The Back-Up Plan by Debra Webb Page A

took a seat directly across from him —Hank Bradley. The man she wanted nothing to do with. The man she didn’t even want to look at, but couldn’t seem to stop doing just that.
    “What’s your pleasure, Doc, cherry or cheese?” he asked, offering the open bag.
    Donna swallowed against the sudden dryness in her mouth. His whimsical expression made her pulse more unstable. Not even Brick had made her feel this way with just a look. How could Hank be all that she despised and everything she desired at the same time?
    Ignore the way he looks, Donna. He’s just a guy. Melissa’s teacher .
    “No, thank you.” She hated the way he called her doc. It was entirely too familiar.
    He dropped the bag in the middle of the table and stared at his untouched coffee.
    Donna waited.
    Silence.
    “You wanted to speak with me regarding Chip Stevens?”
    He glanced up from his cup just long enough to say, “Yeah.”
    If Donna hadn’t known better she would have sworn that he was nervous, but guys like him didn’t get nervous.
    “Mr. Bradley—”
    “Hank. Call me Hank.”
    “Hank.” Donna conceded. “I have a great deal to do today. If you have something to say...”
    His gaze leveled on hers. “I need to know where you stand on what happened with Stevens.”
    “Where I stand?” She frowned at the question as well as the measure of uncertainty she heard in his voice. “What exactly do you mean?”
    “Our esteemed principal paid me a little visit this morning. Not a very pleasant visit.” He paused to stare into the black liquid in his cup for another second or two. “The bottom line is, she wants me to take Stevens off the team. She thinks he’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.”
    “And you disagree?”
    “You’re damned right I disagree.” He flattened his hands on the table as if he needed someplace to keep them to prevent tearing into something. “Stevens has worked hard to be a member of the team. At first I was a little skeptical myself. But like I told you Thursday, I did my research and I found no reason not to let him play. It would break his heart if I took him off the team now.”
    “So, what did you say to Ms. Masters?”
    “I told her I wouldn’t do it.”
    “I don’t mean to sound unsympathetic, but why are you telling me all this?”
    “Since Stevens’ parents and personal physician will back me up, that only leaves you. As the treating physician when the episode occurred, Masters will want to know how you see things.”
    “Oh.” So, he needed an ally in his battle with Ms. Masters. Patty’s comment about there being trouble between the two came to mind.
    “After what happened in the field house Thursday, I just wanted to make sure that your opinion of me wouldn’t color your position on Stevens.”
    Now that annoyed her. “Mr. Bradley—”
    “Hank,” he corrected.
    “Hank,” she amended with growing impatience. “What I think of you has absolutely nothing to do with my medical opinion of the Stevens boy.”
    “Good,” he said, and then frowned. “I think.”
    “If Ms. Masters questions me regarding his seizure, I will give her that opinion only .”
    “Which is?” Hank prodded.
    Donna clasped her hands in front of her and released an impatient breath. Maybe if she gave him what he wanted he would leave. “Stevens had that seizure because he hadn’t been taking his medication properly. In all likelihood, the seizure would have occurred even if he had been lying on his own couch watching television. If his personal physician okayed his participation in contact sports, I can think of no medical reason that would impel me to say otherwise. Personally, I can’t see how Stevens would be in any more danger than any other kid on the team.”
    “That’s just what I wanted to hear.” Hank relaxed visibly, his relief almost palpable. “I appreciate you backing me up.”
    Donna’s nerves were more than a little frayed from this whole experience. Bradley stepped on her professional