Free The Doctor's Runaway Fiancée by Cindy Kirk Page A

can function as a locum tenens while I’m here and see patients,” Andrew told Cole.
    Though Cole appeared to understand what that meant, Sylvie didn’t have a clue. She waited until she and Andrew had stepped outside to ask him. “What does ‘locum tenens’ mean?”
    He took her arm. “Let’s go for a walk and I’ll tell you.”
    As Hill of Beans was her final stop of the morning, there wasn’t anywhere Sylvie needed to be.
    â€œI have a license to practice medicine in Massachusetts,” Andrew said as they strolled down the sidewalk. Because of the early hour, most of the businesses were still closed. “I won’t be here long enough to apply for and receive a Wyoming license. Locum tenens is a way for doctors to temporarily fill in for another doctor who is unavailable, usually because of illness or vacation.”
    It sounded complicated to Sylvie. But as he continued to explain, she realized none of this got to the heart of what she really wanted to know. “You’re here on a type of vacation. Why do you want to work?”
    When his footsteps slowed, she glanced around and realized they’d reached the downtown district that edged into residential, where lawns were like carpets of green and brightly colored flowers bloomed in hanging planters from porches and around trees.
    Andrew paused in front of a black fence with ornate scrollwork that led into a small neighborhood park. “This looks like a good place to rest.”
    Sylvie had noticed the park before but had never been inside. There was a small play area for children boasting an old-fashioned merry-go-round, a metal slide and some rocking animals on springs.
    There was also a swing set with U-shaped seats, wrought-iron benches and bushes sculpted in the shapes of various animals.
    Ignoring the benches, Sylvie headed for the swings and took a seat. After a momentary hesitation, Andrew commandeered the swing closest to hers.
    Dropping her bag to the ground, she sipped her cappuccino. “You haven’t answered my question.”
    â€œI enjoy the practice of medicine.” He took a sip from the red cup. She could tell he was pleasantly surprised by the taste when he put the cup back to his lips for a long drink. “It’s hard to keep these clinics fully staffed, especially at the beginning.”
    â€œHow would you know? You’ve never worked one before.” She might have said it as a statement, assuming he was a guy whose practice catered to the wealthy, but the truth was, she didn’t know if he had or not. Sylvie was beginning to realize there could be a lot about her former fiancé she didn’t know.
    â€œThe first time was during a residency rotation.” His gaze lifted to the sky as if he was tempted to swing for the sky. Instead he refocused on her. He said, looking oddly at ease in the swing, “Once I finished my residency and fellowship, I had to cut down to once a month because I was busy launching my concierge practice.”
    â€œWhere you only see rich people.”
    He winced. “A practice where I’ve agreed to be available to patients who want their doctor available 24/7.”
    â€œWhat are those people doing while you’re here?”
    â€œI’m still available by phone or email. I have an associate who fills in for me.” He paused, his attention diverted to a tree where a squirrel sat scolding a blue jay.
    After a second, his gaze returned to her. “Concierge medicine isn’t for everyone, but I like getting to know my patients. It’s a very personal relationship. It also allows me to help out with the family business.”
    The family business, Sylvie knew, was O’Shea Sports, a huge—very profitable—conglomerate. She hadn’t been surprised when she heard Franklin—Andrew’s father—accuse her of being after his money.
    Franklin’s arguments had made a lot of sense.
    For