Chapter 206
Chapter 206
Megan's POV
I sat at my desk in the Seattle University Medical Center, staring at the medical journal I'd opened twenty minutes ago. Not a single word had registered. My pen moved unconsciously along the margins of my notepad, tracing small hearts and the initials "DB." I sighed and closed the journal with a snap. The scene from the other day replayed in my mind—Claire Stanton wiping lipstick from Daniel's mouth right in front of me, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. That calculated gesture delivered her message loud and clear: he belongs to me.
"So stupid," I muttered, slamming my notebook shut. "He's married, Megan. And your colleague."
I stood and walked to the window, watching the tactical training happening outside. Daniel was leading a group of students through a simulated emergency rescue exercise. His commands were strong and precise, his movements confident. A sharp pain stabbed through my chest. I couldn't deny my attraction to the former SEAL.
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. Taylor entered with a notice in hand.
"Dr. Megan, the simulated casualty exercise is scheduled for this afternoon. You'll be working with Professor Brown to oversee the battlefield trauma response," she said.
I nodded, forcing myself into professional mode. "I'll be there. Have the students prepared the moulage supplies?"
"Yes, everything's set up in the simulation area."
"Good. Thank you, Taylor."
Perhaps focusing on work would help me push away these inappropriate thoughts.
---
The exercise was more realistic than anticipated. Students used special effects makeup and fake blood to simulate wounds. Daniel and I each led a medical team, assessing and treating the "injuries." Everything was going smoothly until an unexpected shout disrupted the exercise.
"Stop! Real injury!" a student called out.
Dustin, one of the participants, had fallen while climbing the simulated obstacle course. His right leg bent at an unnatural angle. Daniel rushed forward, and I followed close behind.
"Likely tibia fracture," Daniel assessed quickly, his hands steadying Dustin's leg.
I knelt beside him, checking the injured student's vitals. "Pulse steady, but pain level high. He needs immediate transport."
Daniel nodded, giving me an appreciative glance. "You direct the others to set up a temporary splint. I'll manage his shock response."
We worked seamlessly together, as if we'd been partners for years. Daniel stabilized Dustin's psychological state while I professionally guided the students in creating a temporary splint. When the ambulance arrived, Dustin was safely transported to the hospital.
As the exercise paused, Daniel extended his hand to me. "Nice work, Doctor. Your composure under pressure is impressive."
I took his hand, feeling an electric current run through me at his touch. "Likewise, Professor."
---
At five-thirty that afternoon, I finished preparing Dustin's medical report. The hospital confirmed a simple fracture with a good prognosis. I waited in the medical center's break room for Daniel, my heartbeat still quickening at the thought of seeing him.
When Daniel arrived, he carried a folder and wore a professional smile. "Dustin's stable, but the school will probably need to review the exercise safety procedures."
"I've already drafted some recommendations," I said, handing him a report.
"Perfect," he said, scanning the document. "This is exactly what we need. Your efficiency always impresses me, Megan."
I blushed slightly at the compliment. "Just doing my job."
"No, you go above and beyond," Daniel said sincerely. "I want to take you to dinner, as a proper thank you. Today could have been much worse without your professional handling."
My heartbeat nearly stopped. "Dinner?"
"Yes, I know a good restaurant. Are you free around seven?"
"Of course," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'd like that."
Daniel smiled. "Great, Emerald Lounge it is. Claire’s been dying to try it—this is the perfect chance."
A chill ran through me. "Claire...is coming too?"
"Of course," Daniel looked slightly confused. "She has a meeting nearby after work today. Is there a problem?"
"No, not at all," I said quickly, adjusting my expression. "So...seven it is."
After Daniel left, I sat on the break room sofa, feeling foolish and embarrassed. I had misinterpreted a simple collegial thank you as a date invitation.
---
I arrived ten minutes early, choosing a corner table. I wore a carefully selected navy blue dress, more refined than my usual work attire.
At exactly seven, Daniel and Claire entered the restaurant together. Claire wore a gray Chanel suit that looked effortlessly elegant. Daniel's hand rested naturally on her lower back, guiding her through the restaurant. Their wordless intimacy stung me.
"Hi, Megan," Daniel smiled in greeting.
Claire extended her hand, her smile friendly but with a sharp assessment in her eyes. "Lovely to meet you again, Megan. Daniel often mentions your excellent work at the medical center."
"Thank you," I managed, maintaining a professional smile.
After we sat down, the waiter brought menus. Claire and Daniel effortlessly discussed dish options, occasionally disagreeing playfully before resolving with laughter. They had the comfortable rhythm that only long-term couples develop.
Claire turned to me. "Daniel told me you handled today's exercise incident very professionally. Do you have special training in military medicine?"
"Mainly emergency medicine," I answered, "though I've attended several disaster response trainings."
"Her reaction speed and decision-making are remarkable," Daniel interjected, his hand unconsciously covering Claire's. "I'd feel completely safe having her in my unit."
Claire smiled at Daniel, a look of deep affection that made me feel like an intruder. Throughout dinner, she demonstrated thorough knowledge of Daniel's work and offered genuine support. Daniel frequently revealed pride and love for his wife.
I ate quietly, feeling a profound emptiness. My fantasy seemed ridiculous now—Daniel and Claire weren't just legally married; they clearly loved each other deeply.
---
The next morning, I arrived early at the medical center, hoping to organize my emotions before the busy day began. As I walked down the hallway, I heard a familiar voice.
Daniel stood at the end of the corridor, his back to me, talking on the phone. "...yes, I'll be home on time...No, dear, I won't forget to bring that document...Okay, love you too."
He hung up, a soft smile I'd never seen before on his face. Just then, Claire appeared from around the corner, holding a briefcase.
"Forgot this," Claire said, handing him the briefcase. "Your safety assessment report."
"You're my savior," Daniel said, taking the briefcase and leaning down to give her a gentle kiss. "See you tonight?"
"Tonight," Claire confirmed, her green eyes warm with affection. "Don't let the students wear you out."
After their brief but loving goodbye, Claire left. Daniel turned toward his office and noticed me standing in the hallway.
"Good morning, Megan," he greeted kindly. "Thanks again for dinner last night. Claire really enjoyed the restaurant."
"No problem," I managed to smile. "You two seem very happy."
Daniel nodded, pride flashing in his eyes. "I am very lucky. Claire is an incredible woman."
For a moment, I felt intense jealousy and loss, but then came a strange sense of relief. Seeing Daniel so happy made my fantasies finally crumble completely.
"I should prepare for today's class," Daniel said. "See you at the noon briefing for the exercise report?"
"Of course," I replied. "I'll be there."
After Daniel left, I stood by the window, watching sunlight break through the clouds, casting a golden glow over the campus lawn. I took a deep breath, feeling my imagined possibilities dissolve like morning mist.
It was time to face reality. Daniel was someone else's husband and clearly deeply in love with his wife.