She picked up a file and eyed it. “Says here she’s single.”
I swallowed as the older woman with dyed fire red hair narrowed her eyes but couldn’t contain the threatening smile on her lips.
“Is this a good story?”
“Not sure,” I said hanging my head as droplets of rain hit her desk. “But I’m begging your pardon for lying and for your mercy. In the most unromantic gesture imaginable, I’m about to barge into her appointment and demand she marry me.”
> Her eyes widened. “In an OB appointment? You’re serious?”
“Quite serious, yes.”
“Love your Australian accent.”
I held my bite. “Thank you.”
“Down the hall, last door on the right, but if anyone asks you found it on your own.”
“Thanks again.”
“I hope she says yes.”
We shared a smile. “Me too.” I raced down the hall and burst through the door just as Koti sat down in a hospital gown tying it in place behind her. Shock, confusion and then anger transformed in seconds over her beautiful face.
“What in the hell are you doing here?”
I couldn’t wait a single second longer. “What in the hell are you doing here? What is this? What am I too late for?”
“Ian, you can’t be here.”
“The hell I can’t,” I said, closing the door. “Tell me what this is.”
“This is none of your damned business. Get out, I’m not decent.”
I raised a brow. “I’ve seen you in far more compromising positions with a lot less on.”
“How did you know I was here and you were too late for… Jasmine?” Without confirmation, she closed her eyes and shook her head. “I’m going to kill her.”
“I just took a ride with her ex, Steven on his plane. Seems to be some unfinished business there.”
“Yeah, well she has three men madly in love with her.”
“Three?”
“Toby, the water guy is in the running too, may the best man win.”
“Wow.”
“Yeah, wow. Great talking to you, can you please leave now?”
It took every bit of strength I had not to sweep her off the bed and into my arms. I loved her sass more than I should, but even in a hideously loud hospital gown with bright orange flowers, she had me at her mercy. Still, panic more than anything strangled me at the thought she could betray me in a way I could never forgive.
“Are you pregnant?”
“Knock, knock,” the doctor said, entering the room and looking at me in surprise.
“Hi there, didn’t realize she had company. I’m Dr. Zanders,” she introduced herself and I shook her hand. Koti spoke on my behalf before I could get a word out.
“He was just leaving,” Koti offered before looking pointedly at me, “now.”