Page 7 of Getting Off

“I’m pleased you understand.”

“But I’m not withdrawing my candidacy,” she continued.“Even if I’m not your favorite.The board of directors might feel differently.”

“I suppose we will see.”After a cold smile, he left her, sliding off into the crowd to find a new wealthy donor whose ass he could kiss.

She was left standing there devastated and reeling from the conversation.Her luck did not improve as she headed toward the food.It was time to stuff her face and forget about Dr.Asshole.

The first person she ran into was Lucas Fox.Lucas Fox with his raven’s wing black hair and deep, dark eyes.She already felt her skin heating, and she prayed she wasn’t blushing.This man was irritatingly handsome.Being rich and handsome seemed like too much of a good thing for any male.No wonder she couldn’t stand him.

“Dr.Foster,” he said smoothly, flashing a half-smile at her.His tall, athletic build seemed perfect for the tuxedo he was wearing.

“Hello, Mr.Fox.It’s so good to see you here this evening.I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”

“I’ve heard less stilted greetings from robots,” he said, his grin widening.He tilted his head to one side and gazed at her in a way that made Brooklyn feel as if he could see right into her brain and read every thought.It was always like that with Lucas Fox.He always seemed to be one step ahead of everyone around him.“I’ve never heard anyone struggle so hard to sound polite.”

“Of course, it’s a struggle to be polite to you,” she snapped.Then she realized what she’d said and had to stop herself from covering her mouth in shock.Not good.“I mean…since you told me I’m worse than a robot.What kind of gentleman says that to a lady?”

He laughed.It was rich laughter that seemed to thrum inside her and make her tummy tighten.

“You’re not a lady,” he said smoothly.“You’re a doctor.It’s better.”

She glared at him.Remember, he’s rich, and we need him to donate… Dr.Gibson will kill me if I make him mad.

Keeping that in mind, she looked him in the eye and calmly said, “It’s not ‘better’ if I have to waste all my time sucking up to overconfident, rich jerks instead of healing people.”

His smile was different this time.Sympathetic?No, that couldn’t be right.Admiring?No…

God, had she really just blurted that out to him?She wasn’t even slightly drunk.She had zero excuses.Flustered, she downed the rest of her champagne in a gulp.

He gestured to one of the tables packed with alcohol and appetizers.“Your champagne is empty.Will you join me in another drink?If we both have to suffer through this, good champagne might help.”

Brooklyn felt suspicious.Was he making fun of her?But how could she refuse?Especially after her last comment.“Of course, that would be lovely.Thank you.”

He signaled over one of the servers carrying a tray filled with fresh champagne glasses.He took two and handed her one with a friendly enough smile.

Brooklyn still didn’t know what to think.She’d always suspected that Mr.Playboy Lucas couldn’t have cared less about her as a doctor or as a person.That his easy charm was simply the facade he showed to everyone, especially women.

That suspicion had always put her off.She’d never really warmed to him.He was too perfect.Brooklyn had always wondered if he was one of those rich men who believed everyone should pander to him as though he were royalty about to bestow some royal title and, of course, an annuity.After all, that was the reason Brooklyn hadn’t already walked away from him, despite her awkwardness and despite blurting out exactly the wrong things.Lucas Fox was rich, and the hospital needed money for the trauma center.

Fox tilted his head to one side and sipped from his flute of champagne.“I’m surprised a neurologist would drink.Aren’t you going to tell me about the evils of alcohol and the effects it has on the brain?”

“Have I taken a sip yet?”Brooklyn asked coldly.He was definitely mocking her.She didn’t appreciate it, and she wanted him to know.All of that charm and he’d tricked her.Trapped her on purpose.Using neurology against her.She set the glass back down on the refreshment table.“I was merely trying to be polite.”

His grin widened even more, his eyes flashing with humor.“I watched you finish off one glass already.”

“Everything in moderation,” she said primly.

His dark eyes danced, and he shoved careless fingers through his dark hair.The bastard looked as though he stood in front of the mirror, styled his hair, and then messed it up on purpose to look sexy or something.Not that Brooklyn was noticing that he was sexy.She didn’t like him.

“What fun is that?”he chided.To her surprise, he set his own glass on the table.“If the lady isn’t drinking, then I won’t either.”

“I thought you said I was a doctor, not a lady?”

He swept into a little half-bow, mischief still in his eyes.“What can I say?I was mistaken.You excel at both.”

Brooklyn opened her mouth to shoot back a sarcastic reply.Then she closed it again.Oh, this guy was smooth.So smooth, he was dangerous.

She needed to regain the initiative, and she knew exactly the way to do it.“Thank you for the compliment.And thank you for your extremely generous donation to our excellent cause.I’m sure your name will be first and foremost on the commemorative plaque.”

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