Page 45 of The Doctor's Twins

“Would I do such a diabolical thing to my favorite resident?”

Peyton laughed. She was even more beautiful when she was relaxed. I wanted to get up from my chair and kiss her, but I resisted the urge.

“Good evening. Welcome to Shana’s Streak Ranch. What can I get you to drink?”

“Hi, Alice,” I greeted the waitress. “What tequila do you stock?”

“We have quite a few, Sir.”

Alice rambled on about blue agave and the like, so I turned my gaze to Peyton, who clearly knew more about the cheeky cactus than I.

“Patrón Añejo will be fine, thanks,” Peyton answered.

“Make those two doubles,” I said.

“I think you’re going to enjoy this,” Peyton smiled when the golden, honey-colored tipple arrived at the table.

“Do I throw it back and lick salt from your neck?” I grinned.

“Don’t you dare. This cheeky liquid is to be savored. There will be no chugging the Patrón Añejo tonight,” she winked. “But it’s interesting to see how your mind works, Dr. Forbes.”

“You have no idea, Dr. Taylor.”

I was itching to know more about her past, but the smart money was on donning kit gloves. I couldn’t exactly come out and ask her what the hell had happened to make her so cautious, so I decided to try another approach. I’d tell Peyton about myself and hope she would feel comfortable enough to share her story with me.

“My brother on the other hand, well, he’s the tequila baby of the family.”

“Oh? Tell me more.”

“Owen is the rogue of the family. I’ve always been the sensible one. I guess that’s what happens when you’re the firstborn. Although, I must say, since he met the love of his life, he’s been rather, dare I say, normal?”

“Is he married?”

“No. He and his girlfriend, Suzanna, have been together for about two years now.”

“Do you guys get along? You and she, I mean.”

“Yes, Suzy’s a lovely person. Her mother on the other hand. Wow! I would wish her on my worst enemy.”

“It’s true what they say. You can’t choose your family.”

“Spoken like someone who has experience,” I nudged ever so gently. “Do you have siblings?”

“An older sister.”

“Are you guys close?”

“We get along fine. She’s older.”

“Is she also in the medical field?”

Peyton chuckled.

“Madison? No. She’s a committed mom and home executive.”

“Okay.”

The conversation felt a bit like pulling teeth. But I now knew that Peyton had a sister, and that was a good start.

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