Which are usually “Hi” or “See ya.” Or my favorites…ugh.…ugh…um.
Insert facepalm emoji here.
But none of that matters. I have to help her.
Not because of the oath, but because…I need to.
three
. . .
Maggie
“Owwww.”
My head is pounding, and why is it so bright in here? I blink once, twice, and then a third time before the light moves, and I figure I must be in heaven.
Because an angel is before me.
The most striking man, with deep brown eyes, dark curls falling into his eyes, and the most intriguing nose, is the only thing I can see. His brows are pulled in tight, worry creasing his beautiful face. I am not proud of this, but my last main male character’s nose was based on this nose. It’s narrow, but it’s rounded at the tip, like a little teddy bear nose on a massive hunk of a man’s body.
“Holy shit, Dr. Do-My-Body-Good?”
His eyes widen just a fraction before the most devastating smirk pulls at his full lips.
I hear coughing before my mom tries to save me. “Dr. Aldridge, love.”
“What did I say?” I ask, unable to pull my gaze from his. Everything feels like it’s moving at half speed, but I have a feeling that’s not from the head injury. You know that giddy feeling you get when you see a hot guy? The little wiggle you do before you blush as red as a fire hydrant?
Yeah, that’s how this man makes me feel.
Dr. Aldridge is still grinning. “Not that, but we’ll chalk that moment of confusion up to one heck of a head injury.”
I’m sure I’m supposed to agree—hell, I’m supposed to say something—but all I can do is stare. He has such soul-deep brown eyes, thick black lashes, and that damn nose that I can fully admit I’m obsessed with. My eyes trail along the sharp lines of his face. He is always so clean-shaven and put together. I’ve only admired him from afar, but this close, I can see the indent in his cheek. An old injury? He doesn’t seem like the type to play hockey or even any sports. Not that I would know. He is a very private man.
Dr. Aldridge is my neighbor. Our storefronts share a wall, as do our living rooms, but that doesn’t mean we speak. He waves but then heads the other way very quickly. He doesn’t go to the bar or even the town events, which is unheard of since Holiday Ridge is known for our town festivals that celebrate every single holiday. He’s been here a year, and I only get to enjoy him by watching him walk away.
Not that I’m complaining. He fills out his slacks very nicely.
But this close…this face?
I died, right? I’m in heaven?
He runs a damp cloth along my temple and tsks. “That sculpture got you good.”
I smile. “I don’t have the best track record with cocks.”
“Jesus, Mags,” my mother groans.
But Dr. Aldridge’s grin grows more. Lines appear by his eyes, and a little wrinkle appears on his nose as his teeth blind me, they’re so white. Or maybe I’m super concussed.
“That’s unfortunate.”
I nod. “To say the least. I really do love cock.”
My mom is horrified. “Maggie! Please!”
His laughter is deep and rumbles in his chest. I want to lean in and press my ear to his pec so I can feel his laughter against my cheek. I feel it as he drags the cloth down my temple and along my jaw before dropping it to the pile by his thigh. “Good to know.”
