Claiming the Doctor's Heart

By Sean D. Young

In this heart-warming romance, set in a charming Southern small town, the love of family and the strength of community come together to remind those who are lost where they truly belong...

Dr. Eric Bradley left small-town Clover Creek, Tennessee to follow his dreams. But when his father is hospitalized after a stroke, Eric must fill in as the town doctor. He’s more at home in a medical research lab, though, with test tubes and microscopes, not listening to patients brag about their grandkids or ask him where he’s been for the last ten years.

Without Holly Ransom, the receptionist, to keep things running smoothly, he wouldn’t survive. And seeing her every day is an unexpected upside. She’s struggling to keep her family bakery afloat while also working full-time at Bradley Medical, and somehow still manages to find a silver lining in every cloud. If only her sweet n’ sassy charm were enough to solve all his problems.

Eric has only thirty days to return to Atlanta or he’ll lose the opportunity of a lifetime. But how can he leave the woman he’s falling in love with and his family legacy behind?


Each book in the Clover Creek series is STANDALONE:
* Claiming the Doctor’s Heart
* Secrets of the Heart

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Nov 30, 2020
• ISBN: 9781682814956

Sean D. Young

Sean Young is a UCLA medical school professor and the founder and executive director of the UCLA Center for Digital Behavior (CDB) and the UC Institute for Prediction Technology (UCIPT), which have been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Huffington Post, and Science, and on NPR, Yahoo Finance, TechCrunch, Mashable, CNN, CBS News, and other major media outlets. He has a PhD in psychology and a master’s in health services research from Stanford University. He lives in Southern California.

Book preview

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About the Author

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Copyright © 2020 by Sean D. Young. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in any form or by any means. For information regarding subsidiary rights, please contact the Publisher.

Entangled Publishing, LLC

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Parker, CO 80134

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Bliss is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC.

Edited by Lydia Sharp, Wendy Chen, and Liz Pelletier

Cover design by Bree Archer

Cover photography by LaylaBird and Boonyachoat/Getty Images

ISBN 978-1-68281-495-6

Manufactured in the United States of America

First Edition November 2020

To my aunt Willie Mae Hinton

Thank you for believing in me.

Chapter One

Holly Ransom’s heart jerked as her perfectly good cream puff pastries tumbled to the floor. No! She reached out to try to stop them, but it was too late. Her pretty presentation she’d worked so hard on was ruined. Surely, this isn’t happening.

She needed to slow down, but she didn’t have a lot of time to make the office presentable before the new doctor arrived. He was temporarily filling in while Dr. Bradley recovered from a stroke, and he’d be here any minute now to start his first day. Holly loved working at Bradley Medical. She wanted to make a good impression, and her pastries were supposed to help. Who didn’t love a good donut?

She’d even brewed a pot of her mother’s signature blend of coffee, something she had previously reserved only for Dr. B, but then with a crash her whole idea went splat. Tucking a wayward strand of curly dark hair behind her ear, she grabbed several sheets of paper towel from the roll and got busy wiping cream puff innards from the white linoleum floor.

What was she going to do now? There was no time to even run out and buy something.

Holly tossed the ruined baked goods into the trash can while trying to think of a replacement. Rushing back to her mother’s to get more goodies wasn’t an option, either. The clock was ticking. She did have that tin filled with cookies in her car, but she’d planned to drop it off at Mrs. Watson’s house after work.

The sweet older lady always gave Holly cucumbers and tomatoes from her garden when she saw her at church on Sundays. As a thank-you, Holly brought treats to her from her family’s bakery whenever she could. Of course, she warned Mrs. Watson to eat them in moderation.

Looks like she won’t be getting them today, Holly said, her shoulders slumping as she walked out of the kitchenette. She’d have to make it up to Mrs. Watson somehow, maybe bring her something extra special the next time.

On her way to the front of the office, Holly heard voices coming from the conference room and slowed her steps. Why would her colleagues decline to help her clean up the place before the new doctor arrived but then come in early to meet him on his first day? She wasn’t really surprised, though, since Nurse Lela, Judy, and Patricia never included Holly in their conversations.

I bet I know who the new doctor is, Judy Holmes said, sounding like she was speaking through her nose. I think it’s the big shot that came rolling into town Friday night.

What are you talking about? Lela’s booming voice echoed.

Bea over at Murphy’s Hardware told me that she was looking out the window on Main Street and saw a sleek Mercedes Benz with those tinted windows and shiny rims rolling through.

And we all know nobody in Clover has a car like that, Lela said, so I’d guess you’re right, who else could it be?

Whoever it was won’t stay in this small town for long, that’s for sure, Judy added.

Well, hopefully they won’t have to, Patricia Hardy chimed in. Maybe Dr. B will return soon.

Lela, why didn’t Mrs. Bradley tell you who was coming today, since you’re supposed to be such good friends? Judy asked.

Chil’, Carolyn is too worried about her husband to be bothered with remembering who knows what. We’ll have to just wait and see.

Out of view, Holly listened to them go back and forth with their speculation. It would do no good at impressing the new doctor if he walked in on a bunch of gossip. She needed to stop this.

As soon as she stepped into the room, the chattering quieted, and they all looked at her questionably. Then Lela gave her a once-over and said, Some people make it hard for anyone to see the beauty of a place like Clover. We’ve just got to make sure he knows not everyone’s the same around here.

I agree, Holly murmured before turning on her heels and walking out of the room. She couldn’t allow Lela’s remark to take her down a negative road to nowhere, and she still needed to get the cookies from her car.

As she walked out the door and down the front steps, she spotted a vehicle coming down the road. Maybe Judy was right, because the fancy car fit the description to a tee. Shiny paint, shiny wheels, shiny everything. Holly’s eyes were transfixed on the vehicle as she walked to her car. The driver parked two spaces from her spot, but with the tinted windows, she couldn’t see who it was.

An expensive-looking pair of polished black shoes appeared when the door opened…and Eric Bradley stepped out.

Dr. Bradley’s son. It made sense he’d be his father’s replacement, and she’d even considered it might be him, but she didn’t think he’d actually do it. Eric hadn’t set foot in Clover Creek, Tennessee, for years. She hadn’t seen him since high school—and he had the same effect on her now as he did then.

What a beautiful man.

Hello, he said as he walked around to the other side, removing a duffle bag from the backseat.

The husky sound of his deep voice sent pinpricks of heat through her body. Holly studied his confident stride, reminding her of the huge crush she’d had on him in high school. The sun glistened on his deep brown skin, and his light brown eyes connected with hers. The faded haircut and neatly trimmed beard made him look even more masculine. She used to love seeing the dimple in his right cheek wink at her every time the once popular jock would smile. Even though he wasn’t giving her that smile now, his presence stirred something inside her.

Dressed like a fashion model, he wore steel gray slacks, a crisp white shirt with perfect creases in the sleeves, and a neat tan-and-gray paisley tie… Oh Lord. She was still staring. But who could blame her when Eric Bradley still looked this good?

You’re not leaving, are you? he asked. I’ll be with you in just a minute. He walked swiftly toward the door without waiting for her reply.

"I’m not a patient. I work here. Holly grabbed the cookie tin and slammed her car door shut then hurried to catch up with him before he entered the building. Eric—"

He abruptly stopped in front of the door and turned. It’s Dr. Bradley, he corrected her. His tone was brusque, and no hint of recognition sparked his eyes.

He doesn’t remember me? When he left Clover after high school, all thoughts of the town and its people must have disappeared. "Oh, yes, right. Sorry, Dr. Bradley."

He gave her a curt nod then opened the door. She followed him in—and almost ran into the back of him when he stopped again suddenly. Holly eased around him then took a step back as he perused the area. His eyes widened, his mouth twitched, and for a few seconds, she could have sworn he turned up his nose. Their small-town office was surely a stark contrast to the skyscraper hospitals and sprawling medical centers he was used to in the big, busy city of Atlanta. But he acted as though he’d just stepped into a muddy pigsty.

He stopped at the desk for a moment. Who’s the first patient?

Mr. Hawkins is coming in for a—

Without another word, Eric walked down the hall then stopped in front of one of the white doors.

Where was he going? He hadn’t allowed her to finish her sentence. What was he trying to do? If he didn’t know his way around, why didn’t he ask? He must have sensed that she was looking at him, because he turned in her direction. What?

She shook her head, setting the tin of cookies on her reception desk, and tried to contain her laughter. "Can I help you with something, Dr. Bradley?"

I need to start seeing patients right away, he said as if it were obvious.

Sure, but do you need a mop to do that? Holding on to her laughter, she leveled him with a serious stare. He couldn’t just go around acting like he knew everything only a hot minute after he walked in the door. She wasn’t as important as the doctor, she wouldn’t argue that, but he’d have a hard time doing his job without her. Holly needed to put him in his place, snuff out his smugness. Dr. Bradley’s son or not, he was new here, and acting in that manner wouldn’t help things run smoothly. She owed it to the senior Dr. Bradley and his patients to keep this place as close to business as usual as it could be while he was out. You didn’t let me finish my sentence. Mr. Hawkins is coming in for his high blood pressure and gout. He’ll be arriving in one hour.

Eric crossed his arms and glared back at her with an impatient set to his jaw.

Well, okay, I see how this is going to be.

That’s the janitor’s closet, she said.

He cleared his throat, adjusted his shoulders, and tugged at the lapel of his suit coat. Then he walked toward her as if that whole exchange didn’t happen. What’s your name and what do you do here?

Holly Ransom. I’m the receptionist. These cookies are for you, she said flatly. After all that trouble, she doubted now that he’d take one bite. Enjoy.

He glanced at the tin of cookies, paused, and then narrowed his eyes at her. Weren’t you in my American Studies class in high school? he said.

Holly’s stomach did a flip. He actually remembered her. Yes. I was. I mean we were. I mean we had that class together. Yes.

Just stop talking.

Something crossed his features that she couldn’t quite identify, but before she could question it, Eric walked over to the counter and pulled an electronic device from his bag. Well, Holly, can you tell me what software you use here so I can get synced to read the patient files?

He spoke to Holly in short and curt tones that she supposed worked well in the big hospital environment he was used to, but here, it came off as insensitive. She needed to push her feelings aside, though, and focus on what was best for the patients. That’s what Dr. Bradley would want. And Eric clearly hadn’t talked to his father about anything to do with his practice over the years, or he wouldn’t be asking her about syncing with the files.

Knowing everything there was to know about his family’s business should have been top priority. But based on Eric’s behavior, both now and in the past, his father’s small practice was an afterthought. How could he have stayed away from his parents all this time? He had something to be proud of here, but instead, he chose to stay away.

She tried to keep her face from showing her true feelings. We have a very old computer system because your father uses paper for patient records.

What? No electronic health records?

He released a loud, frustrated sigh that made the hairs on the back of her neck rise. She didn’t like him very much at the moment—handsome or not. He prefers writing his patient notes by hand.

This is worse than I thought, Eric muttered as he slipped the device back into his bag.

Holly wouldn’t let this deter her. She hurried behind her desk and picked up a stack of manila folders. I’ve already pulled all the records for the patients you’ll be seeing today. She glanced at the clock and handed him the files. You have one hour to prepare before the first one arrives.

He accepted the file folders without making eye contact and shoved them under his arm. Can you tell me where I can find Nurse Lela?

Right, he had more important things to do than chat with the receptionist, even though she was only trying to help him. Everyone is in the conference room.

Tell them I will be there shortly. With a dismissive shake of his head, he turned and walked away.

Again, Holly waited to see if he knew where he was going, and surprisingly, he found the office on his own. She walked swiftly down the hall to the conference room. The new doctor’s here, she announced.

Nurse Lela stood. Why didn’t you come and get us?

Aren’t I here now? Holly fought the urge to roll her eyes. "He just got here."

Who is it? Pat asked.

Judy leaned forward. I was right, wasn’t I?

Before Holly could answer them, Eric walked into the room.

Well, looka here, Lela said, her voice rising an octave.

Lela’s demeanor changed like a chameleon changes color. One minute, her jaw was tight, demanding information, and the next, she was smiling, walking toward Eric with open arms.

Eric! she exclaimed, embracing him.

Mrs. Lela, you haven’t changed a bit. How are you? Eric said, stepping back to see her.

I’m fine, baby. Just fine. You’re looking good yourself.

He smiled at her, a full, brilliant, dimpled smile, and Holly’s heart thumped a little harder, even though that beautiful smile annoyed her. How fair was it that he gave her nothing but hard edges the whole time they’d talked and less than a minute with Lela got her a smile?

Are you keeping everybody here in line? he said.

The woman already thought she ran the place; his joke would only encourage her behavior. And why didn’t he demand that Lela call him Dr. Bradley?

Lela let out a chuckle. As much as I can, but you know how folks can be.

I know how you can be.

The other two ladies introduced themselves and shook his hand.

Eric straightened his tie and adjusted the sleeve of his shirt. Ladies, we don’t have long. Get in your places so that we can give efficient care to the people of Clover.

Holly didn’t know whether to laugh or be very concerned at the seriousness of his statement. She glanced at the stoic facial expressions of the others and knew she wasn’t alone.

Eric clapped his hands together before shooing them out of the room. No time for chit-chat. I’d like to make sure that all patients are prepped, vitals taken within the first fifteen minutes of their visit. We need to be mindful of the schedule. He walked alongside Holly to her station at the front desk. If we have people calling in for an appointment, don’t turn them away. I don’t want you to space them too far apart.

Did he think they didn’t know how to do their jobs? Had he always been this bossy? She remembered him as an easygoing guy, but that was over ten years ago. Had he changed, or had she misjudged him?

She understood that he was the boss for now, but he could have at least asked them about their process and procedures. The day just got longer, and they hadn’t even opened the office yet. She only hoped by the end of it, she’ll have survived the new Dr. Bradley.

…

All his big talk about making sure the patient was prepped within fifteen minutes of their visit had quickly gone down the drain, and it was his fault. They were forty minutes behind schedule now. He looked incompetent, and that’s not the message he wanted to get across to the patients on his first day.

Well, how long is it gonna be, Holly? Debra Franklin asked. I need to get back to the post office to relieve Dennis. You know there’s only two of us, and Shirley will have my hide if she has to come out from the back where she’s reading those romance novels. It may be her job as supervisor, but she hates filling in for us.

Eric listened as Holly tried to sooth the irate patient before taking a quick peek around the corner to view the waiting room. At least five people filled the seats, each looking uncomfortable and, quite frankly, downright upset. An older lady with short white curly hair looked at her delicate wrist before shaking her head. Two others seemed to be complaining to each other. He backed away, retreating for a moment to decide how he’d deal with the backup he’d caused. He had to face the fact that he was in a little over his head.

Eric had figured working in a small-town medical office would be a piece of cake compared to the always busy research clinic where he worked in Atlanta, but they were very different. At the clinic, it was rare that he had a lot of interaction with the subjects. Most studies were conducted by the research specialists that reported to him, and he was responsible for analyzing the data that was collected and sharing his findings with the doctor who would then use them to make recommendations. He’d never had direct contact with the patients.

But here at his father’s practice, it was all about patient care. People weren’t predictable. His father made being a town doctor look easy, and that was the reason he didn’t want to disrupt providing medical care to the people of Clover. At the time, he thought it a good idea to step in until his father’s long-term replacement arrived in a week. Then he could get back to Atlanta. He had believed he could handle one week. Now, he wasn’t so sure.

He didn’t realize Nurse Lela had approached until she touched him on the shoulder.

Eric, can I talk to you for a minute? she said, keeping her voice low.

He checked his watch. They were very behind. Sure, but a minute is all we have.

Eric led her to his father’s office and closed the door behind them.

You do realize the only way any of us are going to get out of here today is if we were moving a bit quicker, she said without preamble.

Though he’d been thinking that same thing, he still felt the blow of her words. The doctor was being schooled by the nurse. After a moment, he collected himself and said, I do. It’s just everyone wants to carry on a conversation. That makes it hard to get them in and out quickly.

You need to figure it out fast, Eric. If you don’t, you’ll have the whole town running over to the hospital, begging your father to come back. And we both know he’ll try. He needs to rest, knowing the practice is in good hands.

Eric couldn’t dispute her words. She’d been working with his father for nearly forty years. He appreciated her kindness toward him. You’re right, Lela.

I’ll give you a few moments to get yourself together before I call back the next patient. Lela left the room, and Eric dropped into the chair. He didn’t want to feel defeated; there was no time for that. He was an analytical thinker, always studying the data, but in this case, there were people depending on him. He thought of what he could have done better but found no solution. Everyone knew who he was and wanted to talk—about him, about his dad, about everything he’d missed in the last ten years. How was he supposed to say stop talking without sounding rude and unprofessional?

Removing his phone from his pocket, he sent his mother a message to get an update on his father’s condition.

A knock at the door caught his attention. Yes?

Holly stuck her head inside. The soft expression in her eyes as she spoke to him caught him off guard. Nurse Lela asked me to check on you.

Eric released a