Furious movie?”
“Is that the long series of movies about car chases?”
“Yeah, it’s awesome. A new one just came out.”
I tap my chin. “Hmm, I’m afraid I’ll be totally lost since I didn’t see all the car chases that came before it.”
He gives a lock of my hair a tug. “Smart. We’ll get started on the first one.”
I get lost for a moment in his sparkling blue eyes. I bet his life is nonstop good times. What an easy life he must’ve had growing up, surrounded by people who love him, all that good humor and cheer. He probably never had a lonely moment in his entire life. Ever. The contrast with my own life is almost laughable. Sara and I had each other and that’s it. I had long lonely spells while she was at work. Maybe that’s why I poured myself into my schoolwork. I have to admit, no matter how good you are at science, it doesn’t give you the warm feeling that just standing near Brendan and his family does.
No use wishing for what I never had. Education is my springboard to a better life, both for financial security and to make a difference in the world. Growing up, my sister and I barely scraped by. I’m seriously torn between the fun he promises and my need to get back to work. “I dunno, Brendan. This sounds like it could take a while.”
“Nah. Couple of hours, and then you can catch up on the other movies on your own time.”
I consider another angle. Watching a movie on his laptop means we’ll be in close proximity. I can’t deny I’m drawn to him. Then again, he said kissing me would be like kissing his cousin. Okay, the smart thing to do is to keep him at a safe distance. That way there’s no risk of me acting impulsively on completely natural biological urges.
“You’ll like it, I promise,” he says in a coaxing voice. “It’s universally appealing, even to future doctors. What’s your last name?”
“Travers.”
“Even for you, Dr. Travers.”
I bite back a smile. I’ve been waiting my whole life for someone to call me Dr. Travers. I love the sound of it. Dr. Chloe Travers.
Chloe Travers, MD.
Dr. Travers, we need your opinion on this atypical cell formation.
I shrug. “Okay.”
He grins and leads the way to his room. We settle on an overstuffed gray sofa in the sitting room to watch the movie on his laptop set up on the coffee table. He slouches down on the sofa, his gaze glued to the movie. Guess I don’t have to worry about the close proximity thing. It’s clear he’s more interested in a movie he’s already seen than in me. No problem. I get comfortable and force myself to keep my eyes on the screen, pretending I’m alone, ignoring the heat of his body and his sexy woodsy scent. Focus on the car chases and swaggering men.
Next thing I know, I startle awake, wiping the drool from my mouth. Oh my God. I fell asleep, and my head is resting on his shoulder.
I slowly straighten and look up at him.
He smiles, his blue eyes warm on mine. “What’s your professional opinion of the movie, Dr. Travers?”
I smile widely, my chest warming at his turn of phrase. “I liked it.”
“Which part?”
I think back to the early part of the movie before I fell asleep. “The hot swaggering guy part.”
“Uh-huh. Any particular one?”
I stare at the laptop screen, trying to remember the name of the actor. It’s on a screensaver of shooting stars. How long was I sleeping? Did he just sit here letting me sleep on his shoulder for hours? That was so nice of him.
“Vin Diesel?” he prompts. “You dig the baldies?”
I laugh and meet his eyes sparkling down at me. My gaze drops to his sensual lips that always seem to want to smile. Suddenly I feel this pull, like I want to get closer. Chemistry is a powerful thing.
“Chloe.” His voice sounds rough.
I lick my lips. “All the guys were hot.” But I mean him.
I should leave, but I can’t seem to move.
He stands and offers me a hand. I get off the sofa on my own, not trusting myself to touch him. I feel close to him for some reason. Silly. Just because I fell asleep on him and he let me for…I don’t even know how long.
I study him for a moment, and he studies me right back as we stand facing each other in front of