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I nod because if I try to speak, I’ll end up blubbering like a child who just suffered her first skinned knee. When I pull back, I see Jules making eyes in Dr. Kiley’s direction. He’s speaking to Mr. Bane, but I catch the quick glances he shoots in my direction. His blue eyes twinkle in the soft glow of the chandeliers hanging throughout the dining room, and it’s impossible for me not to smile right now.
“He’s totally checking you out,” Jules mumbles under her breath. “Papa C, what do you think of the doctor? She should totally go out with him, right?”
Dad glances at Dr. Kiley, whose gaze is still fixed on me. “I think she should do whatever feels right to her.” He grins. “He does seem like a fine young man, and from what I see, he can’t take his eyes off of you for longer than thirty seconds.”
I giggle, a hot flush warming my cheeks. “Can you guys please stop talking about him? He’s only a few feet away. He can hear you!”
“Maybe he needs to hear us,” Jules says with a snarky smile. “Maybe it’ll give him the push he needs to finally ask you out on a proper date.”
Dr. Kiley picks that very moment to push through the crowd and join our little group next to the podium. “Great news. I was just speaking to one of the board members, and she said that she’d like to make a donation on behalf of her own foundation.” His smile widens, exposing a tiny dimple in his right cheek. Funny, I never noticed that…
“She wants to donate fifty-thousand dollars, Sloane.” Dr. Kiley continues. “And that is just one person who your words managed to touch tonight. That speech was perfect, and you clearly have won over this crowd with your candor and your heart.”
Jules claps her hands. “Oh, my God! Sloane, that’s incredible!” She turns to Dr. Kiley. “I think this calls for a celebration, don’t you? I’m thinking champagne, candles, maybe some chocolate?”
She did not just say that! I gasp and stomp on her foot before she can utter another word. Her jaw drops at the sneak attack, and her eyes widen. “So, you think so, too, don’t you Sloane?” she manages to rasp before biting her lower lip.
“I, um,” I clear my throat. “I think there is definitely a lot to celebrate tonight for our patients. I’m really hopeful that—”
“I think Jules makes a really good point,” Dr. Kiley says, his eyes laser-focused on mine. “You deserve much more than champagne, candles, and chocolate for all of your hard work, but it’s a good start. What do you say?”
“Oh, well, I don’t know, I mean, I came here with my father, and I’d hate to just ditch him…” I twist in Dad’s direction, but he’s smiling and shaking his head like a freaking bobblehead doll.
“Don’t be silly. I will be just fine. You go out and have some fun. You deserve it. I’m ready to head out anyway.” Dad drops a kiss on my forehead and shakes Dr. Kiley’s hand. “Enjoy your evening.”
Jules backs away next, grinning wildly at me. “Forget the pepperoni calzone and have some fun tonight!” she hisses into my ear before waving goodbye. “I think I’m going to get another drink. I see a tall, dark glass of something delicious over at the bar that I’d like to sample. Have fun, you two!” She disappears into the crowd, but not before she does her little rump shaker dance behind Dr. Kiley. I clamp my mouth shut before the garbled laughter erupts from my throat.
I look up at him, twisting my hands. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” He furrows his brow, his expression puzzled.
“Well, because I don’t want you to feel obligated to stick around with me. It’s really not a big deal. I can still find my dad if you want to just take off and enjoy the rest of your night.”
He smiles and offers me his arm. “I can’t think of a better way to enjoy it, Sloane. Except, if we’re being totally honest, I’d like to skip the chocolate part. I’m deathly allergic to the stuff.”