Free Expecting the Doctor's Baby by Teresa Southwick

There’s no ego involved. I’m simply curious.” Darlyn looked at Mitch. “So, Doctor, would you care to explain your reasoning?”
    â€œI’m glad you asked.” He slid his fingers into the pockets of his jeans. “Let me say up front that it’s not a conflict with you in any way. I feel that my progress would be faster and the counseling more effective if I worked with Sam. It’s as simple as that.”
    â€œI see.” Darlyn tapped her pen on the pad in front of her. “Sam? What do you think?”
    â€œYou’re the best. Let’s leave well enough alone,” she answered.
    Mitch shook his head. “I disagree. Correct me if I’m wrong. This is your sphere of expertise after all, but doesn’t a person need to feel completely comfortable in a situation to have a successful outcome?”
    â€œThat’s true,” Darlyn confirmed. “And we do our best at Marshall Management to match client and counselor. But I believe I’m the most qualified to assist you in making the changes necessary to enhance your professional life.”
    â€œI see.” Mitch nodded thoughtfully. “Then I’m in the awkward position of having to make a choice about whether or not to continue with Marshall or take my business to a competitor.”
    Sam nearly gave herself whiplash as she turned to glare at him. He could go outside the hospital contract if he wanted. Who was going to stop him? Harsh words hovered on the tip of her tongue, but she was professional enough to hold back. Being a consummate professional, Darlyn showed no reaction to his ultimatum.
    After several moments of silence, she said, “Sam, may I speak with you alone?”
    â€œOf course.” She looked at Mitch. “Do you mind?”
    â€œNot at all.” He nodded. “Ladies.”
    When he’d left and closed the door behind him, Sam sat in the chair in front of her boss’s desk. “I’m so sorry, Darlyn. Please don’t think I’m trying to sabotage you or steal a client.”
    â€œThat never occurred to me.” Darlyn held up a hand. “If you were, you’d never have told me he wanted to retain your services after that very first session. When I was ill.”
    â€œI thought you should know.”
    â€œFull disclosure.”
    â€œYes. Trust is paramount in any relationship—personal or professional.” Sam linked her fingers in her lap. “The thing is, he’s a difficult individual. I believe he wants me because he feels that I’ll be more easily handled.”
    And based on how little effort it took to get her into bed he’d be right about that. Even cutting herself some slack that he’d caught her at an emotional low point, and technically she’d violated no ethical code of conduct by sleeping with him, she wasn’t prepared to reveal to her boss what had happened. She simply wanted Darlyn to pull rank and make the decision to continue working with Mitch. Call his bluff.
    â€œI hear what you’re saying,” Darlyn said. “You certainly know yourself, but I don’t necessarily agree that you’re a pushover for Dr. Tenney.” The words should have been reassuring. “The thing is, Sam, my goal in going out on my own was to grow the business. Getting the hospital contract was a very big step in doing that.”
    â€œI see.”
    â€œHaving an unsuccessful outcome with our very first challenging client will not earn capital in terms of establishing confidence or a positive reputation in this town.”
    Sam took no satisfaction from the fact that she’d said almost the same thing to Mitch just a short time ago. She had a bad feeling about this. “And?”
    â€œHe has the right to request whomever he wants to work with. I’d consider it a personal favor if you would agree to his terms.”
    Her heart dropped. “You know I’d do anything you