“Oh.”
Still, she didn’t understand. “I’d love company.”
She looked at him like he was offering her crumbs. “I’m not scheduled. And I just remembered, my friend Kennedy is coming into town this week.”
“Well, at least block out next Saturday. I have a boat lined up to water ski.”
She brightened, a little. But only a little. “That’s the next time I’ll see you?”
She wanted to see him. Yes. “It’s our official third date for the auction.”
“Oh. The required dates.”
As if those were the only times he’d want her company! What she couldn’t know was that after that kiss, all he could think about was how soon he could snag her company again. “Unless you wouldn’t mind seeing me sooner? Say, at the hot springs? Tonight? I could use a soak in the mineral waters after today’s shift.” He leaned close, possibly dangerously close, if someone were to see them. “It could be totally off the auction record.”
Sage just nodded, her eyes a little glazed.
A smile pulled across Jasher’s mouth. He had her attention. “They’re open late this time of year, until midnight. So, what do you say to nine o’clock? I’ll pick you up.”
“I’ll try to find my bikini.”
Heaven above. Fantasies really did come true.
“I haven’t been there for a while. Last time I went, the steam was almost like fog.” She had a hazy look on her countenance, like she was imagining the same thing he was. “I wonder if it’s still that steamy.”
Steam was guaranteed. He slid closer to her, the steam already palpable, even at a ten-mile distance from the hot springs.
Through PA system’s static scratched a woman’s voice. “Paging Dr. Hotchkiss. You’re needed in the ER.”
He couldn’t stand here looking into her eyes until nine after all, fantasy-tripping into what kind of heat they could generate at the hot springs. “I have to go.” He touched her hand. She shivered.
“Go. You’re needed.” She bit her lower lip. “I know tonight’s plan is off. I get it.”
The great thing was, she did get it about the demands of a job like his. What a rare find, Sage Everton. “You wouldn’t want to stay, I’m guessing.”
“It might be better if we’re not seen together again tonight.”
Fair point. With a last, longing look at her lower lip’s supple pout, he said, “I’ll call you.”