Page 22 of Paging Dr. Summers

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“I just find it rude that he’s taking a call on your date.”

“As a doctor, I would think you would understand. You’ve never had to take a call about a patient while on a date?” I playfully countered.

“That’s different,” he grumbled. “People’s lives could be at stake.”

“For we all we know, someone is having a major life crisis about which wet suit they should buy, and Jake is the only one who can help them.” I giggled.

Logan’s lips twitched, but he suppressed the smile. “Regardless, it’s still rude.”

I couldn’t tell you how much I wanted to see his full-blown smile. He’d hinted at it before, but I had yet to witness it.

“Well, while he’s beingrude, you can tell me which fictional universe you’d most like to live in.” Honestly, it didn’t bother me thatJake was taking a call. It kind of felt nice just to be with Logan and Sophie. I know that sounded bad, considering I was on a date.

“That’s easy,” Sophie announced. “I would live in Harry Potter’s world.”

“Good choice.” I tapped her button nose. She was seriously adorable.

“Where would you choose, Uncle Logan?” Sophie asked.

“Yes, Uncle Logan, where would you choose?” I echoed.

“What is the purpose of all these odd questions?” he responded.

“Obviously, I’m doing a psychological evaluation of you,” I teased. “So, answer the question.”

Sophie snickered. “You’re funny.”

“Why, thank you. I don’t think your uncle agrees, though.”

“Yes, he does. He told my mom you were funny.”

“Oh, really?” I sang, way too pleased that Logan was talking about me—and thought I was funny.

“He also said you’re odd.”

“Sophie,” Logan groaned, running a hand over his mussed hair.

“Is that so?” I fixed my gaze on Logan and furrowed my brow, though I wasn’t truly offended. After our first couple of interactions, it would have surprised me if hedidn’tfind me odd.

“It’s not as bad as it sounds.” Logan squirmed, his discomfort palpable.

“How bad is it?” I couldn’t help but relish the rare moment when I seemed to have the upper hand.

Logan swallowed hard, eyes darting briefly to Sophie as if seeking her help. “It’s just—you’re different from most women. That’s not a bad thing,” he added quickly, his voice faltering.

“Uh-huh.” I wasn’t sure I was buying it.

We moved up some more in line. The red in Logan’s tanned cheeks remained steady.

Jake jogged back over. “Hey,” he said, deflated. “I’m so sorry, but they’re having some electrical issues at the store, and it’s wreaking havoc. I’m going to need to head over there now.”

“That’s awful.”

“I’m sorry to cut our date short. I can drop you off at home on my way. Maybe we can do dinner later.”

I looked around at the festival, knowing it would go on for several more days, but I couldn’t leave. I felt so close to Mom there, and I’d barely experienced all the festival offered.

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