Once again, someone called me out for being protective.
At least this time it sounded like a compliment.
One nice thing about small towns, there was no traffic and shopping on Monday nights was quick and easy.I’m glad I moved back.
With my degree and military experience I could have chosen any hospital just about anywhere. But I’d interviewed at big hospitals and felt like a number, a cog in the wheel. I’d be helping people but not the way I wanted to. Not like I could with Dr. Greenfield. Here, I could get to know my patients and have a lasting impact on their health.
I grabbed two half-gallons of ice cream: Death by Chocolate for Meg and Pumpkin Cheesecake for me. I loved all things pumpkin and took advantage of pumpkin-flavored everything during the much-maligned Pumpkin Season.
Needing shampoo and conditioner, I headed to the other end of the store. A display of pumpkin cookies and candies caught my eye, but I didn’t stop walking.
“Sorry,” I said, stumbling back after running smack dab into a hard chest.
I recognized his cedar and mint scent two seconds before I heard his laugh and two hands caught my arms.
“No worries.” Matt’s eyes sparkled with humor as he scanned me from head to toe. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Sorry about that, I got distracted.” My eyes wandered back to the display.
“You’re one of those people?”
“Excuse me?”
“A pumpkin spice groupie.” He laughed. “Or whatever they’re called.”
I could deny it and act offended, but he was right. I was totally a pumpkin spice lover.
I squared my shoulders and claimed the title with pride.
“Which do you prefer, the pumpkin-flavored chocolate sandwich cookie or the pumpkin chocolate candies?”
“Neither, actually. The pumpkin tastes fake, and I don’t need everything in my life to taste like pumpkin.”
“Just your ice cream.” Matt nodded at my basket.
“Don’t knock it until you try it.”
“Is that an invitation?”
Images of licking ice cream off Matt’s rock-hard abs flashed through my mind, causing heat to flood my cheeks and desire to pool lower.
He raised an eyebrow.
“That’s not-”
“Relax, Madi, I was kidding.”
Thank God. My brothers would have a fucking conniption if they thought we were hanging out. If they thought it was a date, or that we were sleeping together—again—their heads would probably explode.
“I, ah, have to get some shampoo.” I hated how flustered I sounded.
Then maybe stop fantasizing about ice cream on Matt’s abs.
It was sound advice, but nearly impossible to follow given his proximity. HIS snug long-sleeved blue henley showed off his impressive chest and thick arms.
“I need toothpaste, so I’ll walk with you.”
He stepped aside and motioned for me to lead the way.
