Uncovering Hope (Uncovering Love Book 3) by Kacey Shea Page A

the broad chest of muscle to land on the ice blue eyes of Mr. Dreamy Doctor. Shit, double shit!
    “We’ve got to stop meeting this way.” His hands are at my arms and steady my frame. “Maybe slow down a little? Enjoy the journey?” He teases and through his day old scruff pops two dimples. God, I’m such a sucker for dimples.
    Finally, I regain my ability to speak and step back to return his smile. “I’m so sorry, my head was somewhere else. Honestly, I’m much safer than I appear. I only seem to crash into you.”
    He chuckles a deep, solid sound and it turns my insides into a puddle of goo. Seriously, he can’t be for real.
    “I’m sorry. We haven’t officially met. I’m Garrett Brooks, just started my residency with the surgical floor.” He holds his hand out and I place mine inside, returning his warm smile.
    “Carly Reynolds, RN in oncology. You’re a long way from home.”
    His brows knit and smile falters. “I am. How’d you know?”
    “Oh, I only meant—surgeons don’t usually venture off their floor—Eight. Never mind, that was stupid.” I shake my head. Smooth, Carly. Way to go, making Doctor Smiley all sad.
    He scrunches his face in the most adorable way and scratches at his thick blond hair. How he made it through med school with all that hair is beyond me. “I guess I’m a little more homesick than I thought. I moved from Chicago three weeks ago. It’s where I went to med school and all my family is there.”
    “That’s tough being away from home, but you’ll love Arizona winters. You can pretty much wear shorts year round. You can rub that in when everyone back home is shoveling snow,” I offer with a grin.
    He nods. “I’m looking forward to it. Not that I’ll have much time outside these walls.” He glances over his shoulder. “Well, I should get back upstairs. I’ll see you around, Carly from Oncology.”
    “Nice to meet you Dr. Brooks.”
    “Just call me Garrett, please.”
    “Garrett.” God, even his name tastes good on my lips. He winks and walks away. I feel a blush creep up my neck. I’m glad he’s already halfway down the hall and not a witness to my school girl reaction.
    I check my watch as I head toward the pharmacy. Oh, shit . Greta is bound to be on my case all night. There’s no way I’ll be back upstairs within a time frame that meets her approval. Full moon night shifts are always a bitch. Every. Damn. Time.

    “Luis . . . Lights out bud.” I try for an authoritative tone, but this kid’s got me wrapped around his finger. Fourteen-years-old and battling cancer like a champ. He’s also quite the little charmer and I know for a fact he’s working me and the other nurses over for extra game time and popsicles, but we don’t care. He’s that good.
    “Come on, one more hour. Please? I did chemo and took naps all day. I’m not even tired.”
    I check his vitals and mark them on his chart before I meet his pleading eyes. “I don’t know . . .”
    A knock at the door interrupts. It eases open and those chocolate eyes fill me with irritation. Derek gives a little wave and has the decency to look sheepish.
    “You need to leave. You can’t be in here.”
    “What?” He looks as if I’ve personally insulted him and I roll my eyes. His gaze leaves mine and travels to Luis and he gives him a nod. “I came in here to see if this kid wanted his ass handed to him in a game of Madden.” Shit.
    “Ha! I’ve been stuck in a hospital bed for three weeks. You’re getting your butt handed to you.” Luis grins. Derek makes his way inside, leans his guitar case against the wall, and pulls over a chair to sit next to Luis.
    “Nurse Carly, please can I have one more hour? I finally have someone to play me.” Luis bats those eyes and how the hell can I turn down his simple request? I send one last glare at Derek.
    “Yes, please, Nurse Carly.” Derek flips his tongue piercing at me and I hold back the urge to roll my eyes.
    “Okay. One hour. I’m