Page 18 of Devoted

“I must have missed those moves. I’ll definitely make sure to assess that talent of yours next time, Jess.” When I turn to look at him again, he winks at me. But all I can do is gulp down the nerves I feel as his eyes bore into mine. Suddenly, the vibration of a phone buzzes as Brooks reaches down into his pocket, his brow furrowing as he takes in the caller.

“Sorry, ladies. I need to take this. Have a good shift, Jess, if I don’t see you.” And then he’s off, gliding in the opposite direction while mumbling low into the phone.

I let out a harsh breath as Alice chuckles beside me. “Jessalyn Harris. I have never seen you like this! You’re always so put together and confident. What has gotten into you? Do I sense a little romance brewing between you and Dr. Bennet? It sure looked like that the other night at Tony’s.”

I roll my eyes and feign amusement. “Nonsense, Alice. He’s my colleague.”

She huffs. “You act like that’s enough to stop you and it’s not blatantly obvious that he’s interested. There are a ton of people who date in this hospital. Hell, I know married couples that met while working together here. Would you even be interested in him?”

I close my eyes, envisioning Brooks asking me out, taking me on a date, kissing me, touching me, like I do multiple times a day. “He’s not bad to look at, I guess.”

Alice leans back in her chair, laughing wildly. “Oh, you are so transparent, young lady. Listen, if that man has half a brain, he’ll ask you out soon. And when he does, promise me you’ll say yes? Because if you don’t, it’s only a matter of time before some other nurse or woman in this hospital swoops in.”

The idea of another woman dating Brooks makes my stomach twist in knots. “Dr. Bennet is a grown man. He can date who he wants.”

“Well, from what I can tell, you are who he wants. I saw the way he stared at you the other night at Tony’s, and the way he looked at you just now. The man hasn’t necessarily said the words, but his eyes don’t lie.”

I shrug, gather a few charts, and then move to leave. “Then he’d better man up, shouldn’t he?” I flash her a smile and then turn on my heels, praying that even if Brooks does find the balls to make a move, a possible relationship with him doesn’t end tragically for the both of us.

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