Love in the ER

CHAPTER 7

Dr. Oliver Salameda's morning began like any other—filled with the quiet hum of routine. He stepped into his office at Salameda Health Care Center, the familiar scent of antiseptic and freshly brewed coffee welcoming him as he settled in. Stacks of patient files waited for him on his desk, a reminder of the day's long list of responsibilities.

But today felt different.

He took a deep breath, sitting at his desk as he skimmed the first few pages of the day's appointments. He should be focused on the patients—on the operations he had to oversee, on maintaining the high standards expected of him as the owner's son. Yet, despite all the demands of his role, his mind kept drifting back to yesterday.

Paris.

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the paperwork but not really seeing it. He hadn't expected to be so distracted by a chance encounter in the hallway—a brief collision, a few words exchanged. But there had been something about her. Paris wasn't like the others at the hospital who tiptoed around him or spoke in overly polite tones. She had seemed... real. Grounded. Not the type to be fazed by his position or the fact that his family owned the place.

And then there was that smile, the way her cheeks had flushed slightly when he'd apologized for their accidental bump in the hallway. She had been professional, sure, but there was something in her eyes, a quiet strength that drew him in more than he cared to admit.

He sighed, shaking his head slightly as if to clear the thought. Focus, Oliver.

His job required focus, precision, and clarity. He had just returned from years of working in New York, and there was no time to lose. His father had made it clear that Oliver was needed at the hospital to help guide it into the future. Expectations were high—from his family, from the staff, from the patients. And yet, here he was, distracted by thoughts of a nurse.

There was a knock at the door, pulling him from his thoughts. One of the senior nurses, Maria, popped her head in. "Dr. Salameda, we're ready for the rounds this morning. Shall we begin?"

Oliver nodded, quickly gathering the patient charts. "Yes, of course. Let's get started."

**********

As he made his way through the hospital, his mind gradually shifted into work mode. He moved from room to room, checking on patients, reviewing treatments, and speaking with his colleagues. This was his world—helping people heal, ensuring the hospital ran smoothly, and living up to the legacy his family had built.

But still, there were moments—quiet moments between patient visits—when his thoughts would drift back to Paris. He remembered the way she had looked at him, not with awe or nervousness like some others, but with a quiet confidence, as though she had no time for any hospital politics. She was focused on her work, just like him. And maybe that's what intrigued him the most.

Later that morning, Oliver found himself walking through one of the hospital wings, heading to check on a patient who had been admitted for a new treatment plan. As he approached the room, he spotted a familiar figure standing at the nurse's station just ahead—Paris. She was focused, flipping through patient files, her brows furrowed slightly in concentration.

He paused for a moment, watching her from a distance. There was something refreshing about her. She wasn't trying to impress anyone, wasn't caught up in the excitement that usually surrounded him. She was just... doing her job. And doing it well, from what he'd heard.

Without thinking, Oliver found himself walking over to her.

"Paris," he greeted, his voice calm but warm as he approached. She looked up, clearly surprised to see him.

"Dr. Salameda," she replied, her tone polite but guarded.

"Oliver," he corrected gently, a small smile playing on his lips. "I thought we agreed on that."

Paris hesitated, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Right. Oliver."

There was a brief pause, a moment of quiet between them as the busy hospital buzzed around them. Oliver noticed the way Paris's eyes quickly darted back to her charts, as if she was trying to refocus herself. It was clear she didn't want to make too much of their interaction.

"I was wondering if you could assist me with a patient today," Oliver said, breaking the silence. "I've got a case in room 218, and I could use an extra hand monitoring the vitals during the treatment."

Paris blinked, clearly surprised by the request. "Of course. I'll meet you there."

"Great. See you in a few minutes," Oliver said with a nod before turning and heading down the hallway.