Page 94 of Paging Dr. Hart
PRESENT, COLUMBUS, OHIO
Hurry up, Tiffy, or we’ll be late,” calls Ethan from the living room.
With only a towel wrapped around me, I stand in my closet, flipping through hangers. I’m trying to decide between the black dress or the green one. I shoot off a quick text to Melanie.
Tiffany: What are you wearing tonight?
Melanie: My blue jumper. U?
Tiffany: Can’t decide between my green or black dress.
I send her a photo of each one.
Melanie: The green. It brings out your eyes. Ethan will be all Ooh La La when he sees you. That dress will look good on the floor later.
Tiffany: Melanie!
Melanie: What? It’s true! I see the way he looks at you.
Melanie: Hey, thanks again for helping me pick out Flooffy the Cat. She’s the best, but she keeps scratching the furniture…and me. Is that normal?
Tiffany: She’s a kitten, so yeah. Totally normal. Also, still can’t believe you named her Flooffy.
Melanie: Why? What’s wrong with Flooffy?? I just love her so much, and I want to cuddle but her claws are tiny razors!
Tiffany: Tomorrow we’ll go to the pet store and get a scratching post.
Melanie: Okay. Thanks. See U soon.
Tiffany: See you.
Back in my bedroom, as I slide the green dress up and over my hips, my eyes land on my favorite picture. It’s a photo of Ethan and me from Disney World. We’re standing in front of Cinderella’s castle. Ethan had surprised me, grabbing me and dipping me backward with a kiss just as the cast member had taken the shot. In the picture, we’re laughing even as our lips touch.
Those last two days at the medical conference in Orlando had been magical. With all the Las Vegas drama behind us, we finally had time to embrace our new relationship. It had been all about holding hands, laughing, kissing, and the nights…oh, the nights. I get shivers just remembering those sexy early nights when Ethan explored and mapped every inch of my body.
Next to the picture is my Resident of the Month award. I received it when I got back from Orlando. Dr. Washburn said it was my reward for all the good work I had done, both in Cleveland and at the conference in Florida. As a surprise, Ethan had it framed for me. At one point in my life, that certificate had meant everything to me. Even though I’m grateful I got it, I have so much more to be thankful for now.
“Tiffy, you ready?” Ethan walks into my bedroom. He’s so handsome, all tall and masculine. His scent, soap and mint, fills my nose as he moves closer. It’s familiar and comforting, putting me at ease.
“Almost.” I turn my back to him. “Can you help me pull up the zipper?” I gather my hair to the side so it won’t get caught.
He puts his mouth on my shoulder and gives it a playful nip. “I’d rather pull the zipper down.” His voice is deep and husky in my ear.
The corners of my mouth tug upward. “Weren’t you the one telling me to hurry?”
“Maybe I was wrong.” Ethan’s mouth moves to the crook of my neck, which he kisses softly. “Maybe we should slow down rather than hurry up. We can be late, can’t we?” His hand winds around my body to gently cup my breast through the fabric.
Breathless from his touch, I struggle to concentrate. “No. You were right. Melanie and her boyfriend will be waiting. They won’t keep going on double dates with us if we’re always late.”
“Fine.” There’s the sound of the zipper being pulled up. I let my hair drop to hang in long shiny waves. I turn to a pouting Ethan and place my hands on his shoulders. Standing on my tiptoes, I press my lips to his.
“Aren’t you going to see Melanie tomorrow, anyway? When you get your nails done?” he asks plaintively.
“Yes. We’re getting manicures with Natalie.” It makes me happy, thinking about how much fun it will be to spend time with my girlfriends at the nail salon. Since I got back from Florida, I’ve been hanging out with Melanie and her best friend, Natalie. They’ve been wonderful, including me in all their plans.
“That doesn’t excuse us for being late.” Standing on one leg at a time, I put on my black strappy heels. That done, I straighten the hem of my dress and glance up to find Ethan’s admiring gaze roving over my body. It makes me catch my breath, the way his amber eyes light up on me.
“You’re gorgeous.” He runs his hand down my bare arm, leaving goosebumps behind. “Don’t worry. We won’t be late, my little rule follower.” A lopsided smirk, amusement dancing in his expression.
