Page 37 of Cherish

“Like he ever could,” I finally say, breathless, after ending the kiss.

“All right, Jason.” Ananda gives me a high five before she grabs Mellie and they both walk through the door of their office.

“I wish you could come home with me.” I press my body against her, pressing her into the wall. I know she can feel my hard-on because she moans and bites on her lower lip.

“Gotta work, Dr. Dupree.” She reaches up and strokes my face. “And you look exhausted. Go home and get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” My voice is louder than I intended, but then I remember I have to work again tonight.

“Come on,” she says. “I’ll walk you out.”

I throw an arm over her shoulders and she puts an arm around my waist. We’re oblivious to everyone and everything else until we reach the front revolving door of the hospital. John Doyle comes from our right, heading for the same exit, but his footsteps stall when he sees us together.

I don’t know if Alex notices, but he stops, pretending to look through his phone instead of walking through the front door. I stop and turn to face Alex while Doyle spies on us.

“You’ll need something white for Friday’s all white party, and we have the brunch at Sandy’s mother’s house on Monday.” I kiss her nose, knowing if I kiss her lips, I’ll drag her out of this hospital with me.

“You want me to go to the brunch with you?” she asks playfully.

“I want you to go everywhere with me.” I place my hand under her chin and tilt her head up. “Everywhere.”

“Technically, Dr. Dupree, I’m not going to the wedding with you since you never asked me. I was invited by the bride, and Ananda is my plus one, remember?” Her eyes twinkle with mischief.

No longer caring where we are or who’s watching, I capture her mouth in an earth-shattering kiss. We’re both breathless by the time I reluctantly take a step back.

“I don’t need to ask, darlin’. You’re always my plus one.” I step back, slap her ass and walk out the door, nodding to Doyle on my way out.

CHAPTER 24

ALEX

“He won’t be here for another hour, so we might as well go.” I shut down my computer and check my phone one last time to make sure Jason hasn’t texted again.

The three of us walk out of the office and take the elevator to the first floor, eager to get downtown and find dresses for the wedding.

The first floor is packed with office workers leaving for the day. Since I’m the shortest, I find myself walking between Mellie and Ananda, our arms linked. I resist the urge to skip out the door. Partly because I’m too old for that, but mainly because I don’t want my friends to remind me how stupid I was to think I was meant to be with someone other than Jason. We’re all laughter and excitement about the upcoming weekend on Martha’s Vineyard, but as soon as we step outside, we practically bump into John Doyle. We step around him so he can reach the door to get inside, but he calls my name.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” he asks. Months ago, or even weeks ago, my heart would be beating out of my chest at his request, but right now I feel nothing as I look at him.

Mellie sucks her teeth and crosses her arms, while Ananda arches her eyebrows, a smirk on her face.

“Uh, sure. We’re in a hurry though, so make it quick.” He tries to grab my arm, but I move out of his reach before he could make contact. He leads us away from Mellie and Ananda, probably to ensure they don’t hear what he has to say.

He doesn’t speak right away. He stares into my eyes instead. A few months ago when we met, I wanted to drown in his blue eyes, but all I can do now is think of brown eyes instead. Or those big hands that like to explore my body. His warm lips as he kisses between my breasts.

“Alexandra, I—”

“Alex. I prefer Alex.” I try to keep the frustration out of my voice. I check my Apple Watch, hoping he’ll take the hint and get to the point.

“I just want to tell you I’m sorry about how things ended between us.” He stops speaking, probably waiting for me to say something, but I don’t. I stand there, arms crossed, waiting for him to continue. “I had a good time with you, Alexandra. Things were complicated back then but aren’t anymore.” He takes a step closer to me, but I step back and over to the side, not liking his intentions.

“It was a long time ago and nothing really happened, so no apology necessary.” He opens his mouth to say something but Mellie and Ananda approach.

“Come on, Lex.” Ananda grabs my hand and pulls me away. Without another look or a goodbye, I walk away from Doyle.

“That asshole is still standing there looking at you, Alex. Don’t look back,” Mellie says.

Looking back was never a possibility. I’m about to open my mouth to tell her that when I feel my phone vibrating.

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