I stand and give them each a hug. “Thanks for the talk, guys. I needed it.”

“You know we’re always here for you. Anytime you need a chat.”

“Love you both. See you tomorrow!”

I’ve taken the rest of the day off just in case I need it. Last week, it was embarrassing to be at my desk without any panties on! Plus, I couldn’t focus on my work. I was too busy thinking about what I did with AJ to get anything done. I’ll probably try to get some work done when I get home, but at least I won’t have the added pressure of being in the office.

As I leave my office building, I feel more relaxed than I have in weeks. Talking with Nicole and Daisy really helped. They always know what to say to make me feel less anxious.

Daisy has only been hanging out with us for about a year, but she’s a great addition to our crew. Not only does she keep us in tune with the happenings at Merhalle, but she’s an amazing friend. I’m lucky to have her and Nicole.

The nerves start to return the closer I get to Blake’s office. What if last week was a fluke?

I force away that thought. I can’t keep going around in circles like this. Blake and I have something. I may not know what it is yet, but I’m willing to find out. I think Blake is worth it.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. It’s a text from Nicole, telling me to stop worrying. I grin as I type my response. Like I said, she always knows what to say. Sometimes I think Nicole knows me better than I know myself.

I’m too busy texting to pay attention to the busy sidewalk around me. I trip over someone’s foot and bump into the back of the person in front of me.

“Shit, sorry!” I apologize quickly.

The guy turns around. “Watch where you’re…wait, Amber?”

My eyes widen. What are the chances that I would literally run into my asshole ex-boyfriend just a few minutes after talking about him?

Pretty high, I guess, considering he works in this district. He’s a museum curator. At least one of us is using our history degree.

“Hey, Gunther.”

“Wow. You haven’t changed one bit.”

“Neither have you,” I retort. I charge forward, ignoring whatever else he has to say.

Past me would have been gutted at just seeing Gunther. I’ve run into him a few times since we broke up, and it has always sent me spiraling into sadness. Seeing him used to be a reminder of what he said. He made me feel like I should hide.

Not anymore. Now, I have a serum that is helping fix my skin and a sexy doctor who might like me for me. Gunther is just some asshole who doesn’t mean anything. He’s part of my past.

AJ is my future.

I practically run the last block to his office. My nerves have morphed almost entirely to excitement. Whatever happens today, I don’t care. I just want to see AJ again.

When I get to the building, I tear through the lobby and tap my foot as I wait for the elevator. Why are these contraptions so damn slow?

My phone says I still have five minutes before my appointment is to start. It’s a doctor’s office, so even though my appointment is soon, I may have a while to wait. Doctors often run behind.

Finally, the elevator arrives, and I charge into it, hitting the button for AJ’s floor twelve times before the doors close.

Outside the Blake Dermatology office, I take a few deep breaths. I don’t want to look like I just ran here, even though I basically did.

Ginger is sitting in her black office chair when I walk in.

“Ms. Hart!” she says when she sees me. “It’s good to see you. How are you?”

“I’m great, thanks. How are you?”

“Oh, I can’t complain. I’m definitely enjoying the cooler weather. I grew up in Syracuse. I can’t stand the heat.”

“I’ve always been a fall and winter person myself. I’d much rather be cold than hot.”

Ginger grins. “You and I are going to get along fabulously.”

“I think so.”

“Well, I don’t want to keep you. Dr. Blake is finishing up with another patient, but he’ll be ready for you shortly. Why don’t you go on back to exam room 4? You remember the way?”

I assure Ginger that I do and push through the door into the main hallway. Exam room 1 is closed, so that must be where Blake is right now. The other three doors are open.

I make my way into exam room 4. For a brief, embarrassing moment, I consider taking all my clothes off to wait for Blake. It’s a ridiculous thought. Even last time, Blake was all business before we started to kiss. Despite the other stuff, he is still my doctor.