The car ride is quiet, or at least in my own head. I tuned out Bryce the moment we left the parking lot. I love this guy like my brother, but ever since I met him in college he has loved to talk. I guess that’s what makes him such a great businessman. In my line of work, I have to do a lot of strategizing and communicating with my team, but out of the office, I say as little as possible.
I don’t know how I’m actually going to be able to see her since Bryce will not let me go into the room with him. Which, that’s probably for the best and would be weird. I do not want to give her any confusing thoughts on which way I swing. For God’s sake, my net worth is in the billions and it looks as if I had to bring my BFF to the doctor like we are little kids so I can hold his hand because he’s scared. But I’ll figure something out. I feel a little like a stalker, but I can’t be the typical guy and have flowers sent to the pretty little doctor. A woman of this stature would probably toss them in the trash and not even read the card of who they were from. She doesn’t have time for normal courting, dating, and relationships. That’s why if I can get a few minutes of her time, I’m sure she will go for my idea.
As I sit here in this blandly decorated patient waiting room for what feels like hours, I know that Bryce is probably trying to woo his way into the doctor’s panties. It’s grating on my nerves, but a light bulb goes off in my brain, and I’ve got it. Now I only have to wait and watch for them to come to the front.
Thank God I don’t have to wait too long as I hear my good buddy’s loud voice, of course, chatting her ear off. I hop up from my chair and meet them both at the door where the girl behind the desk takes Bryce’s payment.
Dr. Hard turns to leave, but I call out, “It’s great to see you again.” Her head turns to look over her shoulder, and a slight pink flush graces those pretty cheeks. Oh yeah, she feels the connection too.
“It’s good to see you too,” she responds as she turns fully towards me and takes a step closer.
“Have you had a good week?” Idle chit-chat to get the ball rolling.
“Yeah, and how about you? Caught any big fish this week?” I swear I hear a little chuckle escape when she smiles.
Bryce breaks us up way too soon. “Alrighty, all done and ready to go. Doctor, thank you again, and if you ever change your mind, my number is in my file, just give me a ring any time of day, or night.” He finishes with a wink. That bastard.
We say our goodbyes, and I reach to shake the doctor’s hand. Thankfully she is polite enough to return the kind gesture and take the bait. I slip her an appointment reminder card that was supposed to be used for her clients, but I marked her info out and put my address to my boat slip and my phone number in place of hers. Then wrote in her name in the client spot and the time I want her to appear at the dock.
Now, I just have to wait to see if the fish bites down on the hook so I can reel her in.
Chapter 6
Mazie
Should I stay or should I go? I’ve asked myself this question over and over again in the last forty-eight hours. He left the ball in my court; I like that. It’s unique, and that’s what grabs my attention. It’s subtle and not just out in the open and in my face. Totally the opposite of his friend. That guy was way too full-on. No, thank you. I don’t need that shit in my life.
I’m dressed in a silky baby blue curve-hugging sundress, but I can still back out, the car service isn’t here yet. It seems like Grant would be fun, the quiet type of fun, not the overactive hyper type that his friend is. Another plus in the pro column, so I strap on one sandal. What if this guy ends up being like my asshole ex? A negative mark in the cons column that makes me sit back in my bedroom lounge chair. I know I have my successful practice and career, but do I really want to grow old alone and not have someone to live life with? I won’t know if this guy’s even a possibility if I don’t go. I didn’t get where I am today by not taking risks. This is just one more risk in life, hopefully, it will pay off. With that thought, I strap on the other sandal. Saved by the bell as the doorbell dings, letting me know the car is here. No more time to think. Just get in the car.
Walking on a wooden dock in heels is a challenge. I have to watch my every step. I feel his eyes on me before I see him, causing me to pause in place, and the view ahead is breathtaking. Not the ocean wave in the night lit up by the city light and bright moon. It’s the other sight that steals my movement. It’s the one of the man standing on the boat looking at me with hungry eyes. He’s got dark slacks on and a crisp white button-down dress shirt with his sleeves rolled up his forearms. Hot damn, take me now! My mouth waters, and my core clenches.
“Having a hard time walking? Do you need help?”
“I’ve got it. Just don’t want to break an ankle and have to call another doctor to your boat.” He laughs, the rumble of his voice making my panties dampen even more.
“Okay, suit yourself,” he relents and continues his perusal of my body as I carefully inch closer. Like a panther waiting to pounce, shouldn’t I be running away rather than towards the danger? Maybe the excitement is exactly what I’m missing right now. When I reach the boat, he puts out his hand to help me up. This time I will happily accept. The connection when we touch is electrifying yet comfort and security all rolled up in a bundle of emotions. “Thank you for coming.” He leans in close and kisses me on the neck right below my ear.
Oh, it’s going to be like that. Serious heat right off the bat. My body is saying go full force; my mind is saying hold up, be sensible.
“Right through here, and dinner is served.” He stretches out his arm to direct us into the dining area on the lower level of the yacht. There is an elegant table set for two. It looks like a place setting at a fancy restaurant. I love how this is private and intimate, without people around to possibly recognize me. I always feel strange when they just stare. This is nice, and I feel comfortable and at peace.
“You already have dinner ready? How did you know I was going to show up?” I ask and turn around to look at him.
“I didn’t, but I was hoping you would, and I’m certainly glad you did. You look stunning, by the way.”
“Thank you. You look handsome as well.”
The dinner is an amazing fish dish, and Grant tells me the story of how he caught it that morning for our dinner tonight. Conversation flows easily with him. I’m sure the full glass of wine helps. The biggest thing I like is the fact that we have not once talked about our jobs. It’s nice to just be me for an evening and relax in great company.
“I would like to ask you something.”
“Oh, do ask Mr... I don’t even know your last name. What is it?”
He chuckles. “It’s Darling, Dr. Hard.” His smoldering eyes are so intense. I’m the moth attracted to the flame and can’t look away. I’m drawn to them. “You’re a high-powered successful woman, and I’m the owner of a large enterprise. We are both under the bright lights of the media’s camera flashes. Also, we are two really busy people, especially during my season. In our worlds, things have to be different. When I’m around you or even think about you, there is something that’s there. I don’t know what it is, but I’d like to explore it.” He’s staring at me as every word leaves his lips. When he pauses to gauge how I am perceiving his blunt approach, all I can do is nod in agreeance. “I’m not saying sneak around and keep everything a secret, but we won’t go out and flaunt things. Just two people needing the comfort and release of nothing but pleasure. Like tonight, it’s private and secluded, away from all the wondering eyes, cameras, and random interruptions. This agreement would just remove the complications of the basic boy meets girl, boy floods girl’s house with flowers, weeks go by of tit for tat meals, and then the deed is finally done. I’m proposing that we bypass all the bull shit and get to the fun stuff. What do you say?”