Duke ignored him, focused on Angel. Her insides shivered. She needed to get control of the situation—and herself. “I don’t have time for this. You’re a rock star. Go make something up. They love you.”

Dr. Collins surprised Angel, stepping close and slinging an arm around her shoulders. “What’s going on here?”

She hunched away from his embrace as politely as she could.

The corners of Duke’s mouth drew down as he folded his arms and leaned against the counter. “You guys don’t get it! They’re not going to politely leave because I tell them I’m okay. They’re dogs with a bone; they’re going to dig until they find the biggest story. They love the copy I give them, not me.” He focused on Angel. “You know why I left yesterday? Aaron called to tell me reporters were on their way to the park. They stalk me twenty-four hours a day, and they always find me, waiting for me to fall down drunk or take a swing at someone.”

The doctor, perplexed, said, “This doesn’t seem like Angel’s problem.”

“I can handle this, Dr. Collins.” She didn’t bother hiding the irritation in her voice. To Duke, she said, “Why can’t a reporter do a story about you helping out at a youth baseball practice? I’d think your bosses would like that.”

“Sure, that part was fine. But if a photographer had been there when I hurt my ankle? I’d be screwed.”

Aaron said, “Like right now.”

“This is all well and good, but Angel is my nurse. She’s not leavin’ with you.” The doctor’s tone was possessive.

“What if I pay you for her time?” Aaron said.

“Y’all building quite the tab.” The doctor’s eyes narrowed. “It seems to me we should consider terms of negotiation, considering how important it is to you boys to keep these little visits quiet.”

“You know this isn’t 1812, right?” Angel burst out, closing her eyes in frustration, trying to dampen her temper in front of her boss—who was not only a perv but also apparently a blackmailer. Speaking in a measured tone, instead of yelling or cursing, she said, “I actually get to decide when and what I do, and I’m sure the hell not for sale.” She started for the door. “I’m not getting involved in this mess. I’m out.”

“Please don’t go!” Duke hadn’t moved, but his eyes swallowed her. “I’m not trying to be a jerk. My life is shit without baseball. I have to get back into the game. Please.”

Her heart tugged at the hurt she could hear in his voice. He might be rich and famous and entitled, but there was an ache in him. However, it wasn’t until she reached for the door handle that a thought struck her, stopping her feet.