“True. Jess helped me find my house. And if you ever need a substitute to accompany you on Wednesdays then just let me know and I’m happy to fill in,” Chris offers casually, and immediately I look at Lucas who has a vein emerging on his neck, accompanied by a tightened look on his face.
“Uh. That is nice of you to offer…” This is awkward for me. I just went out to dinner with Lucas and now another guy is asking me out in front of him.
“Something tells me there is a list of substitutes, Doctor,” Lucas states with his gaze fixated on me, almost warning me. His jealousy is absolutely a turn-on.
My eyes widen at Lucas, and I notice Chris looks over his shoulder at Lucas. He is trying to figure out our dynamics.
“Anyhow. Are we almost done?” I wonder out loud as I’m feeling a bit warm.
“Unless you want to collect a sticker or lollipop, then you are free to go,” Chris says as he stands up and begins to take off his gloves.
“Thanks.” I hop off the exam table.
After Chris goes, I turn to Lucas who holds out an arm to show me the way out. We head to the elevator, and he presses the button while we wait.
“Remind me to kick you out next time I find myself in the emergency room,” I remark and look at him with arms crossed.
“Why? I was overseeing his work, so he didn’t mess up your delicate hand. You received the best service possible at our fine hospital.” He smirks but avoids my gaze.
Rolling my eyes. “Right,” I drag it out as I adjust my bag on my shoulder and look at the elevator panel over the door to figure out how much longer we need to wait.
“But it was a good thing I was there. You have some sharks wanting a bite of you, and I may have needed to throw you a life vest.” His gaze turns to me, and I nervously tuck some hair behind my ears.
“I guess so…” This is when I could tease him and point out that we are not dating. But I’m too old for games. “But there’s only one shark I think I want to bite me.”
Lucas’s face forms a happy grin. He knows he has me where he probably wants me. “Good answer. Any day now,” he reminds me.
I nod slowly as we step into the elevator.
As soon as we are standing behind the closing doors, my air supply feels strained from his close proximity and my nerves, and his smell intensifies my senses. This would be a perfect opportunity to let our mouths slam into one another. And those jeans on him are screaming to rub against me so I could feel what’s underneath.
But it’s not our time.
He will thank me one day for having full closure before he pounces on something different. I’ve been in his shoes; the waiting for the end you know is coming is excruciating. All the more reason to have a clean break and start fresh.
Still. Our bodies stand near although there is plenty of space in the elevator. Our arms gently gaze and our eyes dance with each other. The magnetic pull between us struggles to stay at a distance, and there is a thumping of blood to my heart.
“My office is on the second floor FYI. You should stop by next time you need to be saved,” he reminds me as he leans against the wall sideways and looks down at me with that sexy look that must be making his patient list grow.
“Duly noted. Would I get a full examination?” I give him a smirk with eyebrow arched.
“God I hope so,” he mutters as the elevator doors ping open to his floor.
I have to laugh at his remark. “It was good to run into you unexpectedly again.”
He holds the door open to prevent it from closing. “Really. Next time just call me, and I’ll help. You should rest your hand this afternoon and tonight.”
“Yes, sir, Doctor,” I call out as Lucas walks away and the doors close.
Later in the day, I’m at home and sitting on my sofa with Romeo resting his head on my lap. I cancelled the rest of my appointments for the day, which means I will have a hell of a week next week. Everyone in this town has a pet. It’s a must, along with a decent wine supply.
My phone pings with a message and I look to see that it’s Lucas, which makes me smile.
Lucas: You’re home, right?
Me: Yes, why?
Lucas: Oh good, you will have something at your door in five minutes.
Me: Is it you?
Lucas: I know you wish it, but I am trying to behave, so sadly no.
Me: A male stripper? I’ve always wanted one of those.
He sends back an unamused emoji.
Lucas: We may need to talk about that at another time. But you need to rest your hand, so no cooking.
Sure enough, five minutes later my doorbell rings and the delivery man has a bag of Italian food for me. Pasta, eggplant parmesan, salad, garlic bread, and even tiramisu. This is the sweetest gesture anyone has ever done for me. Needless to say, my ex was not a romantic. The thought behind this shows the type of character Lucas is. He is one of the good ones. After setting the bag on the counter, I quickly grab my phone again with a beaming smile.
Me: Wow, you give Prince Charming a run for his money. Thank you!
Lucas: Oh yeah? I even threw in an extra eggplant parm for your beast.
Me: You mean Romeo?
Lucas: Yeah. Something tells me that I need to gain some points with him.
Me: haha Maybe.
Lucas: Night, Abby.
Me: Night, Lucas… and if I need medical assistance then next time I’ll phone you. I promise.
Lucas: Oh, good, my plan to gain a new patient worked.
He sends me a winking emoji.
I sigh a blissful sigh as I sink into my chair at the kitchen island and look at Romeo who watches me with interest.
Am I losing my patience to wait?
Chapter Six
Lucas
Looking around my parents’ living room, I have to respect these retired legends. My parents flew back for the weekend to celebrate my father’s 70th birthday. Now, a couple dozen of his friends and their partners are floating around our big living room and the backyard. While I am hearing way too many conversations about stocks, golf, and vacationing in warmer climates, I am thoroughly impressed by the amount of whiskey being drunk and my mother’s cosmopolitans flowing in a steady stream. These folks know how to have a good time.
“Lucas, my boy, come join us for a drink,” my father motions for me to join him and a circle of people.
Since I do appreciate the conversation to be had and the fact I know someone is going to break out on the piano in the other room, I gladly join them as someone hands me a neat scotch.
“How’s the new practice? We were so happy to hear you were the one to take it over,” an old colleague of my father’s asks.
I take a sip of my scotch. “Good. I look forward to you all coming in for your cholesterol check,” I quip, which earns me a laugh from the group.
“My son is housesitting for us until his house is ready. He bought a beauty, and the renovated kitchen is going to be top notch,” my father notes.
“Did you use Felix McGee? He’s a great one for renovations,” Mr. Hill asks.
I have to laugh. Felix McGee, the arch nemesis of our group of friends when we were in high school. We would throw a party and he would try to outdo us with the next party. Yet, now as mature adults, we respect each other’s work—just still call each other asshole when we can.