Page 22 of Doctor I Do

At five o’clock, I walk into Bar 9 and scan the room. The dim lighting makes it hard to see faces clearly. As I make my way through the crowd hovering around the bar, then over by the tables, I see Alex waving me in. His face lights up as I walk closer, and I don’t miss the way his gaze drops over my outfit.

I dip my head and run my hand over my black leather skirt, and then re-adjust my off-the-shoulder sweater. It’s a mix of sexy and comfortable.

When I approach, I begin internally panicking. How do I greet him? Kiss on the cheek? Shake his hand?

He pulls out my chair, answering my overworking brain.

“Thanks,” I say as I sit down.

I feel the heat tickle my cheeks, and I’m glad I put foundation and blush on. Hopefully, it’s hiding the embarrassment written on my face.

“You look stunning,” he says as he walks around to take his seat opposite me, but not before I run my own eyes over his outfit. My blush deepens. He’s hot. His dark jeans cling to his thick thighs, and his brown sweater and denim jacket complement his five-o’clock shadow and blue eyes. His styled hair and smirk are the real killer, though. And before I know what’s happening, I’m blurting out, “You look good, too.”

His smile broadens, and his eyes crinkle, which adds to his appeal. Now my butterflies have turned into a full flutter.

A server comes over and we order drinks. I get a white wine and he gets a beer.

He leans to the side of his chair, rubbing his jaw roughly. The wheels are turning in his head. I’m about to ask what he’s thinking about when he says, “You’re not what I envisioned.”

My eyes widen at his confession.

He straightens in his chair, shaking his head. “No. Better.”

I let go of the air I was holding and giggle. “I was hoping it was a good thing.”

“Oh, it is.”

My interest is piqued. “Why?” I ask.

His brows pinch together in confusion.

I clear my throat. “Why am I better than what you envisioned?”

A chuckle rumbles from his chest. “Ah. Well. You’re kind, obviously. But there’s this adventurous spark with a hint of boldness about you. I can see it in your eyes.”

His gaze holds mine a moment too long, and I find myself needing a sip of water. With Alex, I don’t have to wonder how daring I could be. It would be a given. He knows how to pleasure a woman, and I’d have fun being on the receiving end. But here I am jumping right to steamy thoughts again…

I wiggle my brows to lighten the mood, which causes us both to laugh.

“Am I what you were expecting?” he asks, and I think of how he hasn’t made me feel icky or dirty. Instead, comfortable and sexy.

“You actually want me to answer that?” I tease, lowering my glass.

He leans forward, wiggling his dark brows. “Yes. Hit me.”

I shrink a little knowing I judged him harshly. “I expected you to be obnoxious and full of yourself.”

“Ouch,” he says, rubbing the back of his head, careful not to mess up his hair.

I shake my head. “But you’re not.”

A playful yet dazzling smile erupts on his face. He liked my answer.

“You’re thoughtful, caring, and surprisingly sweet.”

“Sounds like I need to grow a set of balls.”

My mouth opens and closes.

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