Twist of Love by Paige Powers Page B

schedule at the hospital, Josie was actually a slow and finicky eater.
    She tried to analyze Thad's story. She didn't know if John was really as bad as Thad described. Perhaps Thad was also asking for a little too much from her man.
    “I guess you both should really talk it over...” Josie said.
    “Yeah. How about you? Had any luck with finding a new partner to replace Trevor?” She asked.
    Josie shook her head and smiled. Thad could be so immature.
    “Firstly, I'm not looking to 'replace' Trevor. What I had with him was nice and great, but now it's done. The divorce papers were filed, and the moment it was certified in court, the marriage ended. It was great while it lasted, but it's over now. I can't replace that. Ever. I can only start again.”
    Thad gulped her last piece from the beef. Her powerful hands almost bent the spoon and fork.
    “That's just what I meant! You have a way of overcomplicating things!” She said.
    “Hahaha. Well you ought to be more careful with your words.” Josie cautioned, smiling.
    “Talking with you makes my head spin. Just tell me, do you have a new boyfriend?”
    The question made Josie begin to blush. She tried to control it, but she couldn't help it. Any thought of Blake just made her feel all mushy and happy inside.
    “Well...”
    “You've got a boyfriend! You've finally found a boyfriend! Wow!” Thad said, excitedly.
    “Yeah. Okay. I've got a boyfriend.”
    “Wow! Dr. Josie Steele, Lenora's resident doctor of pain has a boyfriend! You've finally fallen again! Will the wonders of life ever cease? Who is the man who has conquered the Lady of Steel?”
    Josie shrugged off Thad. She was well aware of the hospital's monikers about her. She had earned them by being a tough, no nonsense doctor who demanded everything from her associates and was totally dedicated to her job. It was indeed, probably, more than a little funny seeing her like this. Josie couldn't imagine how the ‘Lady of Steel’ looked now, preening and falling all over a man?
    “Who is the guy? Come on, tell me!” Thad said, impatiently.
    “His name is Blake. Blake Ingram. And he's the sweetest, nicest man I've...”
    “Blake Ingram? Oh my God. You can't be serious! He's the Heartbreaker of Fallston!” Thad said in alarm.
    “The what..?” Josie asked with a look of surprise.
    “The Heartbreaker of Fallston! He's broken so many hearts in the town, I'm surprised you haven't heard of him!”
    “What? That can't be true! I mean, he's always so nice, so caring... so...”
    The words were coming out a little differently for Josie now. She felt her head spinning. She didn't want to believe what Thad was saying. It couldn't be true. Could it?
    “Of course he is! Aren't all heartbreakers that way?” Thad said.
    “No, I mean, yeah, but... I...”
    Josie was starting to stutter. Sentences were beginning to be difficult to complete. She was having difficulty grasping the situation. This just couldn't be true. But the worst revelation was yet to come.
    “I should know. He was my ex.” Thad said coldly.
    The words were like a slap to Josie's face. And all her dreams crumbled.
    “Y... you don't say...” Josie stammered. Josie didn't know what to say. She couldn't believe what Thad was telling her. How could such a sweet man like Blake have a reputation as such a heartbreaker?
    “Sorry. I don't want to burst your bubble or anything, but that's Blake for you. He's had so many relationships around town and that's how he got his rep.” Thad said.
    Josie was shaking her head. This couldn't be true. It just couldn't be.
    “Josie, he's not gonna take you seriously. Blake is a heartbreaker. If I were you, I would really keep my distance.” Thad said.
    There had to be some kind of mistake. Blake couldn't be that kind of guy. Or could he? Josie realized that she just couldn't take that chance.

 
    18. Early Dismissal
    “Please take a look and review your answers.” Blake said.
    He passed the papers around to the