Page 14 of Both Sides Now

"I think they'll survive without your mocha latte."

We stroll down Main Street, taking in the early spring sunshine. We aren't alone by any stretch. Most of the town's residents are also basking in the glorious day.

He leads us to a small, nondescript building and my brows raise. "Is this a coffee shop or the site of a future murder? Specifically, my murder."

A chuckle rises from his chest, and I find his laugh infectious. "Hold your horses, drama queen. Just wait and see."

Five minutes later, we're seated in the outdoor courtyard, an inviting space with ivy climbing the walls and a fountain splashing in the corner.

For Domino, it's heaven come to life, and she has one quest. Sniffeverything.

Our server delivers our drinks, and I take a sip, noting how his blue eyes remain fixed on me, awaiting my reaction. As soon as it hits my throat, I moan with satisfaction. “That is amazing."

"Told you. Best coffee in town, although I would have pegged you for a tea drinker."

"I love tea. Although, they do allow us other beverages in England."

"What would the King say?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't spoken to him recently. I must inquire on our next Skype call." I drum my fingers along the table, chewing my lower lip. "Do you mind your nickname?"

"Which one?"

"You have more than one?"

"The woman I'm dating calls me Keegey, and I hate that more than a root canal without Novocain."

"I hate it for you."

I feel an odd twinge at the mention of a girlfriend. Am I jealous? I can’t be, can I?

No, I would never pursue a man like Dr. Russo, even if he is the definition of dashing. Although, I suppose Suzanne was wrong about him being a bachelor. Seems he’s not immune to love andthatconcept doesn’t sit well with me.

What is wrong with you, Callista? You’re a married woman. You shouldn't be thinking of another man, particularly not one who's unavailable. Let’s not forget he’s also my doctor. But damn, the way he fills out those pants…

"It's the worst nickname in the world." Keegan interrupts my thoughts, a lucky break considering how salacious they were getting.

"No," I interject. "It's not. I've got you beat."

"Do tell."

"In year six?—"

Year what?"

After years of being married to a fellow Brit, I forget how many terms are unfamiliar to Yanks. "I was twelve, so junior high here in the States? Anyway, this terribly daft boy decided he no longer liked the name Callista, so he opted to call me Caligula. I didn't know who the hell Caligula was, and neither did the rest of the students. We all found out together about the emperor’s array of kinks. Some nicknames dissipate quickly, but not mine. Lucky me, the nickname stuck all the way through year thirteen."

Keegan grins as another chuckle warms my ears. "I hear he threw some wild orgies."

"Nothing compared to the ones I throw.” I giggle at the handsome doctor’s raised brow. "Hey, I had to one up my namesake."

"I like you, Callista. You've got a killer sense of humor." He averts his gaze, swirling his coffee. "As for my nicknames, I could do worse than Baby Maker. It's what I do, right?"

I choke on my coffee, earning a pat on the back from Dr. Russo. "That's not why they call you that."

"Why do they call me that, then?"

I send him an exasperated glare. "You know the reason."

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