Jenna

jenna

J enna tried not to badger Gabe about Valentine’s Day. Whenever she casually mentioned their plans, he gave her a curt response, saying he was working on it. By the time Valentine’s Day rolled around, she had spiraled into a full-blown panic attack. Reminders of the significance of the holiday were everywhere. Cards and boxes of candy and elaborate floral arrangements from nurses’ significant others cluttered their workstations.

The stomach flu was sweeping through Charlotte, overwhelming the hospital with dehydrated patients needing IV fluids. It wasn’t until late afternoon, when Gabe stopped by her desk to discuss a patient, that finally got a chance to bring up their dinner reservations.

“About tonight . . . Do you want to meet at the restaurant—I can text you the address—or would you prefer to pick me up at my apartment?”

Gabe appeared confused, as though he’d forgotten about their date. “Oh, that. I won’t be able to leave the hospital for a while, with so many patients still needing treatment. Why don’t we meet at Felicia’s party later?”

’s brow shot up. “Are you serious? You realize Felicia’s party is for singles?”

Gabe hunched a shoulder. “Yeah, so?”

“It’s a hookup party, Gabe. I’ve never attended—never wanted to based on the stories that circulate around the hospital for days afterward. Since you’re so concerned about making a positive impression on senior management, I suggest you don’t go.”

“Give me some credit, . I have no intention of doing anything that would make anyone spread rumors about me. Besides, I already told Felicia I would go. I hope I see you there. If not, happy Valentine’s Day.”

’s stomach dropped, but she forced a bright smile. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” she mumbled, blinking back tears as she stared down at her computer screen.

She felt Gabe watching her, but she didn’t dare look up until she sensed him move down the counter toward a group of nurses, who were undoubtedly chatting about Felicia’s party.

Feeling the onset of an ugly cry, quickly finished up her work and went to the break room for her things. On her way past the nurses’ station, she spotted Gabe flirting with Bambi—the prettiest, blondest, curviest nurse on staff. He was laughing at something she said, his dark eyes warm and lips curled into a seductive smile. Bambi was Felicia’s roommate. No wonder he was so determined to attend the party.

Feeling her emotional dam about to break, slung her bag over her shoulder and quickened her pace toward the exit. Distracted, she nearly collided with a delivery man carrying an enormous bouquet of red roses.

“Flowers for Bambi Jamison?” he asked, glancing down at the card in his hand.

jerked her thumb over her shoulder as she brushed past him. “The bombshell blonde over there.”

made it to her car before the dam burst. Fortunately, the drive to her apartment wasn’t far. After crying in the shower for thirty minutes, she placed a cold compress on her eyes and curled up on the sofa with her favorite blanket. She was mulling over potential excuses to cancel on Jake when a thought occurred to her, and she sat up straight. She was going about this all wrong. So what if Gabe was flirting with Bambi? He flirted with all the nurses. All the nurses except . But he was sleeping with her, not them. And the flowers for Bambi? They could have been from anyone.

Untangling herself from the blanket, leapt to her feet and hurried to her bedroom closet. She pulled out the slinky new red dress she’d bought for the occasion and held it up in front of her full-length mirror. Gabe would forget about every other nurse the moment he saw her in this dress.

She styled her hair, adding volume with her new thermal ceramic round brush, and meticulously applied her makeup before slipping into the dress. She admired her reflection one last time before ordering her Uber.

arrived at the Golden Orchid twenty minutes later to find Jake sitting alone at the bar. He looked handsome in a casual blue sport coat and khaki-colored five-pocket pants. When he kissed her cheek, she caught a whiff of an intoxicating, woodsy scent. Since when did Jake wear cologne?

“Where’s your mystery woman?” asked, sliding onto the barstool beside him.

“She’ll be here in a minute. Her babysitter canceled at the last minute. She’s trying to find a neighbor who can stay with her son so she can join us for a drink.”

raised a brow. “Babysitter? Your girlfriend has a kid?”

Jake nodded. “That’s how we met. Her son, Henry, was one of my patients. He was hospitalized with pneumonia a few weeks ago. He’s fully recovered now, though.”

“That’s good.” slipped off her coat. “Tell me about her. What’s her name? What does she do?”

“Her name is Eleanor Clark, and she’s a criminal attorney. Henry’s father isn’t in the picture, which makes me sad for him. If ever there was a little boy who needed a father figure, it’s Henry.”

studied her best friend as he talked about his girlfriend’s son, noting the familiar compassion in his expression—an intrinsic part of him, much like the tiny scar on his temple from a childhood bike accident. “If I didn’t know better,” she said, “I’d think you were more in love with the kid than his mother.”

Jake chuckled. “Who said anything about love? Speaking of which, where’s your Dr. Right?”

’s face warmed as she explained Gabe had been held up at the hospital. Jake could usually tell when she was lying. “He’s going to try to make it to dinner. If not, we’ll meet up later.”

Jake fished the arrowhead out of his pocket, holding it between his thumb and index finger. “Looks like I get to keep this a while longer.”

“Whatever,” said with feigned indifference, though she hated losing yet another bet to Jake.

The hostess appeared at Jake’s side. “I’m sorry, sir. It’s gonna be a few more minutes before your table is ready. Busy night,” she said with an apologetic smile.

Jake returned her smile. “No worries.” He glanced down at his phone. “Eleanor hasn’t left her apartment yet. So she’s at least twenty minutes away. Shall we order a drink while we wait?”

“Yes! Let’s!” said, reaching for the drink’s menu.

perused the offerings while Jake motioned for the bartender. She ordered a lychee martini and he a whiskey sour.

“It’s your turn,” Jake said once their drinks arrived. “Since he won’t be joining us for dinner, I want to hear all about the new man in your life. Is he the one, your Dr. Right?”

sipped her martini. For weeks, she’d been dying to talk to Jake about Gabe, but now that she had the chance, she wasn’t sure what to say. She realized how little she actually knew about Gabe—his hobbies, his family, his background. She didn’t even know where he went to college. And now hardly seemed like the time to admit that things with Gabe were less than ideal. “He’s really great. I think you’ll approve. But I’d rather you meet him in person and form your own opinion.”

Jake gave her a quizzical look. “At least tell me his name.”

“Gabe Rossi. He’s new to the ER staff.”

Jake pressed his lips thin, his jaw tightening slightly.

“What’s with the look?” asked. “What do you know about him?”

Jake hesitated just long enough to raise ’s antenna. Either he’d met Gabe and didn’t like him, or he’d heard something about him. Before he could answer, the hostess arrived to show them to their booth.

“Has your girlfriend sent you an update?” asked. “Do you think she’s even coming?”

Jake’s thumbs flew across his phone’s screen. “I’m texting her now.” A moment later, his phone pinged, and he let out an exasperated sigh.

“What is it, Jake? Is something wrong?”

He dragged his hand down his face, then looked up at her with a smile. “Actually, no. Everything is as it should be.” Slipping his phone into his pocket, he slid out of the booth, pulling to her feet before she could object.

“Where are we going?” she asked, tugging on her coat as she hurried after him through the maze of tables.

“It’s a surprise,” he said, holding the door open for them.

loved Jake’s surprises, especially his spontaneous ones.