Party Girl

He lifted a shoulder and watched her carefully. “CATE. It’s not exactly known for its superiority in sports, and with good reason. I was the only one on the team who could hit a consistent free throw.”

Her jaw-drop was fucking adorable. “You went to CATE?”

“Full scholarship based on academics, sports, and a couple science-fair wins I had on the human aging process. I lived with my mom and grandparents,” he explained when she continued to stare at him. “My grandfather was a great guy, and I loved him like he was my own father. But little by little, we slowly lost him to dementia.”

Her dumbstruck expression melted into a sweet compassion that softened her jewel-colored eyes. “I’m so sorry both he and you had to go through that.”

“Something like that definitely takes a toll on the entire household,” he agreed, nodding. “My way of dealing with that particular hell on earth was to study the disease. I wanted to see if there was anything I could do to help him, even if it was just to better understand what he was going through.”

She made a gentle sound. “What a good grandson you were.”

“I don’t know about that, but I do know my gramps was the reason why I chose medicine as my career. I wanted to fix the problem he’d had so no one else would go through what he went through. Or, barring that, I wanted to help those who were living the life I had while growing up. Because, no joke, watching someone you love fade away bit by bit fucking sucks.”

That softness in her eyes seemed to deepen even as she reached over to place a hand over his. “He was lucky to have you. Was he around to see you graduate from med school?”

He shook his head and flipped his hand over to cradle hers. “He died when I was a senior in high school, which prompted me to go into the army. I wanted to help with the bills at home, as well as find a way to pay for med school. The military was the obvious answer.”

“And then you became a war hero along with Zenni’s new husband.” She shook her head, before glancing up at the arrival of their food. “You don’t do anything by half-measures, do you?”

“Half-measures are for pussies.” As plates of spicy food were placed in front of them, he leaned over to put his mouth against her ear. “Once I make a decision on something, that’s it, beautiful. Done deal. That’s why I think it’s only sporting to tell you that I’ve decided you’re going to be mine. Feel free to share your thoughts on the matter.”

*

Hannah’s heart pounded so hard it was a wonder the whole restaurant wasn’t rattled by it. The spices of the Pad Thai she’d ordered should have filled her senses, but not even they were strong enough to break the hold Dalton’s stunning announcement had on her brain.

I’ve decided you’re going to be mine. Feel free to share your thoughts on the matter.

Oh, she had some thoughts to share, all right. And she would, as soon as she remembered how to talk.

“Hannah Raven, it’s so good to see you back in my humble little restaurant.” All smiles, the owner of Lily’s Pad Thai, Lily Lamsam-Schrader seemed to appear out of thin air, her interested gaze shifting from Hannah to Dalton, and back again. “I see you and your guest are trying out some of our favorite dishes around here. Might this visit show up in Chicago Pulse at some point?”

That was Lily, bless her heart. Always squeezing the most opportunity out of every moment. Leaders of the world could take lessons from this shrewd businessowner. “I’m actually here on a first date with this handsome man by my side, Dr. Dalton Derico. I hope you’re not disappointed.”

“Disappointed? I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that word.” Wide-eyed, she turned to their waiter hovering at her elbow and murmured something, before turning back to them with a brilliant smile. “Dr. Dalton, you have exquisite taste in your choice of dining companions. Hannah has become one of our favorite people around here, as she’s so in tune with this community and is willing to share both her heart and her time with everyone she meets.”

Dalton’s smile could have charmed the birds out of the trees. “I was just telling her that she was a treasure. Glad to know the people in her life see that as well.”

“A perfect response from a perfect gentleman. And a doctor as well.” Lily beamed, clearly delighted, while Hannah tried to figure out if she was more touched or embarrassed by all the attention. “First dates should be celebrated as a special occasion, and I’m thrilled you chose our place for yours, Hannah. Please allow me to pick up the tab and make this night a memorable one for the two of you. And who knows? Maybe you’ll remember Lily’s Pad Thai fondly when you’re looking for a caterer for your wedding reception.”

“Uh, that’s a little much, Lily, considering this is just our first, getting-to-know-you kind of date,” Hannah managed through a nervous laugh while her face threatened to melt off her skull. Trying to appear calm when death by mortification was a distinct possibility, she glanced over at Dalton, only to find him nodding solemnly at Lily.

“I like the way you think,” he said, as if talking about wedding receptions was a perfectly normal thing to do. “I was just sitting here wondering if I should remember this day so that I could bring Hannah here to celebrate the anniversary of our first date. When you’re building a relationship, it’s the small things that hold everything together.”

Lily pressed a manicured hand to her chest, clearly trying not to swoon. “I knew I had a good feeling about you the moment I saw you, Dr. Dalton. Please, enjoy yourselves, and may the spices of Lily’s Pad Thai food ignite the fires of passion in your hearts.” With one last brilliant smile, Lily headed back toward the kitchen.

“Okay, that was a little... intense.” Not sure what to make of what had just happened, Hannah cleared her throat and tried to find a path—any path—back to the normal world. “I, uh, never figured Lily to be a closet romantic. Sure, she can cook like a dream, but I always thought that at the very center of her being lay the cold heart of a business shark, not a swoony, hearts-in-her-eyes romantic.”

“Everyone loves love, even sharks.”