Page 19 of Everything I Need

We get seated shortly after our run in with Caleb and dinner is amazing so far. Scarlett makes those same sexy moans while she eats delicious food which only made me sport a semi all through dinner. Not exactly the best thing in a classy restaurant.

We are having a great time together; she has let down most of her walls with me and I’m shocked at how quickly it happened. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely thankful. Even if some of it is because she had to defend me to Caleb, and I didn’t hate that either.

My mood has significantly improved since we got to the restaurant, but I should have known that Caleb wouldn’t let me have the last word. Right before our dessert arrives, my restraint is about to be tested again.

“Hey, Pres,” I stiffened at the voice, “the charity dinner is coming up soon. Your dad got your ticket?” God, I hate when he calls me Pres. He’s the only one who uses that nickname. Like we’re best friends.

I dig my fingers into my thigh, reminding myself to control my temper.

“Yes he’s got it. Not sure if I’m coming or not.” Not that I’d ever tell him I’m not coming, giving him the opportunity to have an upper hand with my father.

“Right, well, see you there. Make sure you bring your feisty girl so she can see how the real doctors do it.” He’s too smug. Makes me wonder what he is hiding, or scheming. He walks away too quickly and without a fight. Especially after Scarlett’s outburst, he definitely should have more fight in him.

“That guy is a snake. He makes my skin crawl.” Scarlett nailed that one. Couldn’t be more right about Caleb. Which is why my mind will be working overtime to figure out what he’s up to once I don’t have this beautiful woman in front of me, offering me the second chance of a lifetime.

“Yeah. He started at the hospital as soon as I did. And unlike me, he needs my father to praise him. But he won’t learn that he will never get it. Ethan West doesn’t give praise. Only criticisms.” I can’t hold back the eye roll anymore.

“I’m sorry. It sounds like your dad was a big factor in your decision to leave the hospital too. What is the charity dinner for?”

“Honestly, to make my father look good and for Eleanor to show off how much money they have. But, the donations do go to helping families of pediatric patients. So I guess that is the silver lining and the only reason I accept my mandatory invitation every year.”

“Well, if you can bring a plus one I’d love to go help the kids, and help you put that asshole in his place some more. Plus, I might get some good networking connections.” Her cheeks reddening, she pauses like she was thinking of taking the offer back. “Never mind. That was so rude of me to just invite myself to further my business.” She blushes and shies away from me.

I take her hand before she can retreat into herself further, “Of course, I’d love to have you with me. You handled Caleb better than anyone else I know. And I secretly would love to see what you could do with the untouchable Dr. Ethan West. Plus, my brother thinks Elizabeth is cheating on him with one of the other doctors. We could use a woman’s perspective to figure out who it might be. And I think you’d be happy to take her down.”

Scarlett looks down at her lap, avoiding my compliment.

Nothing would be better than having her with me actually. Not having to suffer through that dinner with people who only talk to me as an attempt to get in good with my father sounds wonderful. I feel like she could absolutely hold her own with these people and personally I’d love to witness that. Especially if it’s Caleb.

“What’s wrong? Do you not want to come?” I want to know why she looked down when I told her I would love to have her come with me. She’s smart, funny, and beautiful. Why wouldn’t I want her to come as my plus one?

“Of course I’d love to come. It was more that you think I handled Caleb well. I spent a very long time at my job. Doing everything over and above, but when it came time to attend events, networking, client meetings, I was basically told to sit and look pretty because I was lucky I was even there. After being passed over for promotion after promotion, I finally just listened. So it is a little shocking that you’d like me with you and would let me network, being associated with you. I guess my confidence isn’t where it used to be.”

“Scarlett, I’ve had one meeting with you, one and a half if you count the drive here, and I love every idea you have. Anyone who tells you to sit and look pretty is an idiot.” The vein in my forehead is pulsing with anger.

She blushes again. I love to see her cheeks turn pink. Although I love it more when my hands and lips are the reason behind it.

“Well, we should probably get going before my mom falls asleep in the window.” She places her napkin on the table, foregoing dessert. I wish more than anything I could take her home and have her for dessert.

Laughing as we walk hand in hand to the car, nothing has ever felt more right for me. It's like she fills this void I had inside me. Looking at her, has every piece of me hoping she feels the same way. If she doesn't I will be shattered. Of course, I couldn’t even ask her yet. Tonight was our first date in a long time. How am I supposed to explain my feelings so soon? Or expect her to feel the same way? She even said she wants to get to know each other again, like we are strangers. I suppose we are, but deep down I know her better than anyone else.

Chapter Twelve

Scarlett

Truetoherword,Mom was still up when I got home. At least she wasn’t still in the window like earlier. Thank goodness Preston didn’t kiss me when I stupidly told him to earlier. I’d never hear the end of that if she’d seen.

“So, will you two go out again?” Mom is so smug about her matchmaking and meddling abilities. She sits there with a smile on her face as she sips on her tea. Waiting for me to tell her how wonderful she is.

She thinks for sure she knocked this one out of the park.

While he is a fantastic kisser, and gorgeous, and I’ll admit it, the same man I fell for all those years ago. I still feel the need to keep him at arm’s length now that I’m not near him anymore. When I can’t feel his hands on me, I have nothing to sway me from remembering that I need this job to go well and it’s a bad idea to mix pleasure and business.

“I’m going to a charity dinner with him in two weeks. Strictly in a professional manner. We talked about everything. I understand what happened both times and I forgive him for what happened. But your meddling stops here mom. I’m serious. You need to butt out.” I give her my bestI’m seriousface, leaving out a few details from the evening.

“Oh, Scarlett.” She grins ear to ear, like she is already scheming her next plan.

I sink into the couch next to her, pulling the blanket over my lap, “Mom. Seriously. Please let me handle this.”

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