Page 67

Drew

Thenexttwodays drag by. I’m counting down the hours until I have Sophie to myself and we can have an uninterrupted conversation. I’m so ready to explore the romantic side of our relationship and see where this can go.

I blink to bring my focus back to the patient in front of me. He won’t stop talking about his dog, Barry. Who names a dog Barry?

We’ve already discussed the process of his knee replacement surgery next week, but the older patients seem to be extra chatty. Usually, I don’t mind taking the extra time to listen to their stories, but all I want to do is get home, shower, and take Sophie out.

His story pauses, so I clap my hands together and interject before he begins another story about his dog. “Alright, Mr. Paulson, I’ll see you Wednesday bright and early for your surgery.”

He stands and smiles. “Right, right. I’m sure a strapping young man like yourself has exciting plans tonight. I need to get home to Barry, anyway.”

I chuckle and open the door for him. “Enjoy your weekend.”

“You too, Dr. Reed.” He shakes my hand and walks out the door and down the hallway to the reception area.

I breathe a sigh of relief before turning to walk toward my office, but instead, I smack straight into Ted Windell.

“Whoa there, son!” He puts his hands on my shoulders. “You’re in some kind of hurry, huh?”

Huffing out an awkward laugh, I drag my hand through my hair. “Yeah sorry, I have plans tonight and am running late.”

“Hot date, huh?” He winks.

The color drains from my face. Trying not to give myself away, I attempt my most genuine smile.

“Uh, yeah. You know it. Ha.” Wow, Drew. Real smooth.

He grins and takes a step away before turning back to me again. “Oh, hey! You’re coming to our Labor Day BBQ next Sunday, right?”

I had completely forgotten about that. Labor Day is always on a Monday, but being in the medical field, we often celebrate holidays on our days off instead.

“Yeah, of course.” I smile. “See you next weekend.”

Ted claps me on the shoulder, then turns and walks away. Waiting a few seconds to make sure he’s out of sight, I bound toward my office and shuck off my white coat. After draping it over my office chair along with my stethoscope, I log out of my computer.

I take a quick peek out of my office door to make sure the hallway is empty before walk-running down the hallway and through the exit like a kid at a pool in a no-run zone.

Finally, I make it to my Bronco and head home … to Sophie.

Thirty minutes later, I’m showered and dressed and ready. I’ve never gotten ready so fast. I opted for some dark wash jeans and a black button-up shirt. Since it’s still fairly warm outside, I rolled my shirt sleeves up to my elbows. I complete the ensemble with a cognac belt and leather oxfords. Just as I’m about to leave my bedroom, I remember the cologne Sophie liked.

In the past, I’ve always kept first dates casual. But there’s nothing casual about tonight. I wanted to do more than just take her to the taco truck. I planned a fun evening for us and I really think Sophie will love it. It’s definitely not your typical first date, but I think it’s just what we need tonight. I’ve never gone on a date with a woman I’ve had strong feelings for before, but my heart is already involved here, so I put a lot of thought into our date. Sophie deserves the best.

Grabbing the bottle of cologne from the bathroom, I give myself one spritz and then walk out to the living room. Emily is on the couch with the girls, looking like she wants to tease me, but holding back since Sophie is standing between us.

Sophie grins up at me with a blush on her cheeks. Her fitted pink dress matches her cheeks perfectly. The dress is understated but still gorgeous, just like the woman wearing it. The dress has a deep-v neckline and the length of it hits just a few inches above her knees, showing off her long legs. Her shiny blonde hair is down and smooth, and she has something on her lips that makes them look extra glossy and tempting.

I have to stop myself from licking my lips.

“You look beautiful, as always,” I whisper so only Sophie can hear.

Her cheeks turn even pinker. “Thank you. You clean up pretty good yourself.” She winks.

She winked at me. Holy mother of Moses, I want to drop to my knees and worship the ground she walks on. Sophie Miller winking is quite possibly my new favorite thing in the world. I love that she goes after what she wants. She’s not shy and reserved like some of the women I’ve dated.

“You ready to go?” My voice sounds hoarse.

She nods, then walks over to give Samantha a kiss. “Be a good girl, okay?”