Page 13 of From the Moment We Met

Lilly nearly choked on her drink. He was direct. “Not much to tell, I grew up in New York. I’ve been a nurse for 15 years and only arrived in England a few months ago to help establish the critical care units at St. Luke.”

Enrique’s mouth twitched as he nodded.

“What’s so funny?”

“I asked you about yourself, and you responded with a detailed explanation of your work history.”

Now she was red to the tops of her ears. Thank god for darkened pubs. She leaned back against the booth, finally meeting his dark gaze. “What would you like to know?”

“I asked some colleagues about your marital status, before today, I might add. They said you’re single.”

“Yes.”

“How is that possible?”

Lilly’s heart flipped, but she wasn’t certain if it was because of the question or the sight of Jacob walking through the pub door. She slid down in the seat, averting her gaze and praying the actor didn’t see them.

No such luck.

Just as Enrique looked over his shoulder to signal the server, Jacob looked directly into the booth.

Maybe he’ll pretend he doesn’t see us and go about his business.

Luck was not her friend tonight.

“Dr. Torres, Lilly, good evening.”

Lilly peered up at Jacob through her glasses, his blue gaze affixed to her face. “Hello, Mr. Edmonton. Janie was stable when we left and we were starving…I know this looks odd after today…”

Enrique quirked a brow at her verbal rambling and Lilly sighed. She sounded like an idiot. The surgeon extended his hand to Jacob. “Your sister is progressing wonderfully. We’ll have her out of bed tomorrow morning.”

“I’m so grateful to you both. It’s been one hell of a day.” Jacob drummed his fingers on the edge of the table, shadows playing under his eyes.

“Would you like to join us for a drink? Looks like you could use one,” Enrique offered.

Please say no, please say no, Lilly repeated internally, trying to ignore the butterflies flapping like blooming fools in her stomach.

“I would love to, some might think it’s bad form, but I know what Janie would say—bottoms up, big brother.”

“Lilly, why don’t you move over here and let Jacob—”

“She’s fine right there, I’ll sit next to her…if she doesn’t mind.” Jacob’s eyes focused on Lilly again.

“Of course,” Lilly mumbled, scooting over in the booth. She glanced to Enrique, who pursed his lips but said nothing. He looked aggravated by Jacob’s seating choice, not that it was Lilly’s decision. Maybe she was reading too much into it. Her eyes focused on her whiskey while she tried desperately to ignore the flush racing through every pore in her body. Christ, just being near the man affected her. She must be a bloody masochist.

The server brought Jacob a glass of whiskey. “I hope it isn’t premature, but I’d like to propose a toast to the man and woman who saved my sister’s life. Dr. Torres, you’re an amazing surgeon. Thank you for working your magic. And Lilly,” Jacob turned to her, grasping her hand, “you’re exquisite, in every way.”

Lilly couldn’t breathe, time stopped as she stared into Jacob’s eyes. She must have fallen into an alternate universe because this man detested everything about her. Had she finally gone mad? He was probably being sarcastic, knowing she wouldn’t say anything in front of Enrique.

She pulled her hand back and grabbed her whiskey, clinking glasses with the men.

Enrique watched their interaction with a great deal of interest. “Do you two know each other?”

“No, not at all,” Lilly blurted, taking another swig of whiskey.

“She’s the most insightful person I’ve ever met; gave me much to think about today,” Jacob retorted.

Lilly closed her eyes, praying that reality would snap back into play. This alternate world was far too off kilter for her liking.

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