Chapter 2: Chapter 2

AVERY

The weekend crawls by at a snail’s pace. When Monday morning finally rolls around, I take extra care getting ready, knowing I’ll be seeing Reed again.

The black pencil skirt I slip on looks as if it were tailor-made for me, the way it hugs my curves. A deep, royal-blue satin blouse subtly highlights my cleavage without detracting from my face. A thin headband in my blonde hair adds a touch of innocence to offset the sexy black heels I’m wearing.

By the time I make my way downstairs, Olive has already left for nursing school. I grab a bagel from the kitchen island, finding one of her signature daily compliments scribbled on a note by the toaster. Today’s note reads:~ You sexy B!~

I can’t help but laugh as I pick up my cell phone and head for the door.

***

Fifteen minutes later, I’m stepping out of a taxi in front of the clinic. A light breeze stirs up a flurry of autumn leaves, the crisp scent of fall carried with them on the morning air.

There’s nothing quite like this time of year in NYC. The sky is a clear blue, the rich orange-and-red leaves crunching under designer boots as people rush to work, and even the skyscrapers seem more stunning against the backdrop of vibrant color.

I sigh and head into the clinic. Dr. Collins greets me with a raised eyebrow and a small smile as my heels click against the smooth tile.

“Avery. Good morning. You look very nice today.”

I’m facing away from him as I carefully remove my jacket and hang it up, hiding the slight blush that creeps onto my cheeks at the compliment. I decide to step a little out of my comfort zone.

“Good morning to you, Matt.”

The smile spreads across his face. “I think that’s the first time that you didn’t call me ‘Dr. Collins.’”

“And it felt weird,” I say, shaking my head. “It probably won’t happen again.”

He laughs as I make my way to my desk.

“What do we have on the books for today?”

“Um, first up is Reed Everett and his puppy, Champ,” I say, trying to act nonchalant at the mention of Reed, even though my heart does somersaults in my chest.

“Yes. The gentleman that came in Friday, correct?”

“Correct.” I nod.

“Perfect. I’m going to go get set up. Show them through when they arrive.”

He doesn’t say anything else as he heads through the swinging doors to prepare the exam room. I busy myself with phone calls, setting up three appointments for next week and trying hard not to watch the clock until finally, the chime above the door sounds.

Reed walks in with a relaxed smile, this time carrying a small dog crate to contain the puppy. My heart races as his soft, hazel eyes meet mine.

“Did you miss me?” he asks as he crosses the threshold.

He’s wearing black jeans today and a light-gray button-up shirt that fits his muscular frame perfectly. I walk around my desk, the sound of my heels echoing in the room. Reed’s smile deepens, and I duck my head to hide the warmth in my cheeks.

~Is he happy to see me?~

The puppy whines, and I bend down to peer through the door, finding him lying with his front paws stretched out before him and his little nose sniffing excitedly through the bars. His big, expressive eyes tug at my heartstrings. He’s got to be the cutest thing ever, and I’ve seen my fair share of cute.

Reed watches me with the puppy, his face pensive. “You really love animals, huh?”

“I do.” I realize how close I’m standing and pull back to give him space. “I guess I’m not being very professional. Sorry.”

When I straighten, I catch his gaze traveling down my body and back up.

“You look good, Avery,” he says casually, but my heart leaps into my throat.

“Thanks,” I say, trying to play it cool even though inside I’m screaming. I’ve waited so long to hear Reed Everett compliment my appearance. “Dr. Collins is waiting just beyond the doors.”

“Thanks, Avery.” He nods with another easy smile, a dimple appearing in his chin. “I owe you one.”

I watch as he walks away, definitely not noting how good his behind looks in those jeans, and then go back to my desk.

My cell phone rings. It’s Olive.

“Did you get my compliment this morning?” she asks.

I chuckle into the phone. “Of course, Oli. You always leave them in the same place.”

She laughs, waiting for me to continue.

“I feel like you could have tried harder on this one though,” I tsk.

She gasps, feigning offense. “I’ll have you know that I was running late, and I didn’t have to leave you anything nice to wake up to.”

“Yes, you did. You’ve been doing it for years. You wouldn’t feel right if you didn’t.”

“You love my sweet nothings. Admit it, chick.”

“Of course I do. They make me feel good.”

“That’s why I’m your best friend, to make you feel good… Wait, that didn’t come out the right way. I don’t mean…” She bursts out laughing, the sound echoing in my ear as she tries to catch her breath.

Her laughter is contagious, and I find myself giggling too. “I know, Oli. I get what you mean, and that’s why I’m your best friend.”

Her laughter fades into a soft chuckle before she continues. “Remember the last time we hit the bar together? I was chatting with Devon this morning, and he suggested we head to our usual haunt next Friday. Finals will be over by then, so I thought maybe you’d want to join us, like the good old days.”

I struggle to recall the last time we visited our favorite karaoke bar downtown. It must have been several months ago. We’ve both been so busy that we haven’t had time for anything else.

“Next Friday sounds great,” I say. “Looking forward to it.”

“Shit, the professor just walked in. Gotta go,” she says hurriedly.

“I love you!” I manage to say just before she hangs up.

I shake my head, smiling at her antics, when my phone buzzes with a new message.

Olive

Love you too, you sexy beast!

***

An hour later, Reed walks back through to the reception area as I’m wrapping up a phone call. I expect him to keep walking, but instead, he leans against the service desk and waits for me to finish.

His gaze is focused on me, one eyebrow raised as he tilts his head. I glance at him, and he flashes me one of his playful smirks, distracting me until the conversation in my ear starts to fade.

“Hello?” the voice on the other end of the phone says.

Reed grins knowingly, leaning over the counter more so the muscles in his arms bunch.

“Hello!”

I fumble the phone and stutter a quick apology. Reed chuckles to himself, a triumphant glint in his hazel eyes. My cheeks are flushed when I finally end the call.

“About time.” He grins. “How about dinner tonight? I’d like to catch up.”

~Dinner? With Reed? Hell yes!~

“Sure, that sounds nice.” I nod, blushing at the thought of seeing him again so soon. “Where do you want me?”

He looks surprised for a moment, cocking that eyebrow again before he starts laughing.

“No…I-I didn’t mean… Wh-what I meant was…,” I stutter, panic setting in. I can feel my face burning.

~Oh my god! Did I really just say that?! What is wrong with me? Someone shoot me now! Okay. Calm down. You’re not the awkward teenager who can’t speak around him. You’re a beautiful, intelligent, grown-ass woman. Get it together!~

He leans closer, the scent of his cologne teasing my senses and messing with my already frazzled mind.

“I’ll take you anywhere you want,” he says in a low voice, a sudden heat in his eyes.

A shiver runs down my spine at his suggestive tone, and I quickly cross my legs under the table.

“That’s not what I meant, Reed.”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Relax, Avery. I’m just messing with you. I’ll make reservations at the City Grill for seven. I’ll be waiting for you.”

~Do I have a date with Reed Everett? Is this a date? Oh my god!~

Inside, I’m freaking out, my inner teenager doing a happy dance. On the outside, I barely manage to keep my cool, smiling as if I’m not affected at all.

“See you tonight.”