Page 15 of Both Sides Now

He throws up his hands. "I don't, butyouare going to tell me, considering you're a wealth of vital information about my life.”

“No, sir. I will do no such thing.”

But Keegan has zero intention of letting me off the hook. “Look, it’s about me, so it’s only fair that you tell me. Besides, it’s not like you invented the nickname, right?”

“Love your logic.”

“Spill it. Why am I called the Baby Maker?”

Likely the man is fucking with me, and knows full well the reason behind his nickname. But after several seconds of his expectant stare, I cave.

"Because," I whisper, my cheeks reddening for the umpteenth time this afternoon, "all the women want to make babies with you."

The comely doctor leans forward, straining to hear my answer. It also provides me with another whiff of him, and it's as disconcerting to my hormones as it was that day in his office. "Why are you whispering?"

"You want me to announce it at full volume? Okay, no problem." I open my mouth, but his hand covers it as we both dissolve into laughter.

"Thank you for your discretion. I have one question, though."

"What's that?"

"Why didyoucall me Baby Maker? Something you want to tell me?"

I freeze on the spot, unable to break my gaze from his amused smirk. "It just slipped out."

"Did it?"

"It did, because I was thinking about you."

Those azure orbs widen, along with his smirk. "Youwere?"

"Holy hell, not in that way." I scrub my face with my hands. "I was thinking about the visit."

Dr. Russo leans back against his chair, clicking his tongue against his teeth as he sips his coffee. “Think I liked the other option better."

There's no chance in hell my skin is remaining a normal shade after that comment. Even if he's joking, it sparkssomething inside of me. Something I thought died twenty months ago. I'm sure it's nothing. Just innocent banter with a hint of flirtation.

Nothing to see here, folks.

I'm not sure if that fact should relieve or disappoint me. My head tells me relief, but my heart? It's whispering something I can't quite make out.

"Can I ask you something, Callista?"

"Of course, Dr. Russo." My gaze returns to his face, praying I can maintain a neutral expression.

"Call me Keegan."

"Can I call you Keegey?"

"Absolutely not."

"Buzzkill. What do you want to know?"

He leans forward, moving into my space. "Your paperwork says you're a widow. Have you remarried?"

"God, no. I lost Charlie twenty months ago."

He nods, his expression somber. "I'm sorry to hear that. I can tell from your face that he was an amazing man."

---