Page 34 of Cocky M.D.
I followed her directions on serving the chicken. She was almost perfect, and it was hard to believe how easy everything was with her. “At the hospital the other day, I thought he had a crush on you.”
She put a full plate down and handed me another to get the corn on the cob off of the grill. “Doubtful. He’s kind and easy to please with routine.”
She carried the chicken, and I took the corn to the table.
“Well, he’s thrilled you’re here. Isn’t that right, son?”
“I never want Olivia to go.”
“I’m always here for you, Bradley.” She said with a grin then playfully rubbed her shoulder against mine. “And you?”
I winked at her and whispered into her ear, “I thought I proved that earlier.”
Her closeness made me warm and not just sexually.
We sat, and she said more solemnly, “You’ve been nothing but good to me.”
I put the corn down, and she served Bradley.
“Not what I was referring to.”
She put food on my plate, and as I scooted closer, she whispered back into my ear, “Well, I guess the sex was okay.”
That time, I let out a small laugh and pressed my hand to my heart. “Okay, huh?”
She shrugged a shoulder and lowered her eyelashes, flirting. “I mean… I guess.”
“You’re funny,” I said.
Bradley just shook his head at both of us.
Olivia massaged my back like she was stroking my ego and said, “That’s nice to hear. Time for a quick thanks.”
“You lead,” I said but that time, I folded my hands.
She did the same and said, “Words a girl always likes to hear.”
My heart lifted a little. Olivia was so great. Then she spoke solemnly about giving thanks.
When she finished, we said, “Amen.”
Bradly picked up his fork, but Olivia motioned for him to use his hands. He did as she directed, and the expression on his face said it all. I’d failed as a father by not providing enough finger foods.
“Seems you easily fit here, in our lives.”
She finished her bite and kept her head down as she said, “Just doing my job, I guess.”
For a few minutes, we ate in silence, but her words tore at my soul. The chicken was soft and sweet, and the corn was crunchy. The sky was getting darker as dusk settled in as we moved on to the apple pie the chef had sent for us. As we all finished, I saw how Olivia and Bradley easily communicated without words about how delicious the meal was. No matter what happened between us, marrying her was best for my son.
They finished cleaning up, and I motioned for her to sit with me. She did. I wanted to talk about my money. I swallowed and asked, “Are you ready to go inside, Bradley?”
He stilled and said, “You two can stay, as you’re way too busy talking. Can I get back into the pool?”
I prepared for an argument, but Olivia said, “Tomorrow—it’s getting late. Besides, we need to let the food process. Let’s head toward the house, then we’ll shower and get ready for bed, where I can read you a story.”
Bradley hugged her and said, “I’ll head back without you. You two want to talk, but thanks, Mi… Olivia. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me too,” she said and waved him off.
