Page 12 of Born to Make You Smile

Ethan had plans to pick me up after work for our second date. We were going to head downtown for an early dinner, followed by a comedy show. I’d styled my hair and had put extra makeup on. I also brought a change of clothes and packed some makeup to touch it up in case work got the best of me.

“I actually have a date tonight, so I won't need a ride home,” I said. “He's picking me up straight from work since it's on the way downtown.”

“Oh, yes, all right. What’s his name? How did you two meet?”

“Ethan. He’s a friend of Dorina’s boyfriend.”

He scratched his temple. “He’s your age?”

“Twenty-eight.”

He hummed with a furrowed brow. “An older man. As long as he treats you right.”

“So far, so good,” I said, biting my lip with a smile as I remembered the sweet way he’d kissed my hand.

“I see.” He leaned back in his seat and tapped the steering wheel as we sat in traffic. “Well, since I'll be driving on my own this afternoon, I’ll get to blast that song you despise.”

The song in reference was Hot Chocolate’s “You Sexy Thing.” I wasn’t sure why, but something about the tune agitated me.

“I don'tdespiseit. It’s just not my favorite.”

“In that case, what do you say I play it right now?”

I waved my hands in the air. “No! Please don’t.”

He let out a sinister laugh and gently nudged me with his elbow.

***

After the last patient left and I cleaned up, I went into the washroom to change out of my scrubs and into a flowy powder-blue dress, which I’d chosen since the thin rayon material could be stashed away without wrinkling. The dress had capped sleeves and a scooped neckline with just a hint of cleavage showing—flirty yet tasteful. I also brought flat silver sandals to go with it—cute but also easy to walk in since I knew parking downtown was a nightmare. As I did up the straps, my phone beeped with a message.

Ethan:Hey, Grace. I'm here! Can I come in?

Me:Yes, I'm almost ready :)

Ethan:K, I'll be at the front.

When I pulled the clip from my hair, my golden curls fell to my shoulders. I touched up my makeup with a bit of blush and gloss. I headed to Gavin's office to tell him I was leaving but stopped when I heard the murmurs of his and Ethan's voices in the reception area. On my way to the front, I caught sight of them talking to each other, Ethan's giant frame towering over Gavin, who I’d always thought was fairly tall at about an inch under six feet.

Ethan looked striking. His white dress shirt was tucked into navy pants, and his outfit perfectly fitted as if it were tailored for him. I glanced at Tina, who flashed me a look and mouthed an exaggerated, “Wow,” as she tilted her head toward my date.

“Have a great evening, Tina,” I said with a smirk.

“You too,” she answered, wide-eyed, subtly fluffing her ear-length light-brown hair.

Both men turned to look when they heard us. Ethan smiled while Gavin stared blankly, adjusting his glasses.

I gave a small wave. “Hi, Ethan.”

“Grace. You look gorgeous,” he said.

I looked up at him, craning my neck in the process. He had to be at least a foot taller than my five-three frame. “Thanks, so do you. But I'm so tiny next to you in my flats.”

“That's okay. I love it.” Ethan licked his lips, then turned to Gavin. “Dr. Brinley, do you mind if I use your restroom before we go?”

“Go right ahead. It’s down the hall, first door on the left.”

Ethan thanked him, then walked away.

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