Page 15 of It Just Feels Right

Baker points at the man across the table with his knife. “He’s your… doctor.”

I nod. “Yep.”

His knuckles are white as he holds the knife, and I’m starting to fear for Roger’s life right now. “Yeah, so what happened at work, Baker?” I ask him, trying to change the subject.

He searches my eyes, and I plead with him silently. He sets his knife down, reaches under the table, and puts his hand on my leg again. He’s holding on to me and doesn’t let go while he talks. “There was a wreck out on the highway to Jasper.”

I suck in a gasp. “Is everyone okay?”

He squeezes my leg. “There were injuries, but they’re going to be okay.”

“Good, that’s good.”

He reassures me, “I just had to help direct traffic. They’ll be fine, though.”

I nod, and everyone starts talking. I breathe a sigh of relief since the topic of Roger being my gynecologist is no longer being discussed. However, I stay on high alert. I have no idea what my mom will say at any given moment, so I need to be mentally ready.

“Cassie.”

I realize that Roger is trying to get my attention. “Oh, I’m sorry. Yeah, Roger?”

He clears his throat and looks around the table before settling his gaze back on me. “I was thinking after dinner we could go catch a movie.”

I open my mouth to respond, but Baker beats me to it. “She can’t.”

I jerk my eyes from across the table to Baker next to me. “Uh…”

I can feel my mom glaring at me. Everyone is looking at me. The old Cassie would just do what my mom wanted. I don’t know what it is or why I’m always wanting her approval, but as I look into Baker’s eyes, I know I can’t do it. There’s no part of me that wants to. “He’s right. I’m sorry, Roger. I can’t.”

CHAPTER 8

BAKER

Brandi leans forwardand asks loudly, “What do you mean, she can’t? She can do anything she wants, and I’m sure she’d love to go to the movies with Roger.”

I stare at her, wondering what’s up with her. Anyone that knows Cassie would be able to see that she’s been uncomfortable the whole time she’s set here.

My dad tries to help. “Now, honey, maybe we should…”

She cuts him off. “She’s my daughter, Ryan and I know what’s best for her.”

I can’t help but take offense. I’m a police officer, and Roger is a doctor. I don’t begrudge Brandi if she wants Cassie to have a good life, but I don’t thinkthat’s what this is about. “I’m sorry, Brandi, but Cassie already has a commitment tonight.”

She looks at her daughter, and I lean forward to block Cassie from seeing her angry gaze. “She can’t because we are serving on the carnival committee, and we have a meeting tonight.”

“Carnival committee?” she snarls. “Why would you be helping with the carnival?”

“I do a booth there every year.”

My dad chimes in. “His dunking booth makes the most money of any booth there.”

I nod and turn to Roger. “Yeah, so we have a lot of planning to do. I’m sure you understand, Roger.”

Roger is watching Cassie, and I wish I could block him. I don’t even like him looking at her.

Cassie clears her throat, and her voice is a little shaky when she starts to talk. “Yeah, uh, Roger. Actually, I think you’re a great guy, but I think it might get awkward if we go on a date since you’re my doctor.”

I glare at the other man and dare him to pressure her. All it takes is for him to say one thing that’s inappropriate and I’ll climb over this table to get to him.

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