Page 20 of Dr. Sexypants

Okay, maybe a blowjob, too.

“You should go tonight,” Lainey nudged. “It’ll be fun. Everyone wants to celebrate with you.”

“Just be sure to act surprised,” Jade added.

Again, that sounded like my own version of hell. I don’t know what the fuck Rob was thinking; he knew I hated crowds. And surprises. Maybe he wasn’t the one who’d planned it.

“Who’s responsible for this little soiree?”

“I’m not a hundred percent sure, but I think the same people who decorated your locker are the ones who put it together and put the word out.”

That tracked. The staff were always trying to get me to go out and meet someone or fix me up with a sister, daughter, mom, aunt, or friend. When I’d politely declined enough times, a rumor started that I was playing for the other team. Then our anesthesiologist, Greg Hey, offered to hook me up with his brother.

I’d briefly thought about running with it. I figured there were a lot less single gay guys than women in Haven Springs, so I’d get a reprieve from the matchmaking. But then I’d considered I might actually want to date a woman from Haven Springs someday, so I’d quickly quashed that rumor.

Everyone had been elated when they found out about my date with Lainey and had been equally sympathetic when she chose Adam Callahan instead of me.

Little did they know I hadn’t minded in the least. The night had ended so much better than I’d originally imagined—Lainey’s kidnapping and all.

“Hmm, maybe I’ll go.”

Lainey pressed her lips together, as if to keep from smiling. “You should at least stop in and say hi to everyone. Who knows, maybe you’ll have a good time. Maybe even take someone home.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Oh yeah? Anyone in particular?”

She raised her eyebrows like a challenge. “You tell me.”

I stuck out my bottom lip and slightly shook my head. “Can’t think of anyone,” then drew my attention back to the display case. “I’ll have a cinnamon roll to go, please.”

Her mouth hitched when she replied, “You two can’t fool me,” before boxing up my order.

“I have no idea who or what you’re talking about,” I mumbled as I stepped toward the register and pulled the gift card from my wallet. Instead of taking it, she held her hand up.

“Happy Birthday.”

“Thank you.”

“We’ll see you tonight, then?”

I raised the pink box toward her and replied, “I’ll be there.”

****

Kristy

The bell jingled as I came through the bakery door.

“How’s Dora?” Lainey asked from where she and Jade were sitting at a table with Conor perched between them in his car seat.

“Fat and happy.” I’d left her snoring on her orthopedic bed. Speaking of fat and happy...

“There’s my favorite guy!” I said with wide eyes and a demonstrative expression.

Conor squeezed the finger I offered him and gave me a toothless smile.

Fuck, I love this kid.

I unbuckled him and picked him up, bouncing slightly as I held him.