Page 3 of Dr. Sexypants

“Lainey? She’s sweet; been through a lot this last year.”

Jonathan lamented, “Maybe when Kristy and I get back together, we can double date sometime.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

The lie snowballed from there, because… fucking small towns.

Before I knew it, people at the hospital were asking Brian O’Shaughnessy about Lainey’s dating status on my behalf. Once he confirmed she was single and gave his blessing—which mattered because he’d been Shawn’s best friend—everyone started asking me when I was going to make a move.

I’d decided to leave it up to fate. If Kristy was at the bakery the next time I stopped in, I’d ask her out. If not and Lainey was there, I’d see if she wanted to have dinner—if for no other reason than to shut people up.

Kristy hadn’t been there.

And Lainey had said yes to my dinner invitation, although I could tell she was about as interested in me as I was her.

Even so, I found myself looking forward to going out tonight. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been on a real date and not an out-of-town hookup.

That was Rule Number One—I didn’t sleep with women from my hometown.

I didn’t need people knowing my business. One night with the wrong woman in Haven Springs, and the whole town would know the secret I’d managed to keep since moving back after my honorable discharge from the Navy.

It wasn’t shame that kept me quiet. I just didn’t want the whispers, the stares, or the pity that would inevitably come with it.

I offered Peg a polite smile, followed by, “How’d ya know?” as I grabbed a bouquet of pink and purples flowers from the nearest display and headed toward the counter.

God, I hope they have tap to pay.

I was not in the mood to make small talk with one of the town’s gossips.

At least I assumed she was one since she knew I was going out with Lainey tonight. I imagined a flower shop was probably a hot bed for all the best tea in town.

My theory was confirmed when she replied, “Oh, you know, I hear things working here. Where are you taking her?”

Yeah, like I’m going to tell you.

With a wink and a smile, I whispered, “It’s a surprise.”

The second my total came up on the screen, I tapped my credit card against it. Another second later, my payment was confirmed and I headed toward the door.

“Have fun!” she called as I walked out.

I decided I was going to. Lainey and I might not have a love connection, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t have a good time.

The bakery was at the other end of town—in other words, a two-minute drive. I parked around back in the alley like Lainey had told me, next to the little Honda Civic I saw her in from time to time, and quickly found the steps leading to her apartment above her business.

Standing outside her door, I took a deep breath and knocked.

And wouldn’t ya know it, it wasn’t Lainey who answered the door, but Kristy.

How’s that for fate telling me to fuck off?

But her disheveled appearance, coupled with the look of panic on her face quickly made me change my focus.

“Is everything okay? Is Lainey here?

“No! She’s missing!”

“What do you mean, ‘missing’?”