Page 29 of Healing Hearts
“Nice to meet you, Charlie. Trevor Jacobs…Garrett’s friend.”
She shakes his hand. “Nice to meet you, too.” She looks over our table to see our plates empty and a glimmer of pride flashes in her eyes. "I’m just checking on my new favorite couple. So, how's the blind date going?" She winks at me.
Trevor and I exchange a glance, both of us fighting back laughter. "Actually, Charlie," I say, "we've already met. We had a date last night."
Charlie's eyes widen comically. "No way! Talk about a small world. Garrett and I are genius matchmakers and didn't even know it!"
"How do you two know each other?" Trevor asks, gesturing between Charlie and me.
"Oh, Brooke and I go way back," Charlie says, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "We're on the same kickball team. Speaking of which," she turns to me, "the co-ed practice starts next month, don't forget."
I nod, trying not to think about how I'll have to skip the first practice to meet my publisher in New York. "Right, thanks for the reminder."
Charlie continues, "I met Trevor that day I stopped by the hospital to drop off some paperwork for Sunni. Remember?"
Trevor's face lights up with recognition. "Of course!"
“But then when Garrett asked Sunni if she knew anyone single for his friend, she tossed me the question and I thought of you.” Charlie says as she straightens the silverware on our table, ever the perfectionist chef.
As Trevor and Charlie chat, I can't help but marvel at how small Hibiscus Harbor truly is. Everyone seems connected in some way, and yet, I still have my secrets. I push the thought aside, focusing instead on the warmth of Trevor's smile and the easy flow of conversation around our table.
As Charlie leaves us to continue our date, I findmyself wrestling with an unexpected wave of guilt. Trevor's blue eyes catch mine, and I'm struck by the openness I see there. He's been nothing but genuine with me, and here I am, holding back a significant part of my life. But in reality, I do that with everyone in my life…Charlie and Kendall, too.
"You okay?" Trevor asks, his brow furrowing slightly. "You look like you're a million miles away."
I force a smile, shaking off the doubt. "Just thinking about how small this town really is. It's kind of amazing we haven’t met before, isn't it?"
He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine. "Maybe the universe was waiting for the right moment."
My heart flutters at his touch. "Dr. Jacobs, are you getting sentimental on me?"
"Hey, I've seen enough in the OR to know that sometimes, timing is everything," he says with a wink.
As we finish our dessert, the urge to tell him about Sophie Quinn dances on the tip of my tongue, but I hold back. It's too soon, I reason. We've only known each other less than a week. Two dates isn't enough time to start sharing all my secrets, right?
Trevor's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "So, what do you say we get out of here?"
I nod, gathering my purse. "Sounds perfect. Where to?"
He stands, offering his hand. "How about your place? If that's not too forward."
I take his hand, feeling a jolt of electricity. "Only if you promisenotto be as chivalrous as you were the last time you were there. The last time you were at my place, my heart got crushed." I tease him.
Trevor's laugh is rich and warm. "I make no promises, but I'll do my best."
As we step out into the cool night air, Trevor sweeps meinto his arms without warning. I let out a surprised squeal that turns into laughter.
"What happened to being chivalrous?" I ask, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"I lied," he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Now, which way to your bedroom, Miss Edwards?"
I burst into laughter. "You know you have to actually get us to my house first, right?"
Trevor pauses, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Right. Maybe I didn't think this through entirely."
"Put me down, you goof," I say, still giggling. "I'll drive and you follow me. Then you can sweep me off my feet all you want."
As he sets me down, our eyes lock, and for a moment, the world stands still. In that heartbeat, I know I'm falling for him, secrets and all.
