She probably owed Reed an apology—that would be tougher.

“Here you go...it’s front and back. You can just leave it with triage when you’re done. We’ll add it to Mr. Jansen’s file,” Dr. Ford said.

Taking the clipboard, she sat in the emergency waiting room, read through the release and signed quickly, letting her actions sink in. She wasn’t one to question her decisions, but she also wasn’t one to act hastily in these kinds of situations. Luckily, her assessment about the fracture had been correct, otherwise she could have done more damage than good.

How much of her uncharacteristic impulsiveness on the mountain had to do with Reed and the fact that she’d been determined to be right and maybe impress him with her skills?

She glanced at him now, checking his cell phone as he paced the emergency room, waiting for her. His invite to tag along had surprised her—they’d never been friends and she knew his breakfast delivery had probably been under pressure from Cassie.

A memory of his hands gripping her waist in the kitchen made her flush. She’d kissed him. Drunk Erika had courage sober Erika would never have. She’d rarely dated in high school and college, instead focusing on her studies and the volunteering experience she needed for her medical school applications. But when she did go out with a guy, it was usually someone as studious as she was...often her dates had turned into study sessions. She never dated guys like Reed—outgoing, laid-back and hot as hell. Guys like Reed had never been interested in her and now, she was too busy to notice if they were or not.

“Oh my! Look at you.” A deep, familiar voice made her smile. “When the nurse said Dr. Sheraton was here, I knew it couldn’t be your father, but wow,” Dr. Smyth said, approaching with arms outstretched.

Erika stood and accepted the older man’s hug. “Hi, Dr. Smyth. How are you?” She hadn’t seen her father’s former colleague and mentor since moving to Anchorage. He looked exactly the same. He’d always had white hair and deep-set wrinkles even in his forties and now in his late sixties, he’d seemed to stop aging. He’d always insisted she call him Grandpa and he’d been as much a part of her family as her real grandparents...until her mother died and her father had stopped entertaining in their home, withdrawing from everyone. Even her.

“Trying to get in as many days here as I can before they kick me out,” he said, but his smile revealed he was looking forward to his upcoming retirement. She’d read about it in the hospital association newsletter the month before and had been meaning to reach out with her congratulations. A month ago? Wow. Her days at the hospital were a blur.

“I’m sure they’d keep you. Let me go tell them you want to stay on a few more years,” she teased.

He grabbed her hand as she made a move toward the triage desk. “Don’t even think about it. My golf times are already booked in Palm Springs. Jillian’s there now.” She knew he’d finally gotten married five years ago after being alone his entire life. His work had been his focus—giving back to his patients and community through countless charity organizations he was part of. But apparently, later in life, he’d developed a need for companionship. She’d meant to reach out to congratulate him on that news, as well. Had she even RSVP’d to the wedding invite? Guilt was easier to repress when she was holed up in her tiny office...now it drowned her. She should have attended the wedding.