Page 41 of Cocky M.D.
I’d just finished my first round when my phone rang again. I quickly returned to my office and saw that the person I’d spoken to earlier was calling me back.
I shouldn’t have done this.If she left me, it was my fault. I ignored the tingles in my spine and answered.
The clerk said, “Mr. Dawes, she’s left.”
She’d been efficient. Perhaps she knew her style. I let out a breath and said, “Excellent. What happened?”
“She didn’t buy a dress.”
So she’d not spent her own money. I glanced at the white ceiling, my gut twisting. She didn’t really love me, which I already knew, but that proved it. “She didn’t?” Adrenaline rushed through my veins.
“She asked for the price and bolted.”
I sighed and said quickly, “Send the one she liked to my house and charge it.”
I gave her my card number and hung up the phone. At least I knew for sure. Love was a lie, and she was with me for my money. I knew better than to believe in her and her declarations of love.
And I would have to teach Bradley to protect his heart, too, as women were notorious, and it was better to see their predatory hearts. That included Olivia’s.
Chapter Fifteen
Olivia
I’d leftthe too-expensive bridal shop he’d sent me to in the morning and decided the outlet was good enough for a backyard wedding. If Johnny had intended to prove to me that I wasn’t in his class, he’d succeeded.
My heart raced, but I ignored it. I’d driven Bradley to my favorite coffee shop and grabbed a donut for him and a tea for me, then we headed to the mall. Some of my friends had bought their wedding dresses there and not had sticker shock.
I wasn’t allowed to bring in the tea, so we sat on the sidewalk and talked. When my phone rang, I answered and put it on speaker so that I couldn’t ignore Bradley.
Indigo was the alpha sister. She wasn’t the oldest but the bossiest. “My husband is here with me. You’re getting married. Who is he?”
My stomach twisted. If I hadn’t told my sisters, then I wouldn’t have anyone to answer to. “Johnny Dawes.”
After a muffled conversation on the other end, Indigo said, “Jacob says he knows his family.”
I tugged my ear and smiled at Bradley. He was one of the best reasons to stay. “Yeah, he said he knew Jacob and Carter’s names, though he’s a doctor here in Pittsburgh.”
“We’ll fly out for the wedding.”
My entire body stilled at the idea of my sisters seeing me. It could be a huge mistake. I swallowed and wished panic weren’t racing through me. “No. Don’t.”
“Why?”
I closed my eyes and wished Bradley couldn’t hear our conversation. His father had set me up, but I would not tell my sisters on the phone. I chose my words carefully and said, “Because I need some space to settle.”
“Settle what? We’re family, and we’re flying in on our private jet. Georgie will be at her house first, so give her a call. We’ll all be in tonight for you to tell us all about your upcoming wedding.”
The rally to help Olivia was about to begin. I cringed as I glanced at Bradley, whose eyes were wide. “Don’t.”
“We’re sisters, Olivia. Even Stephanie’s catching a flight.”
So the complete circle of everyone who ever tried to “help” me but never listened would all see me. “I’ll be fine.”
“Right, and if you’re in need, we’ll help you with whatever you intend to do next.”
That was the good part of having sisters. I loved them, and they loved me. I’d flown to their weddings and shed tears of joy for most of them.
I hung up, and Bradley said, “Your sisters love you.”
