Logan’s lips curled into a smile. “Same.”
“Really? I figured the French bread you bought was to take to some sort of dinner party, at least that was the story I made up in my head,” Brooke said. “I figured you as a CrossFit, I only eat clean, type of guy.”
“I’m glad I give off that vibe. Can you share that with your single friends you want to set me up with?”
Brooke laughed. Her laugh vibrated through every cell of his body, invigorating him more than it should. “I’m never setting you up with anyone. Nice try.”
“Noted. I’ll text you the details of our dinner.”
They said their goodbyes.
Then Logan spent the rest of the evening researching where to take Brooke on their fake date. He knew it wasn’t a real date, but he felt hopeful and excited in a way he hadn’t for a long time. After careful research, he decided on The Purple Pig and was able to secure a reservation. Though he planned everything immediately, he waited another day to text Brooke the details. He didn’t know why, but he didn’t want to appear overly eager. They agreed he’d pick her up at seven from her apartment then walk the few blocks to the restaurant.
Thursday came before he knew it. As he neared Brooke’s apartment that evening, his hands shook with nervous energy. The winter air nipped at his skin making the tips of his ears sting. He tightened the scarf around his neck andbuttoned his peacoat jacket up to his neck. The doorman, who he remembered as George, stood stationed outside of the apartment building.
“Good evening, George,” Logan greeted as he halted in front of the building.
For a second George studied him, then his face lit up and he remarked, “You’re Brooke’s new doctor friend, right?”
“That’s me.” Logan shuffled back and forth on his heels. “She told me to text her when I arrive, and she’d meet me in the lobby.” He texted her quickly.
George opened the door to the building and motioned for him to enter. “Go right on in and wait in the lobby where it’s warm. Brooke mentioned she had a friend coming by.”
“Thanks.” Logan slipped inside and loosened the scarf from around his neck as the cozy warmth of the building enveloped him.
George didn’t enter the lobby but remained outside at his post.
Five minutes later the doors to the elevator opened, and Brooke sauntered out. His jaw dropped. The woman looked like a knock-out in her black dress and heels. Her hair hung loose in soft beach waves which danced over her shoulders. A part of him wondered how her hair would feel between his fingertips. She had a small sparkly clutch in one hand and a long peacoat jacket slung over her arm. Suddenly, he wondered why he hadn’t put more of an effort into his own appearance. Though he had on a checkered button-down shirt and slacks, he couldn’t even remember what color it was or if it was new or old. Nothing about the pounding in his chest felt fake. His attraction to her was one hundred percent real. He choked back on his saliva and forced himself to find his center.
“You look beautiful,” he remarked as she arrived in front of him.
She smiled shyly at him. “Thank you.” The air dripped with the aroma of her perfume. It wasn’t too spicy or too sweet, but it made his heart hammer harder.
He swallowed. “I’m glad we could do this.”
“Me too.” Her eyes dazzled with the lights of the foyer. “Even if this is fake, it was nice to have an excuse to dress up.”
“Well, you nailed the part.” His fingers itched to take her hand. He clutched them into a fist and forced them into the front pocket of his peacoat. “Are you okay to walk?” His gaze dropped to her magnificent heels with a strappy back.
Gosh, her legs looked fantastic.
“Oh, these.” Brooke lifted the heel of one foot. “They are more comfortable than they look.” Then she winked as her face filled with amusement.
Heat flooded his core while his heart took a few liberties.
“Okay,” he stepped closer, and a pack punch of her tantalizing perfume nearly did him in. He cleared his throat. “Can I help you with your coat? It’s chilly. You won’t last long without it on.”
“Yes.” Brooke handed him her coat. Their eyes danced with one another for a moment, before she added, “I’d appreciate it.”
He held it out for her to slip on. She twisted her back to him then weaved her arm through one hole then shifted her clutch to the other hand and then slipped the other in. Gently, he lifted her hair out of the collar of the jacket where it tucked in. The silky strands sifted through his fingertips while her womanly aroma filled his lungs. He wanted to stay there forever and breathe in the perfect scent, but he forced himself to remove his hands and step away.
He managed to say, “Ready?”
“Yes, I’m starving.” They walked across the lobby to the exit. “I haven’t eaten since this morning. My day was slammed. How about you?”
He grasped the door and held it open for her. Her body brushed against him as she passed through to the outside. He wondered what she would feel like pressed up against his body, but he shook the thought off and reminded himself to listen.
“It was good. I had to perform kidney stone surgery this morning.” They made it outside, and the door shut behind them. “The worst I’ve ever seen, the person had stones that were centimeters, not millimeters.”
