Page 37 of Sinful in Scrubs

“I should confess,” I started to say as he pulled me against his chest. “I like to dance, but I’ve never had lessons. I don’t know how to do this kind of dancing.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Marcus said, grinning down at me. “It’s my job as your partner to guide you through the steps and make sure you don’t crash or bump into anyone.”

“You’re surprising, Dr. Walker,” I admitted.

“How so?”

“You know, social dancing.”

“If I told you my mother was a competition dance instructor, would you be less surprised?”

“Somehow, no,” I confessed. “So, you grew up knowing how to dance?”

“It was expected of me,” he said with a chuckle. “How do you think I managed to be so popular with the ladies?”

“So, it wasn’t your piercing blue eyes or your sparkling personality?”

“Those didn’t hurt.” He laughed.

“Can I ask you a personal question?” I started.

“If it’s too personal, do I have to answer?”

“No, your choice. But I’m not trying to bruise feelings or anything.” I hesitated. “Did your late wife dance?”

“She did. She was a competitive ballroom dancer.”

“Oh, God. And you were her partner?”

“No, definitely not. Not good enough for competition,” Marcus replied. “I’m not skilled enough for competition, but that’s certainly what Blair was.”

“And you met her because your mom was her coach?”

“Something like that,” he admitted.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

“You’re not prying,” Marcus said. “Thank you for asking about her. I actually would like you to know about her. I think that would help.”

Before I could respond, a voice I didn’t care to recognize cut through the pleasant evening I was having.

“Well, it didn’t take you very long to get your hands on the new doctor,” Kevin said as he snaked in close. “Mind if I cut in?”

“Yeah, I do,” I snapped.

“Well, I wasn’t asking you. I was asking Dr. Walker,” Kevin said.

“I think the lady gave you her answer,” Marcus said, and he artfully twirled me around and away from Kevin. We left him standing there, and I wanted to laugh with delight. Kevin’s getting left out was absolutely going to make my evening.

But Kevin was suddenly there at our elbows again.

“I might not be the right person to play this little game with,” Kevin said to Marcus.

“I wasn’t aware that we were playing a game,” Marcus replied. “The lady said no.”

“No, the lady needs to be a little more circumspect,” Kevin said. “After all, I’m on the review committee now, and it might behoove you to be seen with me.”

I let out a heavy breath. “I guess we’ll have to let him cut in,” I said quietly to Marcus.

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