Page 19 of Baby Maker

“I heard you had coffee together.”

I whirl around, my gaze narrowing. That was a piece of information I didn’t release to his better half. “How do you know that?”

Simon shrugs, accepting a glass of champagne from the tray. “He mentioned it. I saw him at a meeting earlier this week.”

“Right,” I mumble, unwilling to make anything of the disclosure. It’s just a coincidence that Keegan mentioned me, a cordial exchange between two doctors who know the same woman. Totally innocent. “I’m going to the bar. I think something stiffer than champagne is in order. Do you need anything?”

“I’m good. Shall I walk with you?”

Before I can respond, a doctor cuts into our chat, and I wave them off before disappearing into the crowd. I’m not sure if that’s one of the usurpers Simon warned me about, but he’s on his own until I can return with liquid reinforcements.

I stroll over to the bar, casting glances in Keegan’s direction every few seconds. I can’t help it. The man is decadently handsome.

“What’ll it be, miss?” The bartender places a napkin in front of me with a nod.

“A glass of Chardonnay, please.”

I glance to my left again, but Keegan is gone. Oh well, it was a delightful view while it lasted.

“Fancy meeting you here.”

My cheeks flame as I maintain my focus straight ahead. I have to wonder if he noticed my obtuse ogling. “Dr. Russo. Keep it quiet. I’m undercover.”

He sidles closer, and I grin, still unable to meet that unnerving gaze. “Spying on the medical community, are we?”

“Someone has to keep you blokes in line. You’re known to be terribly brazen when left to your own devices.” I offer a smile of thanks to the bartender as he sets down my glass, before turning to face the handsome doctor. “How are you?”

“Better now.” He clears his throat, glancing away, but not before I detect a faint hint of color crawl up his cheeks. “What are you doing here, Calli?”

I really love how he says my name. “I came with Simon. Bridget is home sick with the girls, so I’m his stand-in.”

His eyes rove the length of my body, and I’m thrilled I took the extra time to look pretty. “You look amazing. Of course, you always do.”

“What a load of bollocks,” I laugh. “This is the just first time you’ve seen me out of yoga gear.”

“Something to be said for yoga gear.”

“Yes. It’s great for practicing yoga.”

“Aren’t you going to comment?” He motions to his face, drawing my full attention to the beard.

“Figures that it’s grown in perfectly.” What I fail to mention is that Keegan’s neatly trimmed beard only ups the ante in the sexiness department. Not that the man needs any help. He would have to be blind to miss the appreciative glances shot in his direction.

“You approve?”

“I do. You look very handsome.” I widen my eyes at the smirk decorating his face. “I’m stopping there. I refuse to vomit a boatload of compliments on you tonight.”

He snaps his fingers, chuckling. “It’s my turn, anyway.”

My cheeks redden at the intimation, so I focus my gaze toward my best friend, hoping to squelch the warmth flooding my body. I’m blaming the flush on the wine and not the devilishly good looking man by my side. “For someone who claimed he didn’t want to attend alone, Simon is certainly enjoying that conversation.” I motion across the room to where he stands speaking with a most animated man, his hands flying about in all variety of gestures.

“Simon better be careful. He might accidentally get clocked. Dr. Catalano is quite verbose in his commentary. Also, I don’t blame your friend for wanting a date for the evening. Especially when that date is you.”

I can’t hold back the smile crossing my face as I press my hand against his chest. “You’re very good at that.”

“What?”

“Compliments.” I hold up my hand when he opens his mouth to argue my words. “I’m serious. They’re sincere. Witty, even. But without a hint of saccharine overload.”

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