with a huge oak tree, a bench underneath it, both surrounded by grass and roses.
“Good evening, doc.”
Holy shit! Oh, no!
“Cole, I’m so sorry. I completely forgot we were meeting.”
He stood a few feet away from the entrance, under the massive oak tree, and completely took my breath away. He was wearing a dark blue suit and a white shirt. I pressed my palm to my belly, and this time I had no doubt. Those were definitely butterflies, and Cole Winchester had brought them on.
I’d only seen him in jeans and a shirt in Rome, and he’d been a damn fine sight then too. But something about him in a suit was extra mouthwatering. The outfit highlighted his lean but toned body. He walked over with large, determined strides. His eyes were trained on me. They were blazing hot. In an instant, my body went from exhausted to on edge. Every cell lit up. Holy shit, Cole was doing unspeakable things to my senses.
“You look exhausted, doc,” he said with a smile, stopping in front of me.
I narrowed my eyes, placing a hand on my hip. “These are supposed to be your famous charmer skills?”
“Nah, I’m waiting until we’re alone to put those to use.” He dropped his gaze down my body slowly, then back up even slower. I was on fire. How could he light me up just with one look? I caught myself biting my lip. Oh, wow. This man.
“I’m really terribly sorry for forgetting. It was an insane day. What time is it?”
“Seven.”
I dropped my chin to my chest. “Awww, man.”
I’d been so excited this morning, and then the day had completely gotten away from me.
“Doesn’t matter, Laney. You’re here now.” He lifted my chin with two fingers. The contact singed me. His gaze was so damn intense. My heartbeat accelerated. His touch felt so familiar that it startled me. I was a little scared, but I wanted to spend time with him. I wasn’t even sure what I feared: getting close to someone, loving again, or losing? I remembered his swoon-worthy words on the phone, and I wanted to follow the impulse that had led me to agree to meet him tonight instead of hiding in my shell.
“What’s the plan?” I asked.
“I was going to suggest we head over to a restaurant. I remember you having quite an appetite.”
I laughed. God, I’d forgotten how it felt to be around him. He just had this inner light that made him addictive.
“I’m a bit too tired for a restaurant,” I said. I probably looked like something the cat dragged in. My hair was a mess for sure. I’d worn a plastic cap for a few hours in surgery.
“How about we just take something to go and head over to your place?”
“Wow. You’re already inviting yourself over, huh? This escalated quickly,” I teased. I was a bit panicky at the thought of having him over, though. I’d never asked anyone to my New York apartment. But Cole made me feel so at ease that it was surreal.
“I’d invite you to mine, but you have another shift tomorrow, and you have to be here at five thirty. You said you live close to the hospital. My place is further away.”
He remembered I had a shift tomorrow! I felt so special.
“Well, when you put it like that, how can I say no?” I said.
He winked. “I was counting on you saying that. Let’s go. Is it in walking distance or do you want me to call an Uber?”
“We can walk.” We headed up a small street behind the hospital. “So... you’ve really been grouchy this whole week, huh?”
“I’m an honest man. I might use subterfuge, but never lie. I can call my sister right now if you want. She’ll give you all the proof you need.”
Laughing, I shook my head. “Not really necessary. I was at Isabelle’s yesterday, and Josie was there too. She confirmed it.” I glanced at him and continued, “She only had good things to say. Dylan and Ian, on the other hand...”
“Those two. Don’t believe everything they say.”
“I guess we’re back to you working that first impression, huh? Or well, second.”
He brought his hand to the middle of my back, his mouth to my ear. “I’m on it. As soon as we’re alone.”
“Why do we need to be alone?”
He pulled back just a notch. “For now, trust me.”
“I don’t know. I might need more details.” I was trying to tease him, but honestly, I was already breathless.
“Rome wasn’t