“Hi, Ashrika. Dr. Lander’s is waiting for you.” her soft voice matched her friendly disposition. “Go on in.” She gestured to the polished oak door.
Zayne knocked lightly then entered. “Doc?” he greeted.
I offered him a smile as he stood. A tall man with dark hair and a splash of gray at the temples, Dr. Tony Landers’ cherubic face and deep dimpled smile would put any patient at ease. “Zayne, Ashrika.” He nodded, accepting Zayne’s hand in a quick shake. “How is my favorite patient?” He always looked at me with the affection a father would bestow his daughter.
“Bet you say that to all your patients,” I teased.
“Only if they’re as pretty as you,” he replied making me laugh. “If you’ll both excuse me for just a minute, I’ll be right back then we can begin.”
“Sure.” Zayne nodded.
After the doctor left the room, I moved over to the large window that showcased the larger part of Manhattan.
“Do you want something to drink, Rika? I’m going to grab a soda,” Zayne asked.
“No thanks. I’m too nervous to think of a drink or anything else right now,” I replied over my shoulder.
He laughed, moving to my side. “You’ll be fine.”
“Easy for you to say,” I huffed.
“I’m right here, baby.” I looked up, meeting his eyes. The warmth swimming in those honey-colored browns had me smiling. He kissed my brow. “I’ll be back in a minute, okay.”
Nodding, I turned away as he left. I was staring out the window when the door opened barely seconds after he exited. “Back so quickly? Guess you didn’t find anything to drink,” I teased without turning around.
“Hello, Rika,” The deep, husky greeting spiked the hairs on the back of my neck.
Recognizing the voice, I whirled around, locking gazes with eyes the color of liquid sapphire. They held me captive in the time it took to comprehend he was there and not some stupid figment of my imagination. “Why are you here? What’s going on?” I asked, surprised and not returning the decadent smile he offered.
“Thought I might help.”
“Excuse me?” He took a step closer and I held up a hand, stopping his approach.
“Tia mentioned your situation—”
“Did she now?” I scowled. “Seems I should have a chat with Tia, personal boundaries and all that,” I bit out, feeling a little out of sorts about the way he lit every nerve in my body on fire.
He appeared taken aback by my aggression before a slow smile made an appearance. “I guess you liked me better when you were drunk.”
“What?” I stammered before realization dawned. He was referring to the night at the club. Embarrassment zipped through me. Although I covered it with a grimace, I wracked my brain trying to figure out not only how he’d come to my rescue but my subsequent behavior on the way home, something I’d done a million times since. Had I kissed him? Did he change my clothes that night? Zayne had no intention of sharing the details and I had no one to ask other than Trent. I’d rather eat freaking worms than do that.Yuck.
“Pleasant memories I take it.”
Flustered, my glower deepened. “I’m Rika only to my friends,” I snapped trying hard not to notice just how effortlessly he filled those snug jeans and a knitted sweater that did little to hide his muscular build. I had a feeling he looked even better with it off. Did I just go there? Somehow, I managed to pull my gaze away from his crotch. Unbelievable that I wanted to look.
I expected to see annoyance or anger flash across his face. Instead, a hint of amusement curled the corner of his lips. “So, what do I call you?” His eyes narrowed, but the serene expression remained. Bothered by his calm, I ignored him. “Other than cooking, do you play any sports?”
Was he seriously trying to start a conversation? Even though his nonchalance irked me, I heard myself replying, “not that it’s any of your business, but no.”
“You should.”
Not giving him the satisfaction of seeing how he riled me, I asked, “Why?”
His hooded blue eyes swept a graceful slide over me. “It might work off some of that pent-up frustration.”
“I don’t have any pent-up frustration.” Oh, my God, did I just growl at him. Why the hell did he rattle me so much?
“My bad. Maybe you just need a mind-blowing fuck, then?” he taunted. “I can help with that since you’re curious as to whether I fuck hard?”
