Page 47 of Ten Day Affair

Cole.

My pulse stumbles for half a second before I school my face into something casual.

Kip notices. Of course, he notices. His eyes narrow.

"Who's that?"

I take a sip of water. "Remember that hot guy from the OR gallery last week? Turns out he's my neighbor."

Kip blinks. "Wait, seriously?"

"Mm-hmm." I grab my phone, flipping it face down like it doesn’t matter.

"Well, you could have mentioned that."

"I haven't had a moment to talk. He bought the house next to mine a few months ago, but I just didn't know at the time. Lives in New York, but he’s in town for this board shit."

Kip leans forward, elbow on the table. "Nice. Are y'all, you know," he says, waggling his eyebrows.

"I swear you're an adolescent. No, dork."

That's true for the most part. We aren't actively whatever. One hot night on my deck before we knew each other doesn't count.

After we both came to our senses before going too far last night, I realized I needed to shift my priorities. Like Arden said, I need a plan. And Cole is my way to leak my wishes into the board.

"I saw how you got all hot and bothered that day when you saw him. I think that's a fair question. Especially considering how flushed your cheeks got when you just told me."

"I wasn't operating, so I was taking in the scenery. Stop making everything about sex." I reach for a napkin,pretending my heart isn’t pounding like it’s trying to escape my chest.

"So y'all are texting neighbors? Got it. If you haven't slept together, you will. Mark my word."

I shrug, a little too casually. "He asked about the Evelyn Taylor Wing the other night. Thought maybe I’d give him that tour. You know, do my civic duty and help him understand what’s at stake before he votes on anything. Since I'm skipping lunch, I might as well get to work on saving this hospital."

Kip gives me a look. "So you’re lobbying him?"

"I’m buttering him up. Educating him, classic advocacy."

He laughs. "You’re awesome. I love it."

"I’m practical," I correct.

"Yes, you are."

"If a little flirting helps keep my mother’s legacy intact, then so be it."

"That sounds incredibly ethical."

"Don’t worry. I’ll leave my robe on this time."

Kip chokes on his coffee. "What?"

"Nothing. Just joking," I smile sweetly.

Joking, not joking.

"Eat your beef mystery," I say as I stand, leaving him with whatever that is he's calling food safe for human consumption.

"Hold on, Taylor. I'm coming. I want the tour, and you've effectively ruined lasagna for me."