Page 22 of Both Sides Now

My eyes widen at his brazen innuendo. “What good stuff are you expecting? He examined me in the most professional of manners.”

“I heard you had coffee together.”

I whirl around, my gaze narrowing. That was a piece of information I didn’t release to his better half. “How do you know that?”

Shawn shrugs, accepting a glass of champagne from the tray. “He mentioned it. I saw him at a meeting earlier this week.”

“Right,” I mumble, unwilling to make anything out of the disclosure. It’s just a coincidence that Keegan mentioned me—a cordial exchange between two doctors who know the same woman. Totally innocent. “I’m going to the bar. I think something stiffer than champagne is in order if I’m to survive the evening. Do you need anything?”

“I’m good. Shall I walk with you?”

Before I can answer, a doctor cuts into our chat, and I wave them off before disappearing into the crowd. I’m not sure if that’s one of the usurpers Shawn warned me about, but he’s on his own until I return with liquid reinforcements.

I stroll over to the bar, casting glances in Keegan’s direction every few seconds. I can’t help myself. The man is decadently handsome.

“What’ll it be, miss?” The bartender places a napkin in front of me with a nod.

“A glass of Pouilly-Fuissé, please.”

I glance to my left again, but Keegan is gone. Oh well, it was a delightful view while it lasted.

“Fancy meeting you here.”

My cheeks flame as I maintain my focus straight ahead. Ihave to wonder if the man noticed my obtuse ogling. “Dr. Russo. Keep it quiet. I’m undercover.”

He sidles closer, and I grin, still unable to meet his unnerving gaze. “Spying on the medical community, are we?”

“Someone has to keep you blokes in line. You’re known to be terribly brazen when left to your own devices.” I offer a smile of thanks to the bartender as he sets down my glass, before turning to face the handsome doctor. “How are you?”

“Better now.” He glances away, but not before I detect a faint hint of color crawl up his cheeks. “What are you doing here, Calli?”

I really love how he says my name. “I came with Shawn. Suzanne is home sick with their daughter, so I’m his stand-in.”

His eyes rove the length of my body, and I’m thrilled I took the extra time to look pretty. “You look amazing. Of course, you always do.”

“What a load of bollocks,” I laugh. “This is just the first time you’ve seen me out of yoga gear.”

“Something to be said for yoga gear.”

“Yes. It’s great for practicing yoga.”

“It’s also great for showcasing knockout curves.” He slips a finger beneath his collar and clears his throat. “Sorry. Had to be said.”

“So glad you did.” I’m alsoveryglad to know he feels that way.

“Aren’t you going to comment?” He motions to his face, drawing my full attention to the beard.

“Figures that it’s grown in perfectly.” What I fail to mention is that Keegan’s neatly trimmed beard only ups the ante in the sexiness department. Not that the man needs any help. He would have to be blind to miss the appreciative glances shot in his direction from every corner of the room.

Although, it appears he’s stag tonight. Not a hot brunette in sight.

How childish are you, Callista?

Apparently, very, because I’m thrilled he doesn’t have a date on his arm.

“You approve?”

“I do. You look very handsome.” I widen my eyes at the smirk decorating his face. “I’m stopping there. I refuse to vomit a boatload of compliments on you tonight.”

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