Page 13 of Both Sides Now

Time to take advantage.

There aresome perks to living close to Main Street, one of them being a high-dollar coffee bar smack dab in the middle of town.

Caffeine, here I come.

"Callista?"

I turn on my heel, my breath catching in my throat. Now I know what Dr. Russo looks like dressed down and let's just say he's exponentially more delicious.

His nickname suits him.

"Hi there, Baby Maker," I reply, clapping my hand over my mouth at my faux pas. "Criminy, why did I say that?"

Thankfully, he's a good sport, chuckling as he runs a hand through his dark hair. "I see my nickname precedes me."

"It does, but I'm privy to inside information."

"You know you have to finish that statement. Can't leave it hanging like that."

I see something else is hanging.

I tear my gaze from the pronounced bulge in his pants, praying to God that for once, my face doesn't turn the same shade as a lobster. "You mean my inside information. You came recommended by Dr. Shawn Bennett and his wife, Suzanne."

"I didn't know you knew them."

"Dr. Russo, I've known Shawn since we were children. He's my best friend."

“Interesting. Did you come to America together?"

"No. He tagged along a few years after I arrived. Claimed he was lost without me.” I shoot Keegan a teasing grin and tug my dog away from the handsome doctor.

But Domino is not easily deterred. She returns to his side, jumps up and places her paws against his leg, seemingly desperate for affection.

All an act, of course, since the little vixen used that sameploy with me. It's also ironic—and somewhat pathetic—that my dog is more apt in the art of flirting than me.

"Sorry about my pup. Domino, get down, please.”

Dr. Russo squats beside her, giving her ears a scratch. “She’s fine. I love dogs."

After the requisite belly rub, he stands and shoves his hands in his pockets, once again drawing my attention downward.

Even in baggy jeans, there's no hiding this man’s assets, and I avert my gaze as another flush crawls up my cheeks.

"I didn't know you lived around here,” Keegan says.

Thank God, a safe topic. "Yes, for about twelve years. I was just about to get some coffee."

"From here?" He screws up his face in distaste. "Come on. The coffee shop at the end of the block is far better, and they allow dogs."

"But, I always come here. It's my haunt."

“Part of the fun of trying new things is leaving your comfort zone. Come on. You're the woman who marched around my office the other day as you laid down the law. You can't be scared of trying a new coffee joint."

“I did do that, didn’t I?” I chuckle, pausing as I recall the last time I'd had such a laugh.

Then I remember. It was the day I met Dr. Russo.

With a sigh, I raise my hand in surrender. “I suppose my coffee shop will forgive me one indiscretion.”

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