Steve tried to finish up some reports while he waited for the x-rays results, but his mind kept coming back to his patient. He already had a clear vision of those delicious toes sticking out of a plaster cast. He also couldn't wait to see her hobble on crutches.

In his line of work, heĠd certainly been fortunate enough to watch plenty of beautiful women leave the hospital leaning on a pair of crutches. The last one, Jenna, had hurt her foot falling from a horse. Her husband had held her hand throughout the whole casting process, promising to take good care of his sweetheart. Once again, Steve imagined what it must be like to come home from work and find your wife resting on the couch, with a cast on her leg...

"Dr. Jansen, the results are in". A young nurse stood beside him, a big brown envelope in her hand.

He grabbed it quickly and read the x-rays carefully. He felt excited when he spotted the familiar fracture line. Yep, broken ankle all right! He went back to the exam room, where Michelle, his patient, was waiting anxiously for him.

"Well, I have good and bad news for you. The bad news is that your ankle is broken. The good news is that it's a clean break and you should be back on your feet, so to speak, in four to six weeks".

"A broken ankle! That can't be true! I don't have time for that", Michelle said, on the verge of tears. "I'm a career woman, how could I fit a broken bone in my busy schedule ?" she added.

Michelle looked so desparate that Steve wanted to put his arm around her for comfort.

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice, miss Benton. We may be the best hospital in the city, but we can't heal a fracture in ten minutes. We still go by the usual way, meaning you'll have to wear a cast".

"Will at least be able to walk on it ?", she asked, hopeful.

"I'm afraid not. You'd be in too much pain and you'll heal faster if you don't put any pressure on your ankle for a while. Have you ever used crutches ?".

"No, I haven't. I've never even worn a cast before".

Steve approched the cast cart, took a stockinette and put it on Michelle's leg. He was almost shacking with anticipation. He plunged the first roll of plaster in water and wrapped it around her leg. He worked very meticulously, molding and shaping the cast so to fit her ankle and foot perfectly. At the end, he could almost hear the drums rolling when he cut the stockinette to reveal her toes. Every time he'd do this, he felt like an artist showing off a beautiful work of art.

For the next few weeks, Michelle's long and slender toes would be on display for the whole world to see and he sensed that these cuties would certainly attract a stare or two. He then shifted his attention to the ball of her foot, partially covered by the white plaster. He had a sudden urge to run his fingers across her smooth skin... Instead, he lifted her freshly casted heel and lowered it carefully on a pillow.

"A nurse will be in shortly to adjust your crutches. You should keep your ankle elevated as often as possible. It'll keep the swelling down. Is there someone waiting for you ?".

"No, I'm alone. I just moved into town a month ago so I don't know that many people yet. A sweet old lady brought me here. She was getting in her car when she saw me fall and kindly offered me a ride to the hospital. I guess I'll have to call a cab".

Before he could think of the implication, Steve asked Michelle if he could drive her home.

"My, my, aren't we the attentive doctor". Despite the ironic remark, he saw the relief on her face.

"I'll take that as a yes. I'll meet you in front of the hospital in, let's say, 20 minutes. That'll give you plenty of time to get fitted with your crutches".

With one last glance at her cast, Steve left the room, thanking his lucky star profusely !