“Would you like to come in? I could make some coffee or tea.”
“Thanks, but I have an early morning. I’m expecting a very new patient.”
“Did they just move here?”
“No, the mom is having a C-Section first thing, and it’s been a high-risk pregnancy. I’ll need to be on hand to check out the infant.”
“Well, I hope everything goes okay.”
He ran his hands down her arms. “I wanted to ask you something.”
As she nodded, her stomach lurched. Was this something sign language related or personal? Please, let it be personal. Please.
“My family has a big Christmas party every year, and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. It’s this Saturday.”
“A Christmas party?” Yes, it was personal. Unless… “Did you need me to interpret or something?”
His hand caressed the side of her face. “No interpreting. I like being with you, Carli Jameson, and I’d like some time that isn’t you teaching me how to sign.”
“I’d like that, too. How fancy is it? What do I wear? Do I need a gown?” The thought of having to spend tons of cash on a dress she’d never wear again had her lungs drying up. It was also only five days from now. Would she have time to go shopping? Would she do it for Blake? She could eat boxed mac ’n cheese for a few months, right? Or a few years.
“No gowns.”
The breath she’d been holding eased out. She wouldn’t have to give up food.
“It is kind of fancy, though. So a special occasion dress, like you’d wear to a wedding.”
“I can do that.” There were a few special dresses in the back of her closet.
“I’ll be wearing a suit.”
“With a funny tie?” She tugged on the snowman one he currently wore.
His eyebrows knit together. “No funny tie. My mom would kill me if I did. I have three ties that are mom-safe. I’ll wear one of those.”
“I might not recognize you. You’ll have to remind me who you are.”
“I’ll think of some way to let you know it’s me.”
As his thumbs moved back and forth over her hands, the trembling inside let her know exactly who he was. He wouldn’t need to do anything more than touch her.
Chapter nine
“Oh,God,Ilookridiculous. Why did I say I’d go to this Christmas party?” Carli stared in the mirror and tugged at the lace on her long sleeves.
“You look gorgeous, and I’m pretty sure the handsome doctor will agree.” Mercedes adjusted the neckline, so it showed more of her shoulders.
“No one will be wearing a dress like this. I should have said no or gone to the store and spent millions on a dress that would be appropriate. Not that I even know what that is. What do super rich people wear to dressy casual Christmas parties? I should have Googled this or told him I couldn’t go.”
“Stop. You look incredible. You’re right, though. No one will have a dress like this, because it’s a one-of-a-kind antique lace dress. I still can’t believe you got it so cheap.”
“Because the store was closing down and probably because no one else would buy it. It was fine for my aunt and uncle’s anniversary party, but for Blake’s family? I’m not so sure.”
Carli rotated and scanned the dress. Almost down to the ankle, it skimmed her figure perfectly, but she looked like a throwback to the past. What would Blake think? This was their first official date. One where she wouldn’t be teaching him sign language. What if she embarrassed him and he never asked her out again? For a date or lessons?
“Carli, if Blake asked you to this party as his date, then it’s because he likes you. I doubt he’ll kick you to the curb if your dress doesn’t measure up. If he does,” Mercedes’ eyes narrowed, “then he’s not worth your time.”
“This is why you’re my best friend.” She hugged her roommate, then stared in the mirror again. “Now what to do with my hair.”
