Page 95 of Doctor I Do

We arrive at the edge of a gated area, where we are buzzed in. Alex drives through the set of gates, following a long driveway up to his parents’ house. It’s a white, two-story building, surrounded by a beautiful garden full of flowers.

He opens the car door, and I step out on my shaky legs, grateful I decided on flats instead of heels. But butterflies hit my stomach, and I second guess my outfit. Is it too simple?

“Do I look too casual?” I ask, running my hands over my white blouse and light blue jeans. I look down, analyzing them before looking up.

He approaches with a genuine grin. “No. You look breathtaking,” he replies.

“Please, be serious,” I beg. How can such a basic causal outfit be breathtaking?

“I am,” he answers. His blue eyes soften, and he grabs both of my hands in his. His thumbs circle the skin on the back of my hands in a caress. He’s trying to pull my thoughts away by his touch. And of course, it’s totally working. One single touch, and I’m weakening. Forgetting about any text or any other problem I have.

He leans into the side of my neck, and I wait for his next move, biting my lips together to prevent a sound, or worse, a moan. His mouth hits below my ear, and he kisses it. Breathing in my perfume, as if he needs to taste it. “Let’s go inside.”

I’m sure once I meet them, my nerves will settle. The longer I stand outside in this unfamiliar environment, the worse I’ll feel. Holding hands, we walk up to the door. Alex opens the door, and I tug his arm.

“You didn’t ring the doorbell?” I mutter.

His face transforms with humor. “I don’t need to. It’s my parents.”

So different from my parents. They wouldn’t accept me barging into their house.

I follow his lead, keeping my hand firmly in his.

“Mom. Dad. We’re here,” he calls out loudly as we step inside.

My eyes widen, unable to believe he just did that.

A gray-haired man a little shorter than Alex appears from around the corner. He wears the same smile as Alex too. If I hadn’t already guessed it was his dad, this just confirmed it.

“Hi, welcome. You must be Tahlia?” he asks kindly.

“Yes.” I smile nervously, offering my hand.

He shakes it. “Paul.”

“It’s lovely to meet you, Paul.”

I hear shuffling as we wander farther into the house.

His mom walks toward me with a wide grin. Her bouncing gray hair that sits just above her shoulders is perfectly styled, and her emerald pants and white blouse make me feel settled about my outfit. “Hi, love. I’m Margaret. It’s great to finally meet you. I’m grateful you could join family dinner, even though I’m sorry to say, Mike isn’t able to come, and neither is Stephanie.”

My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Does that mean…

“It’s just us. Sweet,” Alex beams down at me. His hand disconnects from mine, sitting on the small of my back. I love how he always finds a way to touch me. As if he needs the constant connection as much as me.

I draw in a long breath and just try to enjoy the moment.

If he’s happy, I should be too.

“Dinner is almost ready, but the starters are on the table. Come and help yourselves.” Margaret walks us into the dining room, where a table is set up with lots of food, ranging from bread and dips, to fruit and meats.

“Would you like a glass of wine?” Alex asks.

“That sounds great,” I reply quietly.

“Mom, Dad, would you both like wine as well?” Alex asks, turning his attention to them.

“Sure, let me help you,” his dad offers.

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