Page 38 of Baby By my Best Friend's Daddy

Celine rolled her eyes. “Being me is enough work as it is, thank you very much. I know exactly what I’m talking about.”

I shot her a grateful look. Brad rolled his eyes at her and looked at me.

“Shouldn’t you be shopping for something for the fundraiser?”

“What fundraiser?” Celine asked, narrowing her eyes at me.

“Oh, it’s nothing. The hospital hosts a fundraiser every year, and it’s a fancy black-tie event, but I’ll just wear what I wore to the wedding—”

“Over my dead body!” Celine cried out. “You should have said something! After this, we’re going to find you something.”

I giggled. “We really don’t have to. I’m fine with—”

“What kind of friend would I be if I let you wear the same dress twice?”

I laughed. “No one will know.”

“I’llknow,” Celine said and shuddered.

“You won’t even be there!”

“You’re missing the point,” she said, giving me a pointed look.

“Better listen to her,” Brad said, shaking his head. “She’s like a Pitbull—once she gets her teeth into something, she won’t let go.”

“Fine,” I said.

Celine looked pleased.

She was a good friend. Wired differently, and I had to handle her with oven mitts so that her claws didn’t scratch me, but inherently she was a good person. The information would be safe with her; I could explore this thing with Landon in the safety of knowing our relationship would be secret for now.

10

LANDON

Iwaitedinthehospital parking lot for Rebecca to finish her night shift. Dawn was just peeking over on the horizon, and the night still sparkled with stars.

It was a good morning for a romantic date. The sky was clear, without a cloud in sight. For Seattle, it was rare.

When Rebecca came out of the hospital, she smiled when she saw me. She’d gotten ready for our date. She wore tight black leggings and a red gypsy top that drew attention to her chest in a tasteful way. Her dark hair was loose and hung in curls over her shoulders, and she’d put on smokey eyeshadow and red lipstick that matched her top.

I pulled her tightly against me and kissed her before I enveloped her, feeling her warm body against mine.

“You look beautiful,” I said.

“You clean up well too.”

I wore black jeans and a blue button-up that made my eyes pop. Catherine had always told me I looked great in blue, and I trusted her judgment. She’d always had a good eye for stuff like that, and I wanted to look my best for Rebecca.

“How was your shift?” I asked.

“It was okay. It was a tough night. A multi-vehicle accident on the freeway meant we had a bunch of patients come into the ER at the same time, and then it’s always chaotic. Luckily we didn’t lose anyone, so it was a good night.”

“I’m glad,” I said.

“Come on.”

“We’re going in your car?”

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