Page 12 of Doctor Daddy Dilemma

It intimidated me that I was already so smitten with her. I’d never fallen so hard so quickly either, and with my reputation for losing women, it meant I was at a high risk of having my heart broken again. Which only made me want to nail it so hard this time—do things I hadn’t done before, try new things, be more open. Anything it required to help Charlie see that I was worth taking a shot on.

And sure she was young, super young, in fact. I assumed maybe she was as young as twenty-one years old, but age was just a number after twenty-one. Right?

I made the decision to take a chance and text her, find out what she had going on this evening, see if she’d fly to Miami to meet me. If she didn’t have the money or couldn’t swing it with her boss, I’d buy her flight. It was what I wanted.

Lex 10:37 AM: Hey beautiful. How are you doing today?

After hitting send I laid my phone down and turned to my computer. I wanted to peruse the flights from Tampa to Miami for this evening and see if there were any spots available. Even if she responded as late as three, I could still swing a trip for her here tonight and back first thing in the morning. But to my surprise, before I even got my search typed into the website, she responded.

Charlie 10:39 AM: I’m well. And thank you. You’re not so bad yourself.

Three heart emojis followed the sentence and made me smile. So she was one of those types who used smiley faces and hearts as punctuation. How unprofessional for a journalist. I loved it.

Lex 10:40 AM: I really enjoyed our time on the yacht.

My thumbs hovered over the tiny keyboard for a few seconds as my mind tried to come up with something else to say but I drew a blank. I hit send and waited for a response. Three dots rolled across the screen like she was typing but then they vanished. I waited a second longer and all she sent was a smiley face emoji. Good, I made her blush.

I could almost picture those rosy cheeks and her eyelashes batting. I didn’t like making her uncomfortable in any way, but the way she squirmed when she was feeling flustered was cute.

Lex 10:43 AM: Thank you for an enjoyable evening. I’d like to see you again.

This time I never put my phone down. I held it eagerly in my hand knowing I had only two minutes until the nurse brought my next patient in and I wanted to continue the conversation.

Charlie 10:43 AM: I’d love that. When are you thinking? Something on the books or…

Her ellipses intrigued me. She was something else. She really did like me and this wasn’t just about the article, even if it was sex and nothing more. Hopefully more, but for now I had to be patient and take one step at a time.

Lex 10:44 AM: Tonight. 7. My place. If you can’t swing the ticket through work, let me know. I’ll set you up.

There was a knock at my door so I called, “Come in.” But my attention was fully focused on my phone screen. I wanted to see her response and she didn’t disappoint.

Charlie 10:44 AM: It’ll be hard to convince my boss this late in the game. You set me up this time. But next time you fly to me.

I grinned and responded.

Lex 10:45 AM: Deal.

Then I looked up to see my next patient walk in. I couldn’t wait to get this day over with, and as soon as this appointment was done, I’d be back on my computer ordering that airline ticket for Charlie to fly in to see me.

Eight hours later I was pacing, waiting for her to arrive at my front door, with a large pepperoni pizza, a bottle of wine with two glasses, and an appetite for her. She was a breath of fresh air the minute Victor escorted her from the door to my arms. I offered a casual hug and a kiss on each cheek, and she allowed me to take her hand as I nodded at the modest meal I planned. I didn’t want anything fancy. I intended to make her the main course.

“Wow…billionaires eat pizza?” She chuckled and followed me to the couch where we sat down.

“Only if they’re hosting gorgeous reporters who deserve to be treated to a normal experience. Otherwise it’s escargot all the way.” God, I wanted to devour her so badly. I just had to keep my hands to myself for a while longer. Besides, I also wanted to enjoy the time with her, get to know her better too.

“Wow, I’m so exhausted. Today was a long day and I’m so hungry.” She wasn’t shy about pulling a slice of pizza out of the box and having a large bite. I joined her, savoring the scent of her perfume more than the flavor of the greasy pizza.

“Well you’re here now. I hope you understand I haven’t booked you a hotel room.” I watched her eyes for a reaction, but she seemed as calm as a cucumber, minus the ruby lips that flushed with desire at my comment.

“I hope you understand I have to slip a few questions in about the story. Sort of obligatory at this point.” Charlie winked at me as she took another bite, and I had no problem opening up to her about things.

We chatted while we ate, sipping wine and indulging ourselves a little until the bottle was empty and I had to call on Victor for a second. She asked about my practice and my dreams. She asked why I’d truly gotten into this field and how I liked it. But when the mood shifted, I sensed her demeanor shift too.

“What about the image that’s been leaked to the tabloids recently. You getting into the car with Jonahlie Prince… They say she’s just a notch in your belt.” Charlie avoided eye contact with me as she asked, and I didn’t blame her. Wherever she’d seen that photo it was of no good intent. Paparazzi were probably following the actress and caught me in the picture with her.

The hint of mistrust and apprehension in her eyes before she looked away, however, bothered me. It also intrigued me. It was as if she felt jealous or uncertain about me because of the photo. So I squashed those thoughts as quickly as I could.

“Ms. Prince is a patient of mine. You understand she prides herself on having natural beauty. If it got out that she was seeing a plastic surgeon for any reason, the press would have a hay day.” I touched Charlie’s knee lightly and she looked up at me.

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