One Sure Thing (Mamma Lou Matchmaker Series) by Celeste Norfleet Read Free Book Online

to wait in the family waiting room. As a doctor you are welcome to wait in the doctor’s lounge. And that’s it. I’ll be in shortly to update you with the results of our tests.”
    “That won’t be necessary.”
    “I’m afraid you have no alternative.”
    Suddenly Raymond laughed at the notion of being put out of his grandmother’s hospital room. “You are joking right?”
    Hope placed her fist firmly on her hip and then tilted her head slightly. Being laughed at was the quickest way to get on her bad side. “Sir, you are interfering with the health and welfare of my patient and I will have you removed by security if necessary.”
    Raymond laughed again. This time Colonel Wheeler lowered his head and chuckled. Louise pulled at Raymond’s hand to get his attention. “Raymond, dear, why don’t you and Otis wait outside?” She looked over at a fuming Hope, “I’m sure Dr. Adams will be out in no time to speak with you.”
    Raymond held his hand up to cut short his grandmother’s remarks as he glared at Hope. “Doctor, I’m going to tell you how this is going to work. I am now the primary physician here. Either you can work with me or not at all, your choice. Is that understood?”
    Hope smiled for the first time since Raymond had entered the exam room. “Now, doctor, let me to tell you how this is going to work.” She stepped up to his face. “You will quietly leave this area now, allow me to do my job and patiently wait in the designated area, end of discussion. Is that understood?” Her head rolled for added emphasis.
    “You have no idea who I am do you,” he looked at her in complete disbelief. His eyes sparked with a mischievous amusing glint.
    “And you doctor obviously have no idea who I am. I am the attending physician and at the moment your worst enemy.”
    Eye to eye, they stood at an impasse. Both refused to back down. The intense moment lasted too long as each stared at the others image. Interrupted by the sound of an intercom page, Hope looked away almost relieved to have the spell of Raymond’s hazel eyes broken.
    Otis looked at Louise, whose expression was that of pure self-satisfaction. A questioning expression sparked his eyes. He’d seen that look before. It was the same smile he’d seen just six months ago when her other grandson, Tony married Madison Evans.
    Suddenly, the realization that she had other patients in need of her attention occurred to Hope. She needed to end this standoff now. “Dr. Gates, a moment of your time, please,” she requested as diplomatically as she could.
    Raymond, still amused, turned to her. Her expression was so placid and so yielding. He couldn’t refuse. “Yes, of course doctor,” he agreed readily. “I’ll be delighted.”
    Louise reached up and grasped Raymond’s arm questioningly. Raymond turned back to Louise. He bent down and kissed her cheek whispering, “Don’t worry. You’ll be fine,” he winked at her and touched her cheek lovingly.
    Louise held onto his hand and squeezed it slightly, “Be nice,” she warned in a loud whisper.
    Raymond looked genuinely surprised by her concern, “I’m always nice.” Louise gave him a warning glare. Raymond’s dimples danced across his face. He knew her expression all too well and relented. “I will, I promise.”
    Seconds later they left the room together. Hope led the way and for the first time noticed the attentive eyes of the nurses at the station looking her way. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one wowed by Dr. Raymond Gates’ handsome appearance. She looked around to find a discreet corner to have a civilized discussion, but quickly realized that it would be impossible with all eyes still trained in their direction.
    Abruptly she turned to Raymond. “We’ll have more privacy in one of the quiet rooms. Smiling joyously Raymond nodded curtly and waited for her to lead the way. Hope ushered him through the corridor past admissions and triage. Eyes followed the two as Raymond strolled