Page 6 of Forget Me Not
“Oh.”
“That’s not exactly an answer.”
“I don’t know I have Danny and I just don’t know if I’m ready.” Even as I said the words, my conversation with Danny from earlier rushed back. “You know what? Yes. I’d like to go out with you.”
Austin looked shocked at my words, but the expression faded into the most beautiful grin. “Great. How about tomorrow night?”
“Saturday works.”
Austin reached up and pushed a loose tendril of my hair behind my ear and smiled. For a moment I thought he might kiss me, but the sound of the door opening forced him to step back. Danny gave a glance between us and furrowed his brows.
“You okay, Mom?”
“Of course. What’s the verdict?”
“Let me go check the results. I’ll be right back.”
Danny and I waited for a few minutes but cheered when Austin came back and gave him the thumbs up to return to school on Monday—which also meant I could go back. After grabbing the doctor's note, Danny and I started toward the exit.
“Miss Stanton,” Austin called out. “Can I speak with you a moment before you leave? I need to give you a new prescription for Danny.”
“Sure.” I grabbed Danny’s arm and handed him my phone. “Wait right here. I’ll be right out.”
Danny shrugged his shoulders and seated himself in a chair. He was already lost to something on YouTube. Smoothing my shirt down, I followed Austin down the hall and into his office. As soon as the door was closed, Austin grabbed me by the waist and spun me back against the door. His lips descended onto mine, capturing mine in a kiss. I stiffened at the brazen move, unsure of how I felt. But as his mouth moved against mine, I relaxed. My purse dropped to the floor as my hands gripped his jacket and held on.
“I’m sorry.” He broke the kiss and stepped away.
“For what?”
“Assuming you were okay with that. I had to kiss you no matter the risk.”
“I’ll admit. I was surprised, but I didn’t hate it. You should know, I haven’t dated since Danny’s father died.”
“Wait. Danny is almost ten. Are you telling me you haven’t been with anyone in ten years?”
I bent down and scooped up my bag. As I clutched it to my chest, I closed my eyes and nodded. For the first time in ten years, I was ashamed of that answer.
“Hey.” Austin stepped closer and brushed his palm across my cheek. “I get it. You loved—love him…” he corrected himself. “And you had that amazing boy to raise alone. Don’t be embarrassed by that. I just hope you’ll give me a chance to get to know you, okay?”
I peeked up at him, his size was massive next to my petite frame. Austin wasn’t Danny, but he was gorgeous none the less. His powerful arms and firm chest stretched the T-shirt he wore beneath his white coat. I closed my eyes and inhaled his scent. Willing my heart to slow down, I nodded. “Okay. Just know we need to go slow.”
Austin brushed his lips against mine again before stepping back. “I can work with slow. Here.” He reached for something on his desk and handed it to me. “This is a prescription for ibuprofen. Have Danny take this at school. And please, for the love of God, no more monkey bars.”
“Thanks. I’ll be sure to share your hate for the playground equipment.”
Austin guided me out where we found Danny showing a nurse something on the phone. His laughter combined with hers made me smile. “He sure knows how to put a smile on someone’s face.” The nurse grinned as she walked him toward us. “You have a great kid here.”
“I do. Thank you.”
Austin bid us farewell as we headed to the car. “Mom.” Danny paused at the car door.
“Yes, honey?”
“Why don’t you go out with Doctor Craig? I’m pretty sure he likes you.”
“Actually, he asked me to dinner. Does that bother you?”
“No, Mom. I told you it was time for you to get out there. Grandma agrees.”
