“Insurance papers? You made the appointment to go over some papers?” Sam felt like a heel now. He’d thought she’d wanted a physical or something else equally impossible.

Her excuse to see him sounded so flimsy now that a deep flush crept up her neck and over her ears.

“It would be best if you got another physician,” Sam said, and cleared his throat. “I’d be more than happy to recommend one if you want.”

Marjorie couldn’t believe what she was hearing. He said it so calmly, without so much as a hint of regret, as though they were discussing the weather or something equally trivial. With those few words he was telling her that he wanted her out of his life.

Unable to trust her voice, she nodded.

“It’s important for everyone to have a regular physician,” Sam insisted. “Cal Johnson will be doing the follow-up after your appendectomy, but he’s a surgeon, and you need a general practitioner.”

Marjorie’s throat closed up on her, the tightness making it difficult to breathe evenly.

The wounded look in her eyes tore at Sam’s heart. It was apparent that she still didn’t understand. He would have to spell it out for her.

“I think you’re wonderful, Marjorie.”

Sure he did. Enough to dump her right when she needed him.

“I’d like to see a lot more of you,” Sam continued, “and I can’t do that if you continue to be my patient.”

Marjorie jerked her head around. What had he said? He wanted to see her? As in date her? Spend time with her? Be with her? She blinked and pointed her index finger at her chest. “You want to see more of me?”

“Don’t look so surprised.”

“I’m not…It’s just that…”

“It shouldn’t seem all that sudden. You must have known in the hospital I was interested. Believe me, I don’t spend that much time with all my patients.”

“I know, but…I don’t know…” She was unsure, confused. Her gaze narrowed as she studied him. It would be best to clear away any misconceptions up front. “It’s not gratitude, you know.”

“It’s not?” He didn’t quite follow her meaning.

“Of course I’m grateful for everything you’ve done, but if we’d met on the street, I’d have felt the same things I do now.”

“Which are?” he prompted, scooting closer to her. His dark eyes surveyed her with renewed interest.

“Never mind,” she said with a small laugh. She could see no reason to inflate his ego any higher than it was already.