Page 76 of Bad Blood

“Especially when you don’t play by the rules.”

“That’s not one of the rules.”

The crosswalk light changes and the crowd floods the intersection. We join the flow as Dax slides his hand into my back pocket, causing every fiber in me to tense.

Halfway to the other side, I gather my courage and reach back there to see what’s inside. I stare at Dax’s phone in the palm of my hand and a jolt of excitement courses through me.

He gives me a toothy grin as we make it to the other side. “Zero, seven, two, five.”

“I believe that calls for a point,” I boast. I enter his password and shoot myself a text before handing it back.

“For what?”

I present the screen. “This,” I say, pointing at the text:

Unknown number: That was too easy

“Well played.” He nods in acceptance. “Well played.”

“You mentioned needing the best doctor in the nation on speed dial. Figured I could help in that department. Smile.” I take a picture of him before he knows what’s happening. I grin at the photo. I caught him off guard, but he’s still gorgeous. “To add to your contact info.”

“My turn.” He holds up his phone, and I block the camera with my hand.

“Remember the patient-doctor line I’m not supposed to cross?”

“I’m not your patient. And that makes no sense.” He holds up the screen, showing my text.

“There’s still a line—let’s call it Liam. And you can have my number, but not my face. I’m still trying to figure out why I agreed to join you tonight.”

“Because I’m irresistible.”

“And full of yourself.” My eyes flicker toward him. “This was a better option than going home to eat by myself. Hope I don’t live to regret it—”

“I promise you’ll never regret spending time with me. I don’t disappoint.”

My mouth drops open, and I tear my eyes from his, letting them linger on our footfalls as I try to keep my discomfort off my face. “You can’t say stuff like that.”

“Point.” He winks at me and uses his finger to lift my jaw.

I consider tucking my tail between my legs and disappearing as we make it to the sidewalk and stop at the light. But when Dax glances at me, the smug smile still on his lips, there’s no way I can let him win. Not if I’m going to stand a chance.

“You consider this fun?”

“Amongst other things.”

His words unleash the frustration that’s been building over the last few minutes. “I have clinic tomorrow. Thanks again. Tonight was”—I try to find the correct word—“interesting.”

Surprise flashes across his features as his brows knit together. “I’ve never heard that one before.”

The sound of screeching tires at the intersection catches our attention. Dax grabs my arm and yanks me into his chest as a white Civic races around the corner and out of sight.

“Fucking idiots. You okay?”

I nod as he releases my arm. “Thanks for saving me.” Even though I was nowhere close to the curb. “I’ll see you at Liam’s follow-up.”

He shakes his head. “I have a photo shoot this weekend.”

“How long will you be gone?” I try to hide the disappointment in my voice.

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