It's always been a dream of mine to become a doctor. There's just such a prestigious feeling to it. After graduating from Columbia University in NYC with my doctorates in dermatology, I opened a cozy practice in the suburbs of New Jersey. The office is beautiful. Nice and spacious with windows on each wall and plenty of sunlight to shine on everything within. There are two exam rooms, a cutesy waiting room and my office, which is in the back of the space itself.
It took a few months to get going, but quickly I was seeing 50 plus patients per month and really started to get into my doctor groove. On a cloudy day at 9:00 AM, I unlocked the door to the office and into the gloomy feeling waiting room. My assistant and front desk person, Patricia would be in within the hour, and the first office visit wasn't until 11:30 AM. The patient I would be seeing is new, and he wanted to inquire about cosmetic dermatology services. According to my colleagues, this is where the real money is.
The morning breezed by and I went out to the waiting room to pass folders to Patricia and find Thomas flipping through a magazine in the waiting room. Man, he was beautiful. Why would he want cosmetic work done? I try to remember that I'm a professional medical doctor now and that I need to keep my cool. Sexual thoughts are so unprofessional, and I have way too much debt to have my practice ruined or my license to practice taken away.
"I can take you in my back now." Holy crap, did I just say that? "In the back exam room now!"
He took it in stride and adjusted his collared shirt as he stood up. His dark jeans, light colored plaid shirt and oversized silver wrist watch were a perfect combination. The scent of his cologne started to waft my way. Keep your cool, Dr. Malens.
I collected his height and weight and asked him to remove his shirt and undershirt in exchange for the paper gown. While he changed, I took a big sip of tea and straightened up my hair. Back in the room, I started with getting to know him and his concerns and then proceeded to the exam portion.
Parting the paper gown to the side, I revealed his sculpted back and luscious shoulder blades. Part of me wanted to run my hands down his back and grace the skin gently with my nails. Thomas was looking for laser scar removal for the scars that acne had left when he was a teen. Completely doable. Thomas got dressed and met me in my office to talk payment, procedure and set up future appointments.
"I know this might be slightly unprofessional and please forgive me if I'm out of line. But I'd love to take you out to dinner tonight. There's this great taco place just a few blocks away, and they have excellent margaritas." Thomas said while fidgeting his hands to calm what I can only assume is nerves.
I was quiet. YES! My internal self wanted to scream. Take me here on my desk, right now! No tacos needed. This internal dialogue with myself went on longer than expected.
"That's fine; I totally get it. Forgive me, and I promise I won't speak another word of it. Strictly laser treatments." He smiled.
"No, I -- I would love to. Did you say tonight? I have evening hours tonight from 7-9..." Like a good boy trying to impress my father, he promised to have me back at the office in time. Just like that, I agreed. Tacos and margaritas for happy hour it would be.