Page 18 of Rockstar Baby Daddy

“And I’m sure you will, but I know you, Suze. You want to experience being pregnant and childbirth, the whole thing.”

My shoulders fell because he was right about that. “Well, that’s starting to feel like a pipedream, Drew.” I hadn’t had a date in more than a year. “Anyway. I have some news.”

“You’re seeing Gavin Ross?”

I clenched my jaw, reaching for patience. “No, I hired a cardio fellow for your program.”

“What?” His voice boomed and drew attention, which I knew he wouldn’t like. A moment later he looked around, cheeks flushed. Drew leaned forward, anger tightening his voice. “Without asking me?”

“You mean, beyond the email I sent two months ago? The one you either ignored or simply disregarded?” I shook my head. Give Drew a scalpel and he was the master of focus and attention. Outside the operating room, he was less focused. “Time was of the essence if we wanted the most qualified fellow, and I did. It’s good for JRMC.”

“If this fellow isn’t qualified for the job, don’t expect me to keep them on staff.”

“Of course.”

“Okay, then.” His shoulders relaxed a little as he finished off his steak and then the jumbo shrimp. “You really should put yourself out there more, Suzie.”

“I know that, Drew. This might come as a surprise to you, but men aren’t lining up to date a bossy woman in frumpy clothes and colorful glasses.”

“Bullshit. You’re the only one who sees you that way. Gavin obviously doesn’t.”

No, he didn’t. But that was just a one-time thing. A temporary distraction. “I’m glad you’re back, Drew. I’ve missed you.”

“Missed you, too, Suze.”

Gavin

“Finally.”

The word came out a little scratchy, but it was my voice. Deep and familiar, if a little rusty. It had taken three long days of silence, and of listening to Granddaddy regale me with stories of his days as a single man. And a married man. And a widow. But now, I was officially cleared to talk and there was just one voice I wanted to hear.

“Suzie Q.”

I heard that small intake of breath and smiled. “Gavin, I’m flattered you would use your limited voice time to call me, but don’t you havepeoplewaiting to hear from you?”

“Email and text message. Got a lot of work done, unfortunately.” Alex was eager to get me back in the public eye, talking about my surgery. If I couldn’t sing, he wanted me out in the world, sitting for interviews and photo shoots, endorsements and community service. He was scared shitless the world might forget about Gavin Ross while I was out of commission.

“Need a ride?” It was a fair question since she’d been playing chauffer to Granddaddy over the past few days, which the man hadn’t stopped talking about.

“No,” I laughed. “I’m offering one, actually.”

Another moment of silence passed before Suzie’s laugh sounded. “That’s not a good idea, Gavin. I seem to remember my last ride quite vividly and you weren’t exactly quiet then. Plus, it’s only been three days.”

I could hear the smile in her voice and it put a smile on mine. “Are you keeping count, Suzie Q?”

“Aaron has been giving me updates. Regular updates. How’s the stubbed toe coming along?”

“Dammit, Granddaddy! What other lies has he been feeding you?” The old man had no filter and no shame.

“Lies? I can’t be sure since he does have quite the flair for the dramatic. He’s a great storyteller.” Suzie’s laugh sounded down the line and the sound was beautiful and feminine and real.

“Does that mean you’re coming over for dinner tonight? Seven o’clock?” I held my breath and waited for her response with a smile on my face, wondering when the last time was that I had so much fun with a woman. “You only have to bring yourself. Please?”

She gasped. “Well, if you’re begging for my company, how can I say no?”

“I’m hoping you can’t. I have been told that I’m irresistible.”

“Modest, too,” she shot back quickly, tinkling laughter sending heat flooding my body. “So very modest.”

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