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“Look who’s here,” Karen said when he joined them. The tone of familiarity indicated they knew each other. “Hi, Jake. To what do we owe the honor?”
“Ladies.” He looked around, then let his gaze linger on Hope. “There was a rumor that the E.R. department was here for happy hour.”
“All three of us,” Stacy said.
“Is this a ladies-only initiation rite for the new girl in town? Or can anyone join?”
“Have a seat, Doc,” Karen said. “This is the first annual Mercy Medical West employee-bonding ritual.”
He sat on the empty chair between Stacy and Hope. His shoulder brushed hers, sending a blast of heat through her. The waitress took his drink order and brought him a bottle of beer, as if he were just one of the guys. But he didn’t look like just one of them.
Except for scrubs after surgery, she always saw him in a suit and tie, as if he were running for elected office. Tonight was no exception. The charcoal slacks, matching jacket, crisp white shirt and tone-on-tone silver tie made him look so good, broad-shouldered and masculine. The pocket of turbulence spread from her chest to her stomach and made her as nervous as a fearful flyer.
She didn’t like being aware of him. She didn’t like being aware of him in a way she hadn’t been aware of a man since her husband. Jake Andrews? Really? It made no sense. He and Kevin were nothing alike. Jake was mercenary and ambitious—not at all her type.
She wanted to get up and leave but felt it would appear rude. Not to mention weird. So she toughed it out until everyone had finished their drinks.
Then she pushed away her wineglass. “I think I’ll call it a night.”
“So soon?” Karen said.
Hope slid down from the high chair. “Busy day tomorrow. The fire department is inspecting the building and if we don’t pass they’ll revoke our certificate of occupancy. But you all stay and have fun.”
“Don’t have to ask me twice. Mom’s got the girls.” Karen looked at Stacy.
“I’m free. Tim has a late meeting.”
“I’ll see you both tomorrow. This was really great,” she said. “Good night, Jake.”
He stood beside her. “I’ll walk you to your car.”
“I’m parked just across the street.” It was an effort to keep her tone light when her heart was beating like crazy. “Don’t bother.”
“It’s no bother.” He smiled at the other two women. “See you later.”
Then he settled his palm at the small of her back, escorting her through the crowded bar and into the chill air of the late-January night. Hope felt the pressure and heat of his fingers. Just that casual touch made her heart pound and her knees wobble. It wasn’t okay and she stepped away from him as they walked side by side across the dark, hardly used street between the strip mall and the recently black-topped hospital lot.
“My car is by the E.R. entrance,” she said and walked as fast as she could toward it.
“Do you have somewhere to be?”
Glancing up at his profile, the lean line of his cheek and jaw she said, “No. Why?”
“Then you’re cold?”
His touch had gone a long way to taking the chill out of the dark night. “A little. Why?” she asked again.
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