Page 102 of Doctorshipped
“Oh, he most definitely does. As a matter of fact, it may be important for you to stay after Fiona’s asleep so that stickler man of the house can show you just how much he understands what he’s found in you.”
“What if I have plans?”
“Do you?” My attempt at a charade cracks.
I had assumed we’d make time for one another tonight. I should have texted or called. I’m so rusty. Even back when I actively dated before marriage, I never had the suave moves some of my friends seemed to have been born with. My move consisted of being aloof, which seemed to intrigue enough women that they pursued me. It wasn’t a game, even when I realized how well it worked.
“I don’t. Have anything to do, that is. Tonight.”
Jayme’s blush deepens. Not only has our kiss changed something in me, it seems to have altered the way we are together—we’ve lost some of the edge. In its place is this warmth and tentativeness.
“Well, that’s good news. That you’re free.”
“It is. Well, I’d better get to Fiona.”
Jayme starts to turn.
“Jayme?”
“Yes?”
“I’m looking forward to tonight.”
“Me too.”
That blush rises up her cheeks again and our eyes lock.
“You’re here!” Fiona shouts from the hallway, making me glad I stayed seated.
Jayme’s eyes flick away from mine toward the hall.
“I am here. Let’s get busy with this homework of yours.”
The two of them head up to Fiona’s room, and I sit staring at the spot where Jayme had been standing. My dad appears around the door, grinning at me with a taunt in his eyes.
“You like this. Don’t you?” I ask.
“More than you know.”
“So glad my suffering brings you such joy.”
Dad’s eyes soften. “Son, I believe I’ve been waiting my whole life to watch you suffer over a woman like this. You deserve to fall in love and to be loved in return.”
I smile at my dad. He’s wrong. I don’t deserve Jayme. I’m far too jaded and irritable to deserve someone so sweet. But I’ll be sure to do my best to give her everything she deserves. And this is the second time he’s used the word love so freely today. I can’t say I love her yet. But I like her very much. Very, very much.
An hour later, Dad and I leave Fiona and Jayme to their lessons while we run into town to grab burgers, fries, and onion rings from Mad River Burgers. The four of us eat supper, laughing and talking easily. Jayme and I share glances from across the table, but we’re cautious. I’m grateful she’s so sensitive to Fiona’s potential needs in this situation. She has been from day one, now that I think of it.
I remember the way Jayme all but shunned me on the plane so she could focus on Fiona’s excitement over Jayme’s life as an author. I was such a jerk to her, and yet, she’s giving me a chance. If it weren’t for her large and generous heart, she might have refused to even tutor Fiona after how I treated her.
Fiona heads up to bed at eight and my dad tries to be subtle, excusing himself to go read in the guest room.
Jayme obviously feels self-conscious. I link our hands and walk ahead of her toward the family room. I take a seat on the couch, guiding her to sit next to me so we’re touching.
“Your dad knows about us.”
“And all your friends know.”
“Is that okay? I blurted to Shannon at the barbecue and then Laura and Lexi saw me talking with Shannon, so …”
