Page 55

Her eyes flash at me. “Is that your business?”

My jaw tightens, and I know the answer. It’s not. I don’t have any right to ask her these things. Not after the way I’ve been.

I can’t help it. “Do you have a date?”

Her arms cross. “Maybe.”

Anger flashes in my chest. It’s the same feeling I had the night I thought she might marry someone. I might be holding back, but I’m not ready to let go. I’m a bastard.

An edge is in my voice now. “Who with?”

“Like I said before, it’s none of your business.” She leans forward and says the words slowly, her full pink lips taunting me.

My fingers curl against my instinct to grab her and kiss her hard. Instead, I redirect my thoughts, extend my hand. “I’ll work on it today. If anything comes up, I’ll give you a call.”

She drops the keys in my palm. “I won’t be waiting by the phone.”

Turning on her heel, she storms out the door, long hair swaying down her back. She’s so fucking beautiful. I’m so fucking screwed.

Chapter 15

Drew

I’m so mad I could kick Leslie Grant in the crotch.

Dot

ty is waiting with our coffees when I storm through the glass door of the clinic, but I don’t even stop to take mine. I go straight to my office. Naturally Ruby is right behind me.

“Oh boy.” My best friend is too excited. “I haven’t seen you this mad since Rita Puckett picked Leslie’s pancakes over yours in the Junior Class cook-off!”

“She hasn’t changed a bit.” I throw my purse on my desk and snatch up my telephone. “What’s Ralph’s number?”

“Noooo…” Ruby hisses. “Try the app first. I’ve been really happy with Bumble.”

“Weren’t you using Bumble when the guy farted really loud then went to the bathroom and never came back?” I level my eyes on hers.

“You know, that could have been a health issue. I’m not ready to give up on Bumble.”

I grab my cell and do a quick search. “I’m not looking for a health issue. I’m looking for a wake-up call. Here it is.”

I type the numbers into my office phone and wait as it rings.

“Sternwood Orchard. This is Sandra.” The female voice is only moderately perky. I wonder if she’s heard all the benefits of almonds as many times as I have.

“Hi, Sandra, I’m calling for Ralph. This is Drew Harris.”

“One moment please.” The hold music is some weird, atmospheric sounding techno.

I wait through an entire loop before Ralph finally comes on the line. “Hello, Andrea? Is everything okay?”

“Hi, Ralph, I’m fine. I was just wondering what you’re doing tonight for dinner?”

“What?” He does a sputtering cough, and I imagine a spit take. “You mean for like a group-type thing?”

“Not in a group. Just you and me.”

It sounds like he might have fallen out of his chair.