Page 58 of Doctor I Do

She scoffs. “Boring.”

“I kind of have to agree.” I smile into my glass, draining it.

“Have you spoken to him about why he’s not wanting to go there with you?”

“No. Not yet.”

Which is why I’m so confused by what we are. It feels more than friendship. Like we’re towing the line of more. It’s too easy to be with him. And the way I feel about him is not the same I feel about the other male friendships I have. With Alex, it’s different. There’s sexual chemistry, but more than that, there’s a deeper connection. I could sit with him for hours in silence and not get sick of him. A touch here or a hold there. Some feelings are happening between us. I just don’t know what exactly it is.

“I mean, you need to straight-up ask.”

I laugh. “I will. Give me sometime.”

“Okay. Okay. Just checking. Sometimes you’re not as forthcoming.”

“Not everyone is an open book, Maddy,” I argue.

“I’m not that bad. Come on. I just like to talk.”

I smile, reaching across to grab her hand in mine. “And I love you for it. Thanks for listening to me bitch and moan.”

She reaches forward, squeezing my hand. “Anytime. I wish I had an exciting story.”

“You don’t wish this.”

My head hurts from thinking too hard. Or is it the wine? I don’t know, but either way, I’m grateful when the bell rings. Jumping up, I grab her glass from the ground and make my way to the door. Knowing the conversation about Alex and me is over, and I’ve got no new ideas. I am where I was when I walked in. I’ll just have to go home and go back to the awkward dancing around our attraction again.

Chapter 21

Alex

“I’m engaged to Tahlia,” I blurt out as my brother swings his driver.

He hits the worst shot, and I burst out laughing.

Perfect.

He’s beating me, and I can’t have that. I need to win today. Take back some control. I haven’t been feeling like I’m in control when it comes to Tahlia. She’s consuming me without even knowing. Yes, when we’re together, we’re fiery and the passion is there, but what’s worse are the moments we aren’t together.

The unhealthy amount of time my mind drifts to her...I wonder what she’s learning from her parents at work today. If she’s thinking of me. If she’s going to be swimming naked in my pool when I get home.

Mike spins, leaning on his driver for support. “What the fuck did you just say?”

“Nice hit,” I taunt.

“Fuck you.” He smirks. “Now tell me you’re joking?”

“Nope. But it’s not real,” I admit.

Mike waves his free hand in the air before scratching his temple, utterly confused.

“I think I need a drink.”

“You want to stop playing and have a beer?” I ask, hopeful. It means I win if we stop now. Yes, it’s by default, but a win’s a win.

“Yeah, I’m not going to be able to concentrate until I know everything.”

“Okay, sweet. Let’s get rid of our clubs and get drinks. You're a loser.”