I stroll over to the bar, casting glances in Keegan’s direction every few seconds. I can’t help myself. The man is decadently handsome.
“What’ll it be, miss?” The bartender places a napkin in front of me with a nod.
“A glass of Pouilly-Fuissé, please.”
I glance to my left again, but Keegan is gone. Oh well, it was a delightful view while it lasted.
“Fancy meeting you here.”
My cheeks flame as I maintain my focus straight ahead. I have to wonder if the man noticed my obtuse ogling. “Dr. Russo. Keep it quiet. I’m undercover.”
He sidles closer, and I grin, still unable to meet his unnerving gaze. “Spying on the medical community, are we?”
“Someone has to keep you blokes in line. You’re known to be terribly brazen when left to your own devices.” I offer a smile of thanks to the bartender as he sets down my glass, before turning to face the handsome doctor. “How are you?”
“Better now.” He glances away, but not before I detect a faint hint of color crawl up his cheeks. “What are you doing here, Calli?”
I really love how he says my name. “I came with Shawn. Suzanne is home sick with their daughter, so I’m his stand-in.”
His eyes rove the length of my body, and I’m thrilled I took the extra time to look pretty. “You look amazing. Of course, you always do.”
“What a load of bollocks,” I laugh. “This is just the first time you’ve seen me out of yoga gear.”
“Something to be said for yoga gear.”
“Yes. It’s great for practicing yoga.”
“It’s also great for showcasing knockout curves.” He slips a finger beneath his collar and clears his throat. “Sorry. Had to be said.”
“So glad you did.” I’m also very glad to know he feels that way.
“Aren’t you going to comment?” He motions to his face, drawing my full attention to the beard.
“Figures that it’s grown in perfectly.” What I fail to mention is that Keegan’s neatly trimmed beard only ups the ante in the sexiness department. Not that the man needs any help. He would have to be blind to miss the appreciative glances shot in his direction from every corner of the room.
Although, it appears he’s stag tonight. Not a hot brunette in sight.
How childish are you, Callista?
Apparently, very, because I’m thrilled he doesn’t have a date on his arm.
“You approve?”
“I do. You look very handsome.” I widen my eyes at the smirk decorating his face. “I’m stopping there. I refuse to vomit a boatload of compliments on you tonight.”
He snaps his fingers, chuckling. “It’s my turn, anyway.”
“I’m ready when you are.” My cheeks redden at the unintended intimation, so I focus my gaze toward my best friend, hoping to squelch the warmth flooding my body. I blame the flush on the wine in my hand and not the devilishly good looking man by my side. “For someone who claimed he didn’t want to attend alone, Shawn is certainly enjoying that conversation.” I motion across the room to where my friend stands speaking to a most animated man, his hands flying about in all variety of gestures.
“Shawn better be careful. He might accidentally get clocked. Dr. Catalano is quite verbose in his commentary. Also, I don’t blame your friend for wanting a date for the evening. Especially when that date is you.”
I can’t hold back the smile crossing my face as I press my hand against his chest. “You’re very good at that.”
“What?”
“Paying compliments.” I hold up my hand when he opens his mouth to argue my words. “I’m serious. They’re sincere. Witty, even. But without a hint of saccharine overload.”
“I suppose I have my moments.”
“I’m sure you have plenty.”
A fellow attendee jostles us, and Keegan moves closer, crowding my space. Not that I mind. There’s such a familiarity in his nearness. “You did say it was my turn to dole out the compliments.”
“Only if you mean them.”
He reaches up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, and my breath catches at the intimacy of the gesture. “With you, I mean every word.”
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