Page 27 of From the Moment We Met

“Are they laced with arsenic?” Lilly retorted.

“If you must know, strychnine, does it matter?”

Lilly giggled. “I suppose one poison is as good as another.” She took a bite of the brownie, eyes widening at the flavor.

Jacob observed her surprised expression and helped himself to one, adding, “I can cook too. I have skills.”

“Apparently. They’re delicious. Thank you.”

“So, do you forgive me?”

Lilly smirked, considering Jacob's proposal. “Chocolate and groveling are my favorite combination. You’re forgiven.”

Jacob grinned, popping another bite into his mouth. “You weren’t entirely forthcoming, you know.”

Lilly’s eyes widened. “The last time I checked I told you exactly what I thought in no uncertain terms.”

“No one denies your honesty is brutal, but your words were deserved. I needed to hear them. What I mean is you had me believe you were a nurse.”

“I am a nurse, I’m just not a staff nurse. Dr. Torres asked that I personally supervise your sister’s case.”

Jacob nodded thoughtfully, his fingers drumming his leg. “Dr. Torres, a competent surgeon with questionable social motives.”

Lilly smiled, choosing to ignore Jacob’s barb. “Absolutely. He’s very competent.” A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. “Excuse me one moment.” She opened the door and exchanged a few words with a co-worker before turning to Jacob. “I have to grab a file, it’s right behind you.” Her voice faltered as she leaned over him to snag the file, pausing to breathe him in—the perfect blend of musk and sandalwood. Memories of the other night flooded her senses and Lilly tried to look anywhere but Jacob’s full mouth.

What are you doing, Lilly? You’re practically draped over him! Lilly snapped from her reverie but not before their eyes met. They weren’t more than six inches from each other, so close she could see every freckle and golden hair in his beard.

Flustered, she straightened her skirt and handed the file to her coworker, before shutting the door again. “Sorry about the boardinghouse reach.”

Jacob appeared dazed as well, although his voice remained calm. “It’s fine, small space.”

With a nervous chuckle, Lilly settled back into her chair. “Janie looks fabulous; she’s made tremendous strides in the last 48 hours. She’ll be moving to a step-down unit later today, so you’ll be rid of all us mean intensive care personnel.”

“I wanted to speak to you about that, actually.”

Which part, Lilly wondered, the intensive care nurses, Janie’s progress, or how after your sister transfers to another unit, I will never see your face again? She was shocked by how the idea of never seeing him again pulled at her insides. Shaking away the feeling, she balanced her chin on the heel of her hand. “About what?”

“I want to take you to dinner.”

Lilly physically started at his words, her mind reeling from his statement. “Dinner? Whatever for?”

Jacob considered her question. “Well, you do eat, as made obvious by the brownie and the hamburger the other night, but as a thank you for everything you’ve done for Janie.”

Of course, Lilly thought, he feels obligated. Still, her office now felt hotter than a brick oven. “That’s sweet, but it isn’t necessary.”

Jacob leaned forward in his chair, clasping her hand again. Holy hell, she was going to burn alive if this man kept touching her. “It might not be necessary, but it’s something I’d like to do. That is if you’re not opposed to the idea.”

Trying to ignore the sparks sweeping up her arm from his touch, she floundered to find words. “I’m not technically allowed to fraternize with patients.”

“I’m not a patient.”

“Or their family members, one of those hospital rules.”

“You had no issue with fraternization the other night.” Jacob released Lilly's hand and leaned back in the chair, an amused smile on his face. “Well, if all goes according to plan, Janie will be discharged within the next five days, right?” When Lilly nodded, he continued. “And then she won’t be a patient anymore.”

Lilly smiled, fiddling with a tendril of her dark brown hair. “Fine. When Janie is released, I’ll have dinner with you. Although I’m sure you’ll have forgotten all about this conversation by that point.”

Jacob bent down to her, his breath tickling her earlobe. “I’m sure I won’t.” His lips hesitated a moment on her ear before kissing her on the cheek, and Lilly felt a warmth spread through her body.

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