Page 72 of The Bitter Rival

“I hate salad,” Austin says to the wall. Shaking my head, I look to Sebastian, who’s beaming.

“What?”

“I love this kid.”

“Thank you for dinner.” Sebastian looks over his shoulder to make sure the coast is clear before coming closer to place a kiss on my temple.

“You’re welcome.”

“Would you go out for dinner with me?”

“You didn’t get enough to eat?” I laugh.

“No. I meant, on a date.”

“Uh, sure. I’d love to go out with you. I just have to see about Austin.”

“I understand. Tomorrow night, then?”

“Bas, you’re going to get sick of me.”

“Not possible,” he says, turning for the door. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

Sebastian

I pull into my drive with a feeling of calm I can’t explain. How had I been afraid of this for so long? The contentment I felt, sitting at that tiny table eating leftover spaghetti with her and her son, was mystifying. Normally, I’d blame it on the post-sex high I felt whenever I was with her. And sure, morning sex lived up to the hype. But this was different, and I damn well knew it.

I felt at home there. And I didn’t feel at home anywhere. There were times I wasn’t entirely relaxed in my own space. But there was a peace that enveloped me in her home. The brownstone was smaller than I expected, being a duplex. The furnishings were nice but dated. It wasn’t the lavish surroundings I was accustomed to. Yet, I felt more like myself there than I had in a long time.

Shaking my head at this revelation, I look up in time to notice Boomerang is lying on my front porch. As if he senses my eyes on him, he sits up and begins to wag his tail. Well, holy hell. This day just gets better and better.

I park the car in the garage and immediately walk out to find him standing on the sidewalk, tail flying through the air. “Hey, buddy.”

He runs over to me and sits as if waiting for something.

“Where’ve you been?” Bending down, I pet his head and scratch behind his ears. “I missed you.” As I continue to stroke his fur, it dawns on me that’s the second time I’ve said that today. Before this, I doubt I’ve ever felt that way about anyone except Nick when we were arguing. “You hungry?”

I stand to my full height and watch as he follows me to the door. Today has been a good day. Maybe Nick and Kendal are right. If I keep this up, my performance in the OR should be back to normal in no time.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-ONE

Isabella

“Holy crap!” Looking at my watch, I see it’s 6:55 p.m. Where’s the time gone? Looking at my bed now covered in almost everything I own, I think I have my answer.

Why am I so anxious about this date? I’ve not only been completely uninhibited with him but practically the whole town after my little show. I’ve settled on a knee-length, deep purple wrap dress. I have no idea where we’re going, but this should be acceptable anywhere. I’m wearing minimal jewelry, my hair down, and my makeup natural.

Thankfully, I didn’t even have to finish my question when I asked Bailey if she could watch Austin tonight. She couldn’t stop giggling about how right Katarina had been. I can’t wait until Bailey has the opportunity to meetThe man God created just for her, as she puts it. I’ll be her girl tribe whenever she needs it. Although, let’s hope it never needs to go as far as mine did.

Knock, knock.

Good lord, my nerves…Grabbing my clutch, I walk to the door. Opening it, I peer up at the incredibly beautiful man before me. “Hi.”

“Hi,” he responds, leaning in to place a kiss on my cheek. It dawns on me he still has yet to kiss my mouth. But, maybe after our date? Offering his arm, he continues, “You look beautiful, GG. Are you ready?”

“Yes. Where are you taking me?”

“Is Julep’s okay?”

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