Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
I glance to where Eloise is sitting next to Stevie.
She only ate half of the piece of lasagna Astrid served her and barely indulged in the decadent cheesecake she brought for dessert.
The cardiologist in me skipped it altogether.
Eloise hasn’t looked my way but I attribute that to Stevie. She chatted up a storm throughout dinner keeping the entire table entranced with her stories about the kids she goes to school with and her plans to become a doctor who knits sweaters, sing songs, and publishes books.
Her desire to include the professions of every person at the table was admirable. Stevie does her part to wrap her arms around anyone who enters her orbit, whether that’s literally or by welcoming them with words.
“What color is that?” Astrid cranes her neck to get a better view of the impromptu manicure that is taking place.
Eloise lifts her left hand to wiggle her fingers. “Metallic blue.”
The soft light from the chandelier hanging above the dining room table bounces off the thin silver ring on her thumb.
The link design is unique and another reminder of that night.
I can’t shake the image of that hand wrapped around my cock as she took me in her mouth. The cool bite of metal circling her thumb was a sharp contrast to my throbbing dick.
I shut my eyes to will that image away.
“I can do yours next, Mom,” Stevie offers.
“I’d love that,” Astrid responds with nothing but love in her voice.
She’s Stevie’s stepmom but their bond is unbreakable. It’s rooted in every moment they’ve spent together.
“What about you, Gaines?” Stevie laughs. “Do you want me to paint your nails tonight?”
I smile at the kid. “I would but my boss will fire me. No nail polish allowed while I’m on duty.”
She pouts. “Your boss is no fun.”
I can’t argue that point. The head of cardiology takes the job seriously, as he should. I’m under his watch when I’m in the hospital. My private practice falls under the umbrella of my control. I’m slowly building that up.
By the grace of God my phone finally perks up, sounding a chime that lures every face at the table toward me, except Eloise.
She stares at her fingernails as if it’s the first time she’s seen polish on them. I know that’s not a fact because they were painted a dark shade of crimson the night we met.
Without even glancing at the screen, I push back from the table, and lie, “I’m expecting an update on a patient. I’ll be back shortly.”
Before I can exit the room, another phone buzzes.
“Oh, that’s me,” Eloise says.
“Is it Philip?” Stevie asks excitedly. “If it is, tell him I said hi.”
I’d suggest she tell him to go to hell, but that’s envy speaking. Lucky Philip landed a spot in Eloise’s life for longer than the hour I did.
“It’s Penny,” she announces as I round the corner and stop just out of their view.
I lean my back against the wall and suck in a deep breath.
“A new friend?” Astrid asks as I tug my phone out of my pocket.
I scan the screen and delete the message immediately. It’s another offer from my credit card company. I have everything I need so I ignore it, as I always do.
“We met at Atlas 22 the other night,” Eloise fills her in. “She wants to meet up for a drink. Would it be okay if I…”
“Go,” Astrid interrupts her. “It’s almost bedtime for our girl and I’m sure Gaines is on his way out too. A doctor’s work is never done.”
“Right.” Eloise follows that up with a light chuckle.
There’s a hint of relief wrapped in it.
“You’ll tell Philip I said hi, right?” Stevie questions her as the sound of chairs being pushed back from the table fills the air.
“I will,” Eloise assures her. “Thank you all for dinner.”
“I’ll tell Gaines you said bye,” Astrid’s voice fades as they make their exit toward the foyer.
I step closer to the corner, hoping to catch Eloise’s reply but I can’t quite make it out.
Needing a minute to compose myself, I head to the main floor bathroom for a quick splash of cool water on my face. It’s a prelude to the cold shower I’ll need to take once I’m back home.
Being in the same room as Eloise tonight was enough to put me in a state of need. I want that gone now. I have to find a way to chase it away forever because I can’t touch that beauty again.
CHAPTER TEN
Eloise
“I did some research while I was at the hospital today.” Penny taps the center of her phone’s screen. “Dr. Morgan is a legend.”
You’re preaching to the choir, Pen.
Since I know (or hope) she’s not talking about his skills in a private room at Club Skyn, I opt for the glaringly obvious choice in my reply, “I’ve heard he’s a pretty great doctor.”