Page 31 of Healing Hearts
"Amazing," Trevor finishes, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
I agree as I snuggle closer to him, pushing away the nagging voice reminding me of my secrets. For now, I just want to savor this perfect moment, but he’s right. That was amazing.
Chapter 12
Trevor
Iset the steaming mug of coffee on Brooke's nightstand, the aroma mingling with the scent of sea air drifting through her open window. The omelet I prepared sizzles on the plate beside it, golden and fluffy. I watched a video online and followed the steps very carefully.
Brooke stirs, her red hair a tousled halo on the pillow. Those green eyes blink open, focusing on me with sleepy warmth that sets my pulse racing.
"Good morning, beautiful," I murmur, perching on the edge of the bed. "Breakfast is served," I add with a flourish. “Chef’s special. I expect rave reviews.”
She stretches languidly, the sheet slipping to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of smooth skin. "Mmm, you spoil me. Is this how you treat all your conquests?"
I chuckle, trailing my fingers along her arm. "Only the exceptionally sexy librarian ones."
Brooke sits up, pulling the sheet with her as she reaches for the coffee. "Flattery will get you everywhere." She takes a sip, her lips curving in appreciation. "God, that's good. Almost as good as last night…almost."
Heat floods my cheeks at the memory of last night. "High praise indeed. Though I'd say last night was in a league of its own."
We share a few quiet moments together, sipping coffee, making small talk. And then, reluctantly, I glance at my watch. “I should get going,” I say, a hint of regret in my voice.
Brooke nods, looking up with a playful smile. “Well, thank you for the coffee and culinary masterpiece. I’ll be sure to recommend you to all my friends.”
I grin, leaning down to give her a quick kiss. “Next time, I’m hoping for a third date review.”
She laughs softly. “Oh, I think I can manage that.”
I head out to my car, a spring in my step as I whistle unusually cheerful this morning. I can’t help but think about Brooke—her wit, her warmth, that understated sex appeal that’s somehow amplified by her quiet confidence. Who would have thought a school librarian could be this… alluring? I chuckle to myself. If all librarians were like her, I’d have spent a lot more time at the library in school.
As I reach the hospital, the shift in atmosphere is immediate, but I can’t quite shake my good mood. My first patient of the morning is Florence, one of the ‘Walking Ladies’, a group of octogenarian women who do laps around the town every morning, rain or shine.
Florence is scheduled for a check-up on her toe that she managed to drop a dumbbell on when she was attempting to impress her friends by entering a weightlifting contest at the local gym. I find her waiting in the exam room, flanked by her friends Gladys, Betty, and Joan—all of them in their early eighties and feisty as ever. You never see one without the other three. They’re a package deal and one you need to mentally prepare for.
“Morning, ladies,” I greet them, holding back a grin as Florence gives me a knowing look.
“Well, look who’s up early today,” Florence says, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Gladys, leaning heavily against the exam table next to Florence, nods and says, “Must be that special someone keeping you out late at night. Isn’t that right, Dr. Jacobs?”
Betty pipes up next, “Oh, we saw you driving away from Brooke Edwards’ place this morning. She’s single, you know.”
I clear my throat, trying to maintain a professional demeanor. “You ladies certainly keep an eye on things around town, don’t you?”
Joan laughs, patting my arm. “Oh, honey, we see everything. And let me tell you, if Brooke hasn’t snatched you up yet, I’d be happy to.” She attempts to wink at me and for a split second I think she may be having a mini stroke, but she recovers quickly.
I can’t help but chuckle, shaking my head. “Thank you, Joan. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.”
Florence waves a hand, dismissing my deflection. “So, what’s she like? Brooke is such a lovely girl. And we hear she’s got quite a sense of humor.”
“Alright, alright,” I say, holding up a hand to stop them before this conversation gets any more embarrassing. “Ladies, I think it’s time we focus on Florence’s toe injury.”
But Gladys isn’t about to let it go. “Just make sure you treat her right, Dr. Jacobs. We like you well enough, but we’ll be watching out for Brooke. She gets those spicey books for us to read.”
“Yes! The ones from Irene Lawless, Delta James, Sheila Fowler, CA Miconi, and Sophie Quinn. That’s my new favorite author – Sophie Quinn.” Florence announces. “It’s full of sex.”
“Duly noted,” I say, unable to stop smiling as I give Florence’s shoulder a reassuring pat.
