Page 12 of Baby Maker

Caffeine, here I come.

"Calliope?"

I turn on my heel, my breath catching in my throat. Now I know what Dr. Russo looks like dressed down and let's just say he's exponentially more delicious. His nickname suits him.

"Hi there, Baby Maker," I retort, clapping my hand over my mouth at my faux pas. "Criminy, why did I say that?"

Thankfully, he's a good sport, chuckling as he runs his hands through his dark hair. "I see my nickname precedes me."

"It does, but I'm privy to inside information."

"You know you have to finish that statement. Can't leave it hanging it like that."

I see something else is hanging.

I tear my gaze from the pronounced bulge in his pants, praying to God that for once, my face doesn't turn as red as a lobster. "You mean my inside information. You came recommended by Dr. Simon Hogue and his wife, Bridget."

"I didn't know you knew them."

"Dr. Russo, I've known Simon since we were children. He's my best friend."

"I see. Did you come to America together?"

"No. He tagged along a few years after I arrived. He's lost without me," I joke, tugging Domino back from the handsome doctor.

Domino is equally impressed, placing her paws on his leg and begging for love. Little vixen, she used that same ploy with me. It's also ironic—and pretty pathetic—that my dog is more apt in the art of flirting than I am. "Sorry about her. Domino, get down."

Dr. Russo squats beside her, giving her ears a scratch. "I love dogs. She's fine." He stands back up and shoves his hands in his pockets, drawing my attention downward.

Again.

Even in baggy jeans, there's no hiding his assets, and I swallow, feeling another flush crawl up my cheeks.

"I didn't know you lived around here."

Thank God, a safe topic. "Yes, for about twelve years. I was just about to get some coffee."

"From here?" He screws up his face in distaste. "Come on. The coffee shop at the end of the block is far better, and they allow dogs."

"But, I always go to Starbucks. It's my haunt."

"That's part of the fun of trying new things. Leaving your comfort zone. Come on. You're the woman who marched around my office the other day. You can't be afraid to try out a new coffee joint."

I chuckle, pausing as I recall the last time I'd had such a laugh. Then I remember. It was the day I met Dr. Russo. "I suppose Starbucks will forgive me."

"I think they'll survive without your mocha latte."

We stroll down Main Street, taking in the early spring sunshine. We aren't alone by any stretch. Most of the town's residents are also basking in the glorious day.

He leads us to a small, nondescript building and my brows raise. "Is this a coffee shop or the site of a future murder? Specifically, my murder."

A chuckle rises from his chest, and I find his laugh infectious. "Hold your horses, drama queen. Just wait and see."

Five minutes later, we're seated in the outdoor courtyard, a light and inviting space with ivy climbing the walls and a fountain splashing in the corner.

For Domino, it's heaven come to life, and she has one quest. Sniff everything.

Our server delivers our drinks, and I take a sip, noting how his blue eyes remain fixed on me, awaiting my reaction. As soon as it hits my throat, I moan with satisfaction. "Wow. That's amazing."

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