Free Practice Makes Perfect by Kathryn Shay

around, but this one’s endearing personality had her slipping him scraps. Scratching his head, she feared she’d made a friend for life. She stretched out like Ian and stared up at the sky. It had turned dark and stars twinkled overhead. Crickets began their nightly chorus from the trees.
    After a while Ian said, “How about dessert?”
    “Did you bring that, too?”
    “No, we could go to Abbott’s for ice cream. You can ride in Scalpel’s seat, can’t she, buddy? You’ll give it up for a pretty lady, won’t you?”
    Once again, Scalpel barked.
    At Paige’s shake of her head, Ian said, “What? You have to teach them manners, you know.”
    She laughed.
    “So, ice cream?”
    “Hmm, I don’t think so, Ian.”
    “Aw, come on, live a little.”
    The dog began to whimper, almost as if he was begging.
    Paige laughed again. She realized she was enjoying them both.
    But...
    “You’re scowling, woman. Don’t you like creamy, sinfully rich chocolate ice cream? Or better yet, black raspberry?”
    She loved chocolate. But...
    “Come on, Paige, this was fun. You don’t have enough fun in your life.”
    “Ian, you have no way of knowing something like that.”
    “Well, have some tonight. Come on. Let me spoil you.”
    Paige drew in a breath. She didn’t like the sound of that. She valued her independence and didn’t need men to spoil her. Particularly sexy men with dictatorial tendencies. Ian was the type who’d take over her world if she let him. Paige preferred less-aggressive men. “I don’t think so, Ian. I’m tired.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s almost midnight.”
    “And Cinderella doesn’t want the prince to take her in his chariot for a little ice cream?”
    “No, but thanks.”
    “All right, I won’t press my luck.” He stood. “Until the next time.”
    “Ian, don’t misunderstand tonight. This isn’t the start of something.”
    He leaned over, and she was afraid he was going to kiss her. Instead, he ran a finger down her cheek. Just a light caress, but it made her insides quiver. “We’ll see, Ms. Cool and Cautious.” He straightened. “Say good night, Scalpel.”
    The dog, of course, barked on cue, and nuzzled her hand.
    Then she watched them both disappear out the gate and into the starlit darkness.

CHAPTER FIVE
    “GOOD MORNING.” Ian flashed a smile from his seat at the small conference table where he waited for his meeting with Paige to begin.
    “Good morning.” Paige hadn’t seen him since Thursday, when he’d come to visit—unexpected and uninvited. Today was Monday—their first day at the Center.
    “How are you?”
    She took a seat one down from him. “I’m fine.”
    He eyed the navy-blue sundress underneath her lab coat. “You look good.” He studied her face. “Rested,” he added as if he deserved credit for it.
    “Thanks.” Despite the fact that Ian and his almost-human dog had unnerved her, she had slept better. And she felt more at ease about working with him after that evening they’d spent together. “So, how do we proceed today?”
    “I’m fine, Paige, thanks for asking.”
    She looked directly at him. Today he wore a cocoa-brown silk T-shirt and dress pants of the same color. A leather-strapped watch wrapped around his wrist, and a gold chain peeked out from the neck of his shirt. “How are you today, Dr. Chandler?”
    “Just fine. Scalpel sends his regards.”
    She laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “Now can we talk business?”
    “Of course.” He picked up a sheet of paper and scanned it. “All the patients have been cleared financially.”
    She frowned. “Don’t you hate it that they have to reveal their financial circumstances to get treatment?”
    “Yeah, I do,” he replied seriously. “But most of them get welfare when they need it.” He shrugged and handed her a file. “We’re meeting with this patient in a few minutes.”
    “Do you do the clearance, too?”
    “No, some of the grant money we get from the federal