“Actually, you can.” Janine’s bark was worse than her bite, but the other doctor meant business. “Think about it, Simone. You’re more fortunate than most. You own your own business. You have capable employees. Not only that, but you can keep tabs on things via your laptop. Now all we need is someone to play watchdog.”
Hutch folded his arms across his chest. “That would be me,” he said bluntly. At this point, he didn’t care what Janine thought. Simone was still too damn pale. Her inky hair emphasized her pallor.
“No way,” Simone said. She still had a bit of spunk left. “You have an important job.”
“So I’ll take some time off.”
“You just got back from Africa,” she cried. “You don’t have any time off.”
“Then I’ll quit my job.” His priorities were crystal clear. A sense of calm fatalism swept through him. He and Simone were bound by invisible threads. Maybe she didn’t want him here, and maybe he shouldn’t be here. But there it was. Some things defied explanation.
Janine watched both of them with speculation in her gaze. “Do you still want me to be her doctor?”
Hutch grimaced. “Of course.” Then he looked at Simone. “Right?”
She glared at him. “Why ask now? It looks like you’re prepared to take charge of my whole life.”
Her sarcasm didn’t faze him. “Damned straight.”
Janine put her bag back together and checked Simone’s pulse one more time. She smoothed a hand over Simone’s flushed forehead. “Listen to the man. He may be arrogant, but he knows what he’s doing. I’ll feel a lot better knowing you’re not living here on your own.”
Simone’s eyebrows shot to her hairline. “He can’t move in here.”
“Oh, yes, I can,” Hutch said.
Janine grinned and stayed quiet.
The patient simmered. “What about gossip?” she said. Her gorgeous blue eyes were damp with tears.
Her vulnerability caught something in his chest and gave it a sharp squeeze. “I don’t give a damn about gossip,” he said. “What we do is our own business. My job is to take care of mothers and babies. For the foreseeable future, you’re at the top of my list.”
Janine nodded. “Sounds good to me. You have my number, Hutch. If you need me outside office hours, don’t hesitate to call.”
He kissed her cheek, overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thanks,” he said gruffly.
Janine motioned toward the hall. Hutch followed her, closing the door most of the way so they wouldn’t be overheard. “Honestly, how is she doing?” he asked.
“I’m concerned that Simone is still losing weight, by her own admission. Even in cases of hyperemesis, we need to see her belly growing. She’s as tiny as the first day I examined her. Force-feed her if you have to...little bits around the clock. But if those babies are going to have a chance, we need to strengthen their mother.”
Hutch nodded. “When is her next ultrasound scheduled?”
“Not for another month. But under the circumstances, I think I’ll bump it up. I want to make sure things are progressing.”
“And if they’re not?”
Janine shrugged. “You know the statistics. Don’t alarm her more than necessary. But make her eat.”
“You can count on it.”
“I’ll let myself out,” Janine said. “Unless you want me to stay while you run home to pack a bag.”
“It can wait until tomorrow. I’m sure one of her friends will come over if I call.”
“I’m guessing she’s been putting on a brave front.”
He grimaced. “That would be Simone. Never let them see you sweat.”
“Or in this case, barf.”