Page 28 of My Heart's Doctor

Coward, I told myself.

I might have been one, but I walked as straight as possible, looking ahead and resisting the temptation to turn my face toward him, although I could feel his intense gaze fixed on me, which made me nervous again. When I entered the bathroom, I realized I was a bundle of nerves. What was happening to me with that man! He was an exasperating and arrogant man, but just looking at him, all I could see was his attractive and sensual appearance. As if I were a schoolgirl looking at who she thought was the love of her life.

For God’s sake, focus!, I told myself.

Before leaving, I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked elegant and pretty, and that gave me courage. With great confidence, I opened the door to head toward the bar where Orson was waiting for me, but I had only taken a few steps when a hand gripped my arm and stopped me. I didn’t need to turn to verify that the person holding my arm was him. He had done it the night before, and I had already felt that same electricity, but I wasn’t prepared to see him in a tuxedo. If I had thought he was handsome before, dressed like this he was from another planet. He was perfection made man. The intensity of his gaze made me shiver. For long seconds we just looked into each other’s eyes without saying a word. He was the one who broke the silence.

“Dr. Dulcet,” he greeted.

We were back to formality.

“Mr. Cavaller.”

“It seems we’re destined to run into each other lately, but I never imagined finding you at an event like this.”

“I don’t know why you say that.”

“It’s just that you’re a doctor and this is a gathering of businesspeople,” he explained, as if I weren’t capable of noticing that small detail.

“I came with a friend.”

“A friend?” he asked, frowning.

Why did I have to answer that question? I wasn’t going to.

“How is Aurora doing?”

He looked at me, and for a second I thought he was going to keep insisting on the topic of my companion, but he simply limited himself to answering my question.

“She’s fine. Today she asked about you all day, and I had to read her the princess story several times. Plus, we couldn’t get her to take off the princess dress you suggested I buy her, so I had to go out and buy a couple more so we could put it in the washing machine.”

At that comment, I couldn’t help but smile, and his gaze fixed on my mouth, which made my heart race again. Why did I have such a strong reaction to this man? I had no idea. I don’t think I had ever reacted this way even with Lino.

“I should go because my friend is waiting for me,” I said, trying to escape.

“Your friend...” he stated, without finishing whatever he was going to say.

“Give Aurora a kiss from me,” I thought to say, to save this awkward moment.

“Why don’t you visit her again and give it to her personally? She keeps mentioning you. You made quite an impression on my daughter, and believe me, few people have done that,” he stated, looking at me seriously.

“I have a complicated schedule, but maybe I’ll call and talk to her.”

At that moment, I heard Orson’s voice.

“Devon, I have your Cosmopolitan,” he said, stretching out his arm with the drink without noticing Cavaller, though Cavaller was looking at him very seriously.

“Thank you, Orson,” I said, taking the glass, and when I looked up, I saw that they were both looking at each other seriously. “This is William Cavaller, the father of a patient,” I lied, because I didn’t know how to introduce him, and added, “This is Orson Araoz.”

Orson extended his hand to greet him, and Cavaller did the same. After the handshake, they continued looking at each other. Orson did so with curiosity, Cavaller with seriousness.

“Mr. Cavaller, I’m glad to see you well. Enjoy your evening,” I said, taking Orson by the arm to leave.

“Good evening, Dr. Dulcet, Mr. Araoz.”

“Good evening,” said Orson, and began walking with me on his arm.

When we had moved far enough away, he looked at me with a mischievous smile.