The Millionaire and the M.D. Read Free Page A

“She’s able to give consent and she’s choosing to make her own decisions about her medical treatment.”
    â€œI’m not asking to make decisions.”
    â€œRight.” She suspected he wanted to be in control, otherwise he wouldn’t have come back for information. If Amy wasn’t inclined to share it, why had she gone to him in the first place?
    â€œDon’t look now but your skepticism is showing, Doc. I just want to know what you told her.”
    â€œThere are laws protecting a patient’s right to privacy. If Amy wants you to know, she’ll tell you.”
    â€œShe won’t say anything.”
    Then neither would Rebecca. She folded her hands on the mess of paperwork in front of her and stared at the baffled expression on Gabe’s face. For a man who liked to be in control it wasn’t a comfortable place to be. And why that tugged at her she couldn’t say.
    When the silence stretched out, determination replaced bafflement. “If possible, Amy’s even quieter after seeing you earlier. I’d like to know whether or not I should be concerned.”
    â€œIt’s not that simple.”
    â€œIt could be,” he argued. “All you have to do is tell me she’s fine. Or how about this. I’ll say it and you just nod. One for yes, two for no.”
    â€œI can only say that this is a discussion you need to have with Amy.”
    â€œWho’s going to know if you tell me anything? It’s not like I’m going to rat you out. For that matter, I wouldn’t even know who to tell.”
    â€œI’m sorry, Gabe.” It occurred to her that Grace might have a point. He was annoyed, yes, but if he didn’t give a damn he wouldn’t be here after hours badgering her for information. Chalk one up for him. “Clearly you care about your sister, but my professional obligation is to my patient. I’m Amy’s doctor.”
    â€œI’m Amy’s brother. The way I see it that close personal relationship trumps your professional obligation.”
    What the hell did he know about her professional obligations? She sat up straighter. “What do you do for a living?”
    â€œI’m a builder. T&O Enterprises is one of the fastest growing companies in the country.”
    â€œAnd aren’t there rules you have to follow? Standards you have to maintain in order for the integrity of whatever you build to pass inspection? Obtain a certificate of occupancy?”
    â€œYes.”
    â€œAnd if you don’t follow the rules, there are people you have to answer to. Isn’t that right, Gabe?”
    â€œYou know it is, Rebecca. Do you mind if I call you Rebecca?” he asked, turning on the charm.
    â€œYes, I do mind.” But she minded more that her heart had sped up again and it wasn’t because he’d startled her. This so wasn’t a good time to find out her high IQ was no match for his charm. “So you can understand that doctors have rules, too.”
    He moved out of the doorway and farther into the office, stopping in front of her. She swallowed the familiar taste of fear. It was automatic; it was habit. She owned this problem. He’d done nothing threatening and she wasn’t afraid of him.
    â€œMy sister left home without a word to anyone and when things got rough she showed up on my doorstep. In your opinion, is that sound judgment?”
    Of course it wasn’t. But Amy’s judgment might have been impacted by trauma, and Rebecca had no intention of sharing those suspicions. “It doesn’t matter what you or I think. In the eyes of the law, she’s old enough to call the shots.”
    â€œShe’s eighteen. Just a kid herself.”
    â€œEven if you were her parent, I couldn’t give you her medical information without her permission.”
    â€œThat’s nuts,” he said emphatically.
    She shrugged. “That’s the way it is.”
    He stared