Mr. Bradley mixed in a crowd of wailing people with his IV pole kindly assisting a family of three young children. It looks like he’s generously offering them his private room as he motions for them to enter it. He tenderly bends down to one of the little girl and wipes her tears. She offers him an uplifting smile, reaches for his hand and holds onto it. He receives her gesture with delight in his glimmering green eyes.
    Why is this arrogant , self-centered man being compassionate? I’m confused. My heart is even more confused. The only thing I’m certain about is I can no longer deny my attraction for him. Coincidentally at that very moment, he looks over to me and stares directly into my tearful eyes. His expression is warm and sympathetic. He sees right through my hard armor and directly into my wide-opened heart. I break our intense gaze and mouth, “Thank you!” He rewards me with his heart-wrenching smile and playfully salutes me with his right hand.
    With the growing number of patients, Dr. Stanford suggest s we gather volunteers. I call Amelia and Richard who are off duty today. They show up within twenty minutes and boy was I ever ecstatic and relieved to see them. I welcome all the help I can get. I briefly introduce them to Mr. Bradley. Richard is reserved and cautious when he shakes his hand, while Amelia is her amicable bubbly self. I ask Mr. Bradley to take it easy while the rest of us split up in teams to see if we can stabilize the children’s condition. He looks at me like I shouldn’t tell him what to do, but agrees. I take it that Mr. Bradley is not used to taking orders. I can’t help but smirk and then take off with my team.
    It’s been a long and exhausting evening. We finally found rooms for everyone and their vomiting is controlled. We’re all completely beat, hungry and ready to crash. I want nothing else but to fall into my bed and sleep for the next twenty-four hours. The idea is appealing, but not feasible. I could never afford the luxury of wasting that many hours on sleep. As we walk around the corner to the main hospital entrance, I spot Mr. Bradley now wearing ceil-blue hospital scrubs speaking to someone on the phone. He has a troubled expression on his face. I wonder who he’s talking to…maybe a girlfriend. Why am I feeling a little jealousy? Argh ! I’m frustrated with myself.  I wave him over once he finished his call. His expression lightens up.
    “Mr. Bradley, do you know where you’re staying to night?” I ask him. I’m sure one of his girlfriends will be picking him up soon.
    “No, not yet ,” he replies as he stares directly into my eyes, taking me by surprise with his response.
    “ You’re more than welcome to join us if you’d like. Even though you’re stable, it wouldn’t hurt to have medical staff at an arm’s reach,” I suddenly offer him. Richard and Amelia are both stunned, but I pretend not to notice.
    “Thank you . I’d like to take you up on your offer,” he replies with his adorable dimpled smile. The arrogant jerk I spoke to several hours ago is now replaced with this more agreeable, charming man.
    “You can stay with me ,” Richard hesitantly offers out of the blue.
    “Thanks, Richard ,” Mr. Bradley replies with a hint of disappointment in his tone.
    “Okay then… Amelia and I will head back together,” I suggest and walk out ahead.
    I’m not surprised that Richard volunteered his place. He must’ve sensed my attraction to Mr. Bradley and might be trying to keep me away from him. I don’t blame Richard for feeling the way he does. I assured him from the beginning that I don’t have time for romance and now, I’m admiring another man in front of him. Maybe it’s a good thing that he’s staying with Richard instead of me. I wouldn’t be able to sleep, knowing that Mr. Bradley is merely steps away from me. My nerves would drive me crazy, taunting me the entire night, making me