Chapter 1

"Watch out!"

Kate jumped out of the way of a swarm of doctors and nurses rushing into the ambulance bay to grab the new arrival. She watched silently as they wheeled the stretcher carrying the still form of a woman into the doors of the ER. Unconsciously, she touched the scar on her cheek and forced back memories of that terrible day nearly a year ago.

It's over, she thought to herself. You are starting your new life in Chicago, far away from rural Nebraska. You'll never have to go back. She squared her shoulders and walked quickly through the doors of County into the packed ER.

"Excuse me, I'm Dr. Katherine Flaherty, the new ER resident."

The harried desk clerk smirked at her. "Welcome to County, have fun." Kate tried to catch his eye again, but he was on the phone and ignoring her.

"Excuse me," she said to a dark-haired man in a white lab coat, "I'm the new resident from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. It's supposed to be my first day."

"Oh, right. I'm Luca Kovach, you picked a good day, we aren't too busy yet."

She smiled at him and even though it wasn't her style, she gave him the once over. Very good-looking, she thought, and that accent is to die for.

"So, since we have gone over the basics, let me give you the tour." Kate blushed and quickly nodded.

Pay attention, she scolded herself, he's not your type, and getting involved with somebody is the last thing you need right now.

She followed Luca around the ER as he showed her the exam and trauma rooms and introduced her to various people along the way.

"Well, that's about it, let's get you a lab coat and you can get started."

A different voice chimed in, "Well, Luca, aren't you going to introduce me to this gorgeous woman."

Kate whirled around to glare in the direction of the voice and get ready to give him a piece of her mind. She found herself staring into the eyes of a very handsome young man. He had dark hair and was average height and build, but his eyes drew her in. There was something very familiar about them, like they reminded her of somebody.

"Ray Barnett," the man said extending his hand, "I'm assuming we'll be working together Miss…"

Kate shook back her auburn hair, extended her hand and with a smile corrected him with, "Doctor Flaherty actually, Katherine Flaherty, but I prefer Kate, Dr. Barnett."

Ray returned her grin, "Just Ray. Would you like to grab some coffee after the shift?" Kate bit her lip as she tried to think of a reason to turn him down.

Those eyes. Why do they have to look so much like Matt's. Maybe it's a sign from him. She quickly made up her mind.

"Meet you at nine." She headed to the elevators to pick up her lab coat.

"I think I'm in love," said Ray with a silly grin on his face. "What's her story Luca?"

Luca glanced at the cocky young doctor. "She's from Nebraska, and starting her residency in emergency medicine. Ray, be kind to her, there's something that happened in her past, I can see the pain lingering in her eyes."

"I'm always nice," Ray replied.

"You know what I mean. She's not a groupie following your band."

Ray's smile disappeared. "I know how to treat a girl Luca. I just wanted to let you know I was interested in her, get some background, that kind of thing."

Both men looked up as the elevator doors opened and Kate stepped out wearing a brand new white coat.

Ray felt his heart leap into his throat. She wasn't his usual type at all, but there was something about her that just drew him to her. She had auburn hair that cascaded past her shoulders, and these wonderful blue eyes. He took in her milky skin and the smattering of freckles dusting her nose.

What is it about her? I feel like there's some connection drawing me to her. Ray brushed his fingers over the lettering that read, Dr. Katherine Flaherty.

"Congratulations, you're official now", he said in his husky voice. Kate blushed furiously at his nearness.