Page 12 of Rewind

She’d never seen him wear jewelry before but he sported a gold chain and bracelet. In his left ear was a diamond earring that was at least a carat but it might have been bigger by Amina’s estimation. To top off his already sexy appearance, he smiled at her with the assurance of a man who knew he was hot shit.

If she didn’t already know he was a well-respected physician in his field, Amina would have guessed he was a high fashion model or an actor.

She opened her mouth to speak but no words came out.

“I hope you don’t mind that I’m a little early but I was really looking forward to our date tonight.”

Amina couldn’t stop the smile that curled her lips as her insides fluttered. “Date? I thought we were just two friends getting to know each other.”

He winked and showed off his perfect teeth. “Let’s play it by ear, shall we?”

She bit the inside of her bottom lip to stop herself from gasping out loud. God he was sexy.

“I’m sorry where are my manners? Won’t you please come in?” She stepped back and gave him enough room to enter her house.

As he walked past her she caught a whiff of woodsy cologne with a hint of spice. She was a sucker for a man who smelled good. Was he deliberately trying to make her panties wet?

“You have a nice house. It’s very colorful.” Ethan observed as he followed her into the living room.

She didn’t detect any sarcasm in his voice. Mark thought her décor was tacky. The house was decorated by her grandmother who loved bright colors and crystals. Amina had grown fond of the flamboyant tapestries and paintings on the purple walls accented with vermillion.

After Granny died, Amina didn’t have the heart to change anything around, nor did she want to. It somehow kept the warm memories alive for her. It was only when Mark had moved in and he’d insisted on a complete reorganization of the house did the beautiful walls get coated with a dull a lifeless white. It was like he’d wanted to erase all the character out of the house. And she’d stupidly agreed in the name of love or what she thought love was.

“Thank you. I can’t take full credit for the decorations. Just a few touches here and there. This used to be my grandmother’s house and I didn’t change much after she passed away.

He stepped closer and put his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

An electric like current shot through her body when Ethan touched her. Amina jumped in surprise. “It’s okay. She passed a couple years ago. Just before I started working at the practice. Ugh, let me grab my purse and we can get going?”

She quickly backed away from him embarrassed by her reaction to a simple touch. Amina grabbed her purse which she’d left on the coffee table. “Okay, I’m ready?”

When she turned to face him there was a slight smile on his face. “Are you nervous?”

“Ugh, of course not. Should we get going?”

He held out his hand to her but she walked past him as if she didn’t see it. Amina didn’t trust her reaction if they were to touch again.

Dr. Han was a true gentleman, opening the passenger door for her to his sleek black BMW. The soft leather cream interior screamed expensive. She’d only seen his car in the parking lot. Never in a million years did she think she’d actually ride in it.

Amina clasped her hands in her lap, as nerves made them shake.

They rode to their destination in silence for the first few minutes. She wasn’t sure what to say because she never imagined she’d be going out to dinner with someone other than Mark, let alone her boss. The way it happened still boggled her mind. She felt like any moment she’d wake from this dream.

“I’m sorry I didn’t really get to talk to you much this week, because of the two surgeries I performed.”

“I’m aware. I scheduled them.”

“Yes, of course you did.”

An awkward silence, fell between them, and Amina stole a glance at him. His profile showed off a square jaw and a fresh fade. Had he gotten a haircut just for this night out with her? She noticed how tightly he gripped the wheel making the color drain from his knuckles. Was it possible he was nervous too?

That couldn’t be it. She’d never seen him anything other than confident with staff and patients.

“You have a nice car.” The second the words were out of her mouth she groaned in embarrassment. That had to sound dumb to him. Of course he already knew that.

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it. Look, Amina?—”

“Dr. Han—” she began.

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