She still had the polished doctor look to her, yet her language and aggression at the game was in such contrast to it. Instead of the joggers I usually saw her in, she wore cutoff jean shorts that showcased toned and smooth legs and flip-flops.
Her toenails were bright red, and one of her toes had a little ring on it, and fuck, that little charm got to me. It was sexy.
“I can feel you eyeing me, Oliver,” she said, not taking her eyes off the game. “Knock it off.”
“I’m enjoying my water, Doc, that’s all. And sure, I’m a breathing man, so I’m checking out your legs. You have great legs.”
“Is that appropriate to tell the doctor you work with?”
“Are we at work right now?” I fired back, watching her pulse race at the base of her neck.
Someone on the Cubs hit a home run after a full-count, and they won the game. Sloane clapped, joining in a few others in the bar that hollered for the Cubs win. “Thatta boy. We just called him up, and he’s outperforming the veterans on the team. He’s gonna earn his starting spot soon, I bet it. Don’t ya think, Mario?”
“Sure do,Doc.”
“What is with that tone?” She pointed at Mario, her lips curving up. “None of that Doc nickname.”
“Why? I find it cool as fuck that the woman who comes in is a doctor. You’re hot, a Cubs fan, and brilliant? I’m charmed, Sloane.” Mario leaned his beefy forearms on the bar top, grinning at her like a fanboy.
She grinned back, and I didn’t really enjoy that. He was too close to her, stars in his eyes, and she didn’t shut her smile down. “I like coming here and being whoever I want to be. I’m not Doc here, okay? But you can call me brilliant and hot anytime.”
Mario winked, sliding her a bill before walking away. Sloane set down a twenty before staring at me. “This is where we part. Get some rest tonight. Big day tomorrow.”
“Let me walk you home,” I demanded, an uncomfortable wedge forming deep in my chest.
“No need. I live a short walk from here, but thank you.” She smiled, but it was tight and not genuine. Not the smile she gave Mario.
“Even easier for me then.” I sucked down the rest of my water and set a few bucks on the bar. “I shouldn’t have worded it like a question. I’ll walk with you until you get home.”
Her teeth came down on her full lower lip before she said, “You strike me as someone who would fight me on this.”
“You are correct.”
“Alright.” She sighed and hopped offmy stool.She came up to about my shoulders, and without overthinking it, I placed my hand on her lower back and guided us out of the bar.
“Tell your mom you get chivalrous points.” She side-eyed me as we stood outside in the humid Chicago air. The streetlights lit up her face, with her dark eyelashes and wide eyes crinkling on the sides. Her freckles blended in with the dark, but I knew they were there.
“I keep track of how many I earn. I’ll add this to the scoreboard.”
She snorted again, rolling her eyes playfully. “I would never know you were this much of a pain in the ass in person. Are you like this on the field too?”
“No, actually. I’m focused and one-track-minded.” I tilted my head, urging her to show me which direction. She seemed not tobe in a hurry though and stood next to me. “Usually, I’m like this with people I’m comfortable with. Not sure what that means for us, Doc.”
“I’m glad you feel comfortable with me. You should feel comfortable with me.” She swallowed and played with a small, thin silver chain around her neck. I couldn’t see what was on the end, but it was very small charm that she held between her thumb and pointer fingers. “My place is one block to the north.”
So is mine.
“Any chance you live at the Ivory?”
Her eyes widened, and she dropped the chain. It fell into her ample cleavage before I could figure it out, and damn. I didn’t get the full view sitting next to her. She had curves, and the tank top dipped low…a burst of attraction had me stepping closer to her.
“I d-do. Why?”
“How fun for us.” I clapped, genuinely pleased with the new development. “So do I, Doc.”
Surprise flashed on her face as she stared at me, then at our building. “I didn’t…what floor?”
“Third.”
