Page 42 of Just One Kiss

David. His name is David.

She got in, and he closed the door, impressing her with his chivalry. Some women wanted to do everything for themselves, but Carly had been doing everything herself for sixteen years. It was kind of nice not to have to for a change.

She let out a heavy sigh.Get it together. He’s just a guy.

Seconds later, he was sitting beside her and they were driving toward the restaurant.

They made small talk, and she was proud she held up her end of the conversation considering how out of practice she was. It was a nice change of pace. Her typical nights consisted of her yoga pants, a giant Michigan State sweatshirt and a pint of mint chocolate chip she’d stashed at the back of the freezer so Jaden wouldn’t find it.

They pulled up in front of Capri, and Carly refused to allow the memories of a bright-eyed, baby-faced Josh driving her here all those years ago.

She wouldn’t think about the way he’d spilled aftershave on his chest, filling the car with a piney, masculine scent. She wouldn’t think about the way he stared at her throughout the night, like she was the most beautiful girl in the world. And she most definitely would not think about the kiss they’d shared on the boardwalk as they tried to sort out the change in their feelings for each other.

Carly had only kissed one other boy before Josh, but that one was enough for her to spot the differences between a good kiss and a bad kiss.

Josh had never given her a bad kiss in her life.

And that was all she was willing to remember about that.

She got out of the car, forgetting the good doctor’s chivalrous side, and met him in front of the Audi on the way to the main entrance of the restaurant. In the near distance, Lake Michigan sparkled as the sun set.

“I hope you don’t mind if our table is on the patio,” Dr. Willette—David—said. “It’s such a nice night.”

Carly nodded in agreement.

They were seated at a table for two on the veranda at the back of the restaurant. It offered a beautiful view, with sailboats in the distance and the sun dropping lower in the sky.

But what did they talk about? Work? Jaden? Harbor Pointe?

“So, have you lived here your whole life?” he asked after they ordered. Shrimp primavera for him, chicken marsala for her.

She nodded. “I’m a Harbor Pointe girl.”

He took a drink of his water. “Ever think of moving anywhere else?”

She picked up her napkin and spread it over her lap. “I really haven’t. Jaden’s friends are here, and now this indoor training center he’s so jazzed about. I like my job, and my family is close by.” She met his eyes. “Why, are you thinking of moving?”

“I took this job because Harbor Pointe intrigued me, and it was a chance to do something new. But I don’t think I’ll stay here forever. I like to travel. Seems a shame to stay in one place for too long, doesn’t it, when there are so many places to see?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “I think there’s something nice about putting down roots in a place.”

“I’m sure you’re right.” He smiled. It was a kind smile. David Willette wasn’t the sort of doctor who was going to raise red flags with his rebellious, but life-saving procedures. This wasn’tGrey’s Anatomy, after all. Rather, he was a textbook doctor, meaning he did everything by the book.

If she had to describe him in three words, they might be strait-laced, buttoned-up and intelligent.But her friends’ words rushed back at her—he was also single, straight and stable. These were not qualities that could be overlooked.

Then why did she find herself zoning out as he replied to a question she’d incorrectly thought she wanted to know the answer to?

“That was probably more of an answer than you wanted,” he said as their food arrived.

She smiled. “Not at all.”

He picked up his knife and fork and began to meticulously cut his food into bite-sized pieces. Even the pasta. She, on the other hand, cut one chunk of chicken and stuck it into her mouth. She only just now realized how hungry she was.

“Do you think Jaden’s going to be okay?” The question hadn’t been pre-meditated, and now Carly almost regretted asking it. But it was what was on her mind, in spite of where they were and why.

He chewed, swallowed, then smiled. “He’s a strong kid. I think he’s going to be fine no matter what happens.”

No matter what happens.

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