Angel, doing her best not to touch Duke, shoved a thermometer into his mouth as he started to answer. Squinting his eyes at her in annoyance, he mumbled around the stick, “I was playing ball with some kids. They got excited and tackled me.”

“That wasn’t very smart, now was it, son? I’ll send in the X-ray technician with the portable machine.”

“Remember, don’t put my name on the paperwork.”

“I’d be more willing to accommodate you, Mr. Lewis, if you’d paid for the last time you were here.”

“It’s been paid. My financial manager was here last night.”

“No, your bill is still owing.”

Angel didn’t understand what they were talking about, but Duke visibly seethed. “I will make a call, get the money here before I leave.”

“Fine.” The doctor stepped toward the doorway. “The results shouldn’t take long. We’re not busy.”

Angel, unsure of her next move, shifted awkwardly from foot to foot. Dr. Collins swung his head from her to the ballplayer and narrowed his eyes. “Come on, Nurse,” he said. “There’s plenty of other people for you to help.” He held open the door, waiting for Angel to exit.

Sliding past him, she was relieved to not be stuck in a room with Duke. She’d never felt more awkward in her life. But that relief didn’t last for long.

“Get the tech in there,” Dr. Collins said to her, once they were in the hall. “As soon as he’s done with X-rays, stabilize the patient’s ankle. Use the compression wrap, but include a layer of the precut foam. I want it to be difficult for him to move. We might want to put a cast on him, just to be safe. That man doesn’t listen.” He moved down the corridor, but over his shoulder he said, “Don’t be in there alone with him, Angel. I don’t trust him.”

Yeah. ’Cuz you’re trustworthy …

It took the tech only a few minutes to get film on Duke’s ankle. Angel muttered under her breath when the technician wheeled his machine back out of the ballplayer’s room. She was not ready to go in, and there was no else around.

Leaving the door propped open, Angel went directly to the drawers, nervously opening and shutting them as she gathered materials for a soft splint. Finally, when she had everything she needed, she calmed her breathing and turned around.

He was staring at her.

“So,” she stammered. “You are the Duke.”

“And you are the nurse. Not a stripper.”

“Ha ha. Very funny.” She laid the wrap and foam next to him. “I’m supposed to wrap your ankle. You might end up with a cast anyway, even if your ankle isn’t broken. Dr. Collins thinks it might be the only way to make sure you keep it immobilized.”