Page 11 of Wes
“Hi, Amber.” Natalia looks at me curiously but doesn’t ask. “What would you like?” I ask Natalia. I take note of what she orders, then give Amber mine. When Natalia begins to offer her credit card, I stop her, insisting I buy our drinks.
With a hand on her lower back, I guide her to a table still available and we sit. “Thank you for coming.”
“Thanks for asking,” she says.
We stare at each other for a moment, lingering in our awkward first-date jitters, before I chuckle and lean forward. “It’s kind of strange at how nervous I am when you’ve already seen so much of me.”
The hard lines on her face smooth with her laughter. She’s absolutely gorgeous, and my stomach rolls around, making me feel like a teen with his first crush all over again.
“I suppose you’re right. I guess I haven’t done this in a while.”
“Do you date people who come through your ER often?” I ask, partially teasing her and part wondering how often she goes out with someone she’s met there.
“Yeah, no. You’re the first I’ve given my number to. My son also reminded me I haven’t gone on a date in a very long time.”
I smile and set my elbows on the table, so I can lean closer. “I’ll admit I like hearing I’m a first.”
Her lips tip up. “Do you date often?”
Before I can answer, our drinks are announced as ready, and I lift my hand to stop her. “No, stay. I’ll get them.”
I feel her watching me and hold back from strutting across the shop. Bridgette trampled over my heart so many times, I truly didn’t think it could beat any more. Natalia makes me feel like I’m fifteen again, eager to spend time with the girl I’ve been dreaming of. Mere moments together and my heart and stomach flip and flop in sync with each other.
Coffees in hand, I meet her eyes, and hope bubbles to the surface. It seems not following doctor’s orders might be what heals the worst of my injuries.
