Page 26 of Dr. Sexypants

He was obviously thinking the same thing because his eyebrows shot to his hairline while a smirk formed on his face.

“Besides the obvious?”

I nervously glanced at Lainey and Jade. My tipsy ass needed to keep my mouth shut. “Um…”

But Lainey interjected, “What’s that?” while stealing a sly grin at me.

“Saving lives, of course.”

Just then, a cute, petite brunette approached and slid her arm through Justin’s. I didn’t like how comfortable she was doing that.

“Hey, can I steal you for a second? There are some people who want to wish you a happy birthday.”

I shouldn’t have enjoyed it so much when he extracted his arm from hers.

But I did.

“Hi, Michelle. Yeah, sure, just give me a second. You know Jade, of course. This is her sister, Lainey.” He reached for my hand and continued, “And this is Kristy.”

I took his hand without hesitation, and I liked it when he possessively pulled me to his side.

I blame it on the tequila. And maybe the green-eyed monster.

****

Justin

I drew Kristy next to me and was happily surprised when she stayed close to my side. I thought putting my arm around her might be pushing it, though.

Jade and Lainey didn’t seem shocked, but Michelle looked like she’d eaten something sour before she schooled her features and said to Lainey, “Yes. I was on duty the night of your ordeal. I’m so sorry that happened to you, but I’m glad you’re okay.” She looked past Jade to where Brian and Adam were sitting and added, “And it’s great to see Brian doing so well.”

I teased, “I think that’s all Jade’s doing.”

“Yes, those trauma surgeons had nothing to do with it,” Jade sarcastically replied.

I winked at her when I said, “They get enough credit.”

There was a lull in the conversation before Michelle spoke up. “So, can I steal you now?”

“Of course.” Leaning down, I murmured in Kristy’s ear, “Please come with me. I need your superpowers.”

She stared up at me for a beat before conceding. “Only because it’s your birthday.”

I’d take it.

For now.

But I wondered what else she might do because it’s my birthday.

Chapter Four

Justin

Kristy truly had a gift. She had a quality that drew people to her like she was an A-list celebrity. I guess she kind of was, at least in Haven Springs.

I happily let her take the spotlight as we worked the room. While she chatted with people, it was like they temporarily forgot why they’d come to Hannigan’s in the first place.

And that was fine by me.