Page 123 of Doctorshipped
“On your sexiness.”
“On your perception of me, yes.”
I nod, not wanting to make her uncomfortable. I’ve expressed my thoughts and she knows what I think of her. Maybe one day she’ll see herself as I do. I’m going to make it my mission to show her how she affects me and how utterly desirable she is, not only physically, but definitely also that.
“Anyway, back to my point,” Jayme says, obviously pleasantly ruffled by my compliments. “Think of Fiona. If she’s not an argument for the sweetness of life, I don’t know what is. And your practice—the way it just took off like lightning, and now everyone trusts you and comes to you like you’ve lived here forever. Even Cooter.”
“Yep. Squirrel stew. Life is full of casserole dishes filled with squirrel stew.”
She lightly slaps my arm with her free hand.
“Life is full of people who appreciate you and your expertise. And, look at your relationship with your dad. My friendships. Life isn’t awful at all. Even the hard things have something to teach us if we let them.”
I think about her words as I stare off into the yard. The trees begin to look like silhouettes in a shadow box, the sky turns to a blue-black, and the stars appear as I sit quietly, pondering Jayme’s perspective.
I need to share more of myself with her. It never seems to be the right time. We’re calm and cozy here. Something solid seems to be firming up between us—forging a foundation we’ll build on for years to come. I don’t want to crack that with details from my past—details that are all but irrelevant now.
“So, what did you tell your parents about me?” I ask.
“I actually meant to call them to tell them we broke up. No harm, no foul, right? I figured they’d never meet you. I don’t make a habit of lying to them—or anyone. It just slipped out, and when they lit up like twin Christmas trees it was too tempting not to perpetuate the illusion.”
“So in their minds, we’re still dating?”
She looks down. “I’m horrible.”
“It’s understandable. Sometimes we hide things from people we love. Sometimes we make things look better than they are. It’s not good practice, but it’s very human.”
Jayme assesses me.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Besides, you forgetting to tell them we broke up actually serves me. I don’t want to meet your parents and have them think I’m some on-again-off-again boyfriend.”
Dad was right. It may take me time to give my heart to someone, but when I do, I’m all in. And, in Jayme’s case, I'm more committed than I ever thought I could be.
Jayme leans over and places a soft kiss on my cheek. “I can’t wait for you to meet my parents someday.”
“Well, that’s promising.”
“I’ll make you a lot of promises, Doctor Peppers. And I’ll keep every one.”
37
JAYME
Grant and I drove his dad to the airport this morning and then we had a day in Columbus, just the two of us. At the curb, Joseph pulled me into a warm, fatherly hug. He thanked me for seeing past the surface with his son. He told me he thought Grant and I were well-matched. Then he invited me to come to St. Louis with Grant and Fiona for Christmas. I’m actually considering it.
Before he entered the airport to board the plane, Joseph pulled Grant aside and said a few serious words to him. I’m not sure what was said, but I felt tears prick my eyes as I watched the two of them together, and saw the obvious admiration Grant has for his dad.
We left the airport and Grant took me to a chocolate factory for a tour. After gorging ourselves on delicious confections, we hiked Dripping Rock trail at Highbanks Metro Park. The fall colors covered the rolling terrain along the banks of the Olentangy River. We paused at various spots to take in views of shale bluffs and steep ravines.
I’m not usually a fan of hiking. Kisses help.
Every mile, Grant would stop and pull me off to the side of the path, smoothing my hair back, or rubbing his thumb across the flush of my cheeks and telling me I’m the most captivating hiking buddy he’s ever had. Then he’d lean in and kiss me. I’m thinking I could possibly hike the Appalachian Trail with that kind of motivational program in place.
After our hike, we had an early dinner at Saigon Asian Bistro, a pan-Asian place Grant found on the web. I didn’t miss the fact that he took me to Chinese after I mentioned it to him the other night.
I’m not used to this kind of lavish attentiveness. Usually, I’m the one doting on people around me. And no man has ever made me feel so wanted and beautiful. It could be overwhelming, but instead it’s practically addictive. I find myself waiting to hear him disclose more of his secret thoughts about me, to feel his next touch, to watch his eyes as they wander over my face or my figure.
