Page 10 of Must Be Love - Irresistible Bachelors

I tell myself that’s okay. It would be too messy to get involved with my doctor, anyway.

He comes back out holding a clipboard.

“I’ll need you to sign this. It’s a traditional waiver for testing products.”

I read it over because I know better than to just sign anything without knowing what I’m signing. I’ve seen these forms before through my work at Merhalle. I’m not directly involved with product testing, but I do like to get a feel for all the different departments.

The NDA surprises me, but I do understand it. Dr. Blake needs to protect his products. It makes sense that I can’t share anything about AJB-9 with anyone, especially my employer.

“This looks good,” I say.

I sign my name and initial where necessary before handing the clipboard back to him.

He glances at it, then hands the sheet to Briana.

“Perfect, we’re in business. Are you free next Friday afternoon for your first appointment?”

“Let me check.”

I pull up my calendar. I have a sales meeting in the morning, but my afternoon is free. Dr. Blake has me set aside an hour for an appointment at two.

“Great. I’m excited to get started!”

Dr. Blake grins. “I’m excited, too. Briana, can you get me AJB-9?”

This time, Briana doesn’t argue. She pulls a white cooler from under the counter and hands it over.

“The product has to remain refrigerated when not in use. This cooler will keep it at the appropriate temperature until you get home.”

I nod. “I’ll be sure to keep it cold.”

Unlike the air between us, which has gone completely hot. Dr. Blake is standing close to me, close enough that I can smell his woodsy cologne. I never want to break apart.

Of course, Nicole ruins the moment again.

“So sorry about that!” she says. “My boss wanted an update on the convention, and you know how much she loves to chat.”

“It’s fine. We were just finishing up some business.”

Nicole gives me a look like she knows exactly what kind of business I want to be doing with Dr. Blake. I shake my head, though we both know it’s a lie. Dr. Blake is exactly my type.

“Thank you so much, Dr. Blake. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity.”

“The pleasure is mine, Amber. I’ll see you next Friday.”

“See you then!”

Nicole says her goodbyes as well, and we walk to the opposite end of the convention center before I allow her to speak.

“You’ll see him Friday? Did you make a date while I was gone?”

I look around. There’s no one here who might overhear our conversation. At least, no one who matters.

“No, nothing like that. He’s letting me test that product I tried. I have to go in for periodic appointments to see if it’s working.”

“Oh, that makes sense. But I thought that Briana lady said no to using it?”

I shrug. “He must have convinced her otherwise.”

Nicole studies me. “Interesting. I wonder why?”

“Don’t read into it,” I warn. “He said he’s been looking for a patient to study anyway. I’m sure it’s a matter of convenience.”

“If you say so. I swear, there was something in the air, though. I was glad when Miranda called. You two seemed about ready to go at it.”

I blush. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You do. I can tell you like him.”

“I barely know him.”

“Good thing you get to see him next Friday then. That gives you time to get to know him.”

“He’s my doctor.”

“He won’t be your doctor forever.”

Nicole has a point. I don’t know exactly how long this trial is going to last, but it shouldn’t be more than a couple of months…maybe a year, tops. After that, I can do whatever I want with Dr. Blake.

I shiver. That thought makes me wish I wasn’t in public. He’s just so damn hot, and we definitely had chemistry.

“See, I told you so,” Nicole laughs, pointing at my face. I don’t need to see it to know I’m bright red.

“Whatever. Let’s keep looking around. We haven’t seen the entire convention yet.”

“I’ll allow the change of subject if you promise to keep me updated on your progress with Dr. Blake.”

I promise her, and we move to the sections of the convention we haven’t seen yet. Nicole’s words echo in my mind. Nothing can happen while I’m still his patient, but anything goes after that.

I just hope Dr. Blake feels the same way.

4

Amber

Nicole and I have a post-convention tradition. It started years ago, when we were in college and really couldn’t afford it, and when we both ended up at Merhalle, we decided to keep it going.

The only difference is that now, we have company credit cards to pay for it.

We sit together at a fancy, white tablecloth restaurant, sipping expensive red wine. The restaurant changes every time, but the tradition is the same. After we leave the convention, Nicole and I find the closest expensive restaurant and go out for dinner.

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