Free 03_The Doctor's Perfect Match by Irene Hannon Page B

slumped against the wall, refolding her arms across her chest. Looking once more as if she could use a hug.
    For a fleeting instant, Christopher was again tempted to follow his instincts and wrap her in his arms. To hold her close and assure her Henry would be fine.
    But Marci had done nothing to encourage that kind of gesture.
    And he didn’t know what the future held for Henry.

Chapter Six
     
    A fter her stomach rumbled for the third time, Marci rose and started pacing, hoping moving would quiet its complaints. Or mask the noise, if nothing else.
    Three hours had passed since Christopher had left her in the waiting room, and the cast of characters around her had turned over at least twice. In all that time, there’d been no word about Henry.
    Nada.
    Zip.
    Zilch.
    Had everyone forgotten she was here? Including Christopher?
    Deciding to throw herself on the mercy of the woman at the E.R. intake desk, she turned that direction—just as Christopher pushed through the door.
    Her pulse leapt, and she met him halfway as he wove through the room. “Well?”
    “He’s out of surgery. Everything went well, and he didn’t need a transfusion. He’ll be in recovery for a while, then moved to a regular room later tonight.”
    The tension in her shoulders eased. “Can I see him?”
    “Not yet. He won’t be coherent for an hour or two.”
    Her stomach rumbled again, and Marci’s cheeks grew warm. “Sorry. Must be the stress.”
    “Or hunger. Did you eat lunch?”
    “I had some yogurt. I wasn’t that hungry.”
    “Sounds like you are now. Why don’t we grab a quick bite? By the time we’re through, you should be able to see him for a few minutes.”
    Before she could process the unexpected invitation, her phone began to vibrate. Saved by the bell , she thought, grateful for the interruption as she retrieved it from her pocket.
    “Excuse me for a minute.” She put the phone to her ear. “Hello.”
    “Marci? Are you okay? We got worried when you didn’t return the car.”
    “Hi, J.C. Yeah, I’m fine. Henry had an accident, and I’ve been at the E.R. all afternoon.”
    “Is he okay?”
    She gave him a quick rundown. “If you don’t need the car tonight I’d like to hang around a while,” she finished.
    “No. We’re planning a quiet evening at home. You want us to bring you over some dinner?”
    She glanced at Christopher, who’d taken a discreet step back. “I, uh, already have other plans.”
    “With who? I didn’t think you knew anyone here other than me and Heather and Edith and Chester.” A few beats of silence ticked by. “Except Henry’s neighbor. The doctor. Otherwise known as ‘the glove man,’ maybe?”
    No wonder her brother was such a good detective, Marci thought in annoyance. “No comment.”
    “That tells me all I need to know. And good for you. It’s about time you went out on a date.”
    “It’s not a…” She shot Christopher a quick look. He raised an eyebrow and she huffed out a breath. “Good bye, J.C.” She said the words very deliberately and punched the end button with more force than necessary.
    “Your brother?” Christopher took a step closer.
    “Yeah.” She dropped the phone into her purse. “How did you know?”
    “I recognize the initials. We attend the same church, and I’ve run into him a few times in the E.R. when he was on duty. Seems like a nice guy.”
    “He is. Also nosy.”
    Christopher flashed her a smile. “I know what it’s like to have a big brother always looking over your shoulder. And I expect it’s worse for a younger sister. So how about some food? Downyflake is only a five-minute walk. I’ll have my pager with me, if anything comes up with Henry.”
    The local hangout was a family place, with bright lights and no hint of romance. It was perfect.
    And she was starving.
    “Sounds good.”
    “Let’s go, then. But watch your step. They’re replacing some of the slabs in the sidewalk.”
    He took her arm as they exited the E.R. It was an