Page 28 of From the Moment We Met

He opened the door, finding Sabina on the other side, hand poised to knock.

“Jacob, what a lovely surprise.” The nurse looked anything but surprised to see them together in Lilly’s office.

He smiled in return. “Hello Sabina, I was just leaving.”

“I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I wanted to see if my girl was going to karaoke tonight.”

Both Jacob and Sabina looked at Lilly, awaiting her reply.

“I’m not certain. It’s been a long few days,” Lilly stated.

Sabina patted Jacob on the chest. “You could stand to blow off some steam. Why don’t you join us?”

Lilly's eyes widened at Sabina’s brashness. She didn’t know if she was more afraid of him accepting or declining the invitation. “Sabina, I’m sure Jacob has more exciting things to do than spend time with us in a karaoke bar.”

Jacob's eyes twinkled before replying. “I would love to go, Sabina, but Lilly told me it's against hospital policy for employees to socialize with family members.”

Lilly covered her face with her hands, her cheeks flaming, mortified at what would come next.

Sabina shook her head as she looked back and forth between Jacob and Lilly. “Well, that’s rubbish. There’s no such policy. Come on, we’ll have a bang-up time. I’ll even buy you a drink.”

Jacob's gaze pierced Lilly. She was caught. His smile to Sabina was equal parts flirtatious and devilish. “I’d love to. In fact, I’ll pick the two of you up. I just need directions.”

Sabina beamed at Jacob’s acceptance of her invitation. “That would be lovely. What a gentleman,” she said, scribbling down her address. “Eight o’clock?”

Jacob nodded, accepting the paper. “I don’t have your address, Lilly.”

“I’ll meet you there,” Lilly muttered, acting riveted by something on her computer screen. “I live just down the block from the pub. I can walk.”

“Are you quite sure? I don’t mind driving you.”

Her cheeks couldn’t burn any hotter. “I’m positive, but thank you.”

“Then I’ll see you tonight.” He smiled at both ladies, closing the door behind him.

“Can you believe it? He’s hanging out tonight! Jacob Edmonton is picking me up! Wait a second, why didn’t you want him to pick you up?”

Lilly shrugged as if being asked out by Hollywood celebrities was an everyday occurrence. “Because I always walk to the bar? Besides, I’m sure something will come up with his agent or girlfriend, and he won’t be able to go. You’d better have a back-up plan.”

“I don’t think so. The man is infatuated with you.”

Lilly scoffed, ignoring the ever-present swarm of butterflies when Jacob’s name was mentioned. “Don’t be ridiculous. He isn’t interested in me. He just feels obligated because we saved his sister and he was a total ass to me the other day.”

Sabina shook her head as she turned to leave. “Fifty pounds says you’re wrong and he’ll kiss you again before the night is out.”

“You’re a whole new level of crazy.”

“Is that a yes or a no? Perhaps you’re too chicken to take the bet, since you know I’ll win?”

Lilly grasped Sabina’s hand and shook her head, smiling. “You are certifiable, but you’re on, I could use fifty pounds. I’ll see you tonight.”

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