Page 27 of Doctor I Do

I clear my throat, wondering how I explain that Nancy will only be asking when she can fuck me, because I don’t share my personal life with anyone.

“No, I’m good.” I press the hang-up button. But of course, Nancy calls back. I hit the decline button again, and the temperature in the car turns up. I feel suffocated with having to explain, but knowing it’s not something she’ll want to know about me. Fuck, I don’t even like myself.

Once the ringing stops, I get a message pop through, but neither of us speaks.

Before I get the chance to apologize to Tahlia, she cuts in.

“Just here.” I follow her pointed finger through the trees.

I sigh. Ready or not, here we go.

I pull up to the double brick brown home and park in the drive. I take it all in. There’s a manicured garden surrounding steps that lead to a pair of dark brown double wooden doors. We sit in the car a moment. I’m staring at her family’s porch when her voice pulls me away.

“You ready?” she asks, biting on her nails.

I touch her hand, and she stops, allowing me to drop her hand away from her mouth. Her gaze flicks to me and the beginning of a smile tips the corners of her lips. I can’t promise her this will go smoothly, or that they will believe us, but the look on her face makes me want to try harder.

“Ready? Let's go, soon-to-be Mrs. Tahlia Taylor.” After the words leave my mouth, I’m surprised by how good it sounds. No feelings of dread take over.

“Let’s go, Mr. Taylor.”

“Dr. Taylor, but I’ll let it slide for you.” I wink, and a big open grin forms on my face.

I know the playful side of us ends now, though. It’s time to be serious.

She opens the car door, and it makes me dart out like my ass is on fire, running around to finish opening the door for her.

She smiles when I hold out my hand and close the door for her. Her grip loosens, as if she’s about to disconnect our hands, but I interlock them and tug on it to bring her eyes to my face.

When she holds my gaze, I lean into her ear, inhaling her sweet perfume, and whisper, “We’ve got this.”

She blows out her cheeks and nods, as if trying to convince herself.

We take the steps. But before we hit the doorbell, the doors open to reveal an older couple, both smiling warmly at us. Her dad doesn’t look like he wants to kill me, but I’m sure he will when we’re alone and he berates me for not asking for her hand in marriage. If I were him, I’d cut my son-in-law’s balls off for not asking me.

“Hello and welcome,” her mom, Sonya, says as she flicks her gaze between us.

“Thank you for having us,” I reply.

Tahlia drops her fingers from mine, and I mourn the loss.

She hugs her dad and mother, giving them double cheek kisses, and I wonder if I have to follow suit.

“Alex,” I say, and extend my hand to shake her dad's. His handshake is firm, and his face wears a curious expression as he introduces himself. But before he can read my face, I move to her mother and kiss her cheeks like I saw Tahlia do a moment ago. Then I take a step behind and slip my hand on Tahlia’s lower back, feeling her shiver.

We step inside the house, then follow her mom and dad farther into the house, we’re led to the living room.

“Can I grab you a drink?” Sonya asks.

“A soda would be great?” I reply.

“You don’t want a beer or whiskey?” Hector asks me, frowning.

“No, I’m starting early tomorrow,” I reply, not wanting to drink in front of them. I need to be on my best behavior for Tahlia.

Sonya walks toward the kitchen for the drinks.

“What is it that you do?” Hector asks.

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