Josie looks up from her phone again and promptly cranes her head around to see what’s got me staring and probably drooling on the table.
“Stop it!” I hiss, and she turns back to me with a knowing smile.
“Oh, I see how it is.” She waggles her eyebrows. “I’m gonna get ditched for that DILF over there, right?”
I sputter at her. “He’s not a DILF,” I say indignantly.
She grins like a Cheshire cat. “Mmmm-hmmm. Well, he’s some kind of ILF, that’s for damn sure. But you’re lucky. Tara’s on her way, so you’re free. Go claim your treat, and you don’t have to feel guilty for leaving me.”
I shoot her a little eye roll, but it’s understated because she’s one hundred percent correct. The guy is definitely some kind of ILF, and I really do want him to be my treat for the night.
“Go!” She shoos me away and grabs her phone again. “Go get your reward for making it through a long and exhausting week. And call me tomorrow because I need details.”
I grab my drink and slide out of the booth, but before walking away, I lean over to smack a big, juicy kiss on her cheek. “Thanks, lovey. I owe you for this one. I definitely need to—ahem—blow off a little steam.”
“I know, I know. Go, enjoy. Have fun and be safe,” she says.
I give her a grateful smile. “I promise. Love you, Jo.”
Giving her one last little wave, I turn around to see if I can nail down this incredible specimen for tonight.Nailbeing the operative word.
Chapter 3
BEN
Drainingthelastofmy beer, I survey the bar while I wait for Declan to return with more drinks. I rarely have more than one if I'm going to be behind the wheel, but tonight, I need another. Stupid nerves about tomorrow night’s speech.Fucking hell, how did I let myself get talked into that again?Public speaking is one of my greatest fears. It's ridiculous. I'm a brain surgeon, for god's sake. In surgery, one tiny slip and I could literally kill someone. That pressure, I can handle with no problem, but the thought of standing up in front of a room of people, everyone’s eyes glued to me while I try desperately to sound like I know what I’m talking about, that makes me weak in the knees.
The bar is busy tonight, and even though I’m not big on crowds, it’s still comfortable. The staff went above and beyond decorating for the holidays. Old-fashioned decorations like holly, mistletoe, and pine garlands are everywhere, and a Christmas tree covered in multicolored twinkle lights sits in one corner. More string lights and the flickering votive candles on each table make it feel warm and cozy, especially in contrast to the freezing cold rain outside. Sounds of laughter and conversation blend together with Christmas music to make it seem like we’re all in a cozy little bubble. Part of me imagines how much nicer my weekend would be if I could just stay here, all wrapped up in toasty holiday feels.
Releasing a sigh, I glance at my watch, and when I look up, there’s a guy approaching our table. Younger than me, probably in his midtwenties, he’s clean-shaven with light blond hair that looks just about ready for a cut. He’s maybe five foot seven, but what he lacks in physical size, he seems to make up for with the vibe he puts out, which for some reason makes him seem physically bigger. I don’t know if it’s his confident walk or the smirk on his face that’sjustthis side of cocky, but I can’t take my eyes off him. He’s wearing skinny jeans paired with a light brown cashmere sweater over a collared shirt. Behind his horn-rimmed glasses are unusually bright green eyes, easy to see even though he’s still several feet away. He’s got the preppy-nerd look down pat, and I am here for it. He glides to a stop in front of me and flashes a brilliant smile.
“Hi there,” he says, his gaze friendly and inviting.
“Hi, yourself,” I say.
“I’m Aleks.”
I take the hand he holds out, noticing how his smaller hand gets swallowed up by my big paw. His palm is cool against mine, and our handshake goes on just a half second longer than normal. “Hi, Aleks. I’m Ben."
He licks his lips, and my dick twitches in my pants.Jesus, it’s been way too long since I got laid.
“So, Ben, I realize this might be the cheesiest pickup line of all time, but I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before,” he says, one side of his mouth curling up in a coy smile.
I chuckle. “I tend to work a lot of hours, so by the time Friday rolls around, I’m usually more interested in crashing on my couch than partying.”Way to make myself sound irresistible.
“Mmmm,” he hums. “I hear that. I’m here recovering after a long week myself tonight.” He takes a sip from his drink, looking up at me from beneath his eyelashes. “So, what do you do that leaves you too tired to come out on Fridays?” he asks, his tongue darting out to lick his lips.
“I’m a doctor,” I say, and he gives me a skeptical look.
“Really?” he says. “Are youactuallya doctor, or is that just a line?” His eyes have a teasing glimmer to them.
“It’s the unfortunate truth,” I say, smiling. “I’m a surgeon and a researcher.”
His mouth forms a perfect O, and then he juts out one hip, placing one hand on it, as if he’s about to give me a lecture. “Really? Anactualsurgeon?”
I bark out a laugh. “An actual surgeon, I promise. It’s not the most glamorous job though. If I was feeding you a line, I’d probably say I was something a lot more exciting. Maybe an astronaut. Or some kind of pro athlete. Those both sound sexier than 'doctor'.”
He snorts. “The astronaut thing might impress me, but FYI, if you want to pick me up, pretending to be a pro athlete isn’t gonna get you very far.”
