Page 50 of Doctor I Do

“You’re beautiful Tahlia,” he whispers. “So, fucking beautiful.”

Chapter 18

Tahlia

An indistinct, sensuous light passes between Alex and me.

Is it because he shows he cares about me, that he brings up this hidden, unnerving desire? He speaks directly to my heart in the most unique way.

I pick up my drink, taking a sip and swallowing, but keep my eyes trained on him. He unbuttons another button on his white shirt, showing more of his exposed chest, up to his thick neck. I know I shouldn’t watch, but I can’t help it. The sexual magnetism makes me self-confident and has me throwing my worries away. His hungry eyes leave no room for not knowing he wants me, and I can’t hide my attraction for him either. I admire the way his massive shoulders fill the white shirt he wears. My fingers tingle with a desperate need to touch him.

The food comes out, and I wince.

He must read my face because he’s quick to ask, “What’s wrong?” His voice is full of worry.

“Ah, I forgot to mention to the waiter that I have an intolerance to onions. It’ll be fine.”

He shakes his head, then he waves down a waiter, and I want to hide right now. Why didn’t I keep my big mouth shut?

He sits back down and says, “It won’t be long, and they will have one Pastitsio with no onion in the sauce.”

“You didn’t have to,” I say, still mortified he wants the food replaced.

“And you shouldn’t have to eat food you’re intolerant too.”

Fair point.

“You could have kept yours.”

“No, I’ll eat when you do.”

I dip my chin and wonder how he can be this considerate.

“I’m sorry about the dishes, guys. Here’s some flatbread to tie you over.” Gary lowers a plate between us, and it looks puffed.

Alex chuckles and nudges his nose to me encourage me. “Poke it with your knife.”

I don’t argue; I’m way too intrigued.

I poke the bread and it loses the air, and I smile with utter fascination, mumbling under my breath. “That’s cool.”

“I’ll let you eat the bread, and the pastitsio will be out with no onion soon.”

“No rush,” Alex says as Gary wanders off.

The warm bread aroma hits my nose, and I suck in a deep breath, my mouth watering. I’m so hungry, so I tear off a piece and chew. Alex copies and we stay silent as we eat.

“This is so good,” I say when I finish my share, dusting my hands on my napkin. Leaning back, I add, “We need to come back here.”

I can’t believe how easy that was to say. We.

“I agree. It might be a weekly thing until we get married.”

And I don’t know why a wash of disappointment and a twang of pain hits me but hearing him admit this will be over makes me feel anything but relief.

“I don’t know about weekly, but at least monthly.”

“Deal. Before I leave, I’ll let Gary know. It might be on different nights because of work, but I’ll try not to work too much.”

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