Alex Read online

  “Calm down buddy, you and her pussy aren’t getting together anytime soon.”

  Had he just spoken to his dick like it was a real person? Damn that sexy woman and those hands were making him crazy.

  He grabbed his cock and began rubbing his hand up and down it, imaging they were her hands. Closing his eyes, he realized that suds of shampoo were slipping down his face, edging into his mouth, but he didn’t care.

  He moved his hand faster, digging his toes into the tiles on the shower floor as he slowly found release. Wow. That was good, but it still hadn’t taken the edge off his need.

  Alex quickly rinsed the shampoo out of his hair. The doctor had caused this sickness and only she had the cure. He’d suddenly changed his mind about where he’d go to reward himself with a beer and steak. Hopefully, he’d run into Eva again.

  Chapter Three

  Eva stopped by Mike and Missy’s place before she headed over to the Singing Cowboy. She found her brother and sister-in-law looking a lot better than they had several days ago. Even her twin nephews no longer had constantly running noses which she was sure was a good thing for their parents.

  “How did things go at the café this morning?” asked Missy, folding the boys’ t-shirts and placing them in a laundry basket.

  “I think everyone missed you and Mike. Todd’s no Emeril.”

  Missy laughed and held her chest. “Geez, this thing still hurts from all the coughing.”

  “I’m also better at being a doctor than I am a waitress. The sheriff, however, helped me on the register.”

  The sheriff…

  “Oh, Alex Davis? He eats at the café a couple of times a month. He is definitely eye candy.”

  Eva chose not to comment.

  “I heard that,” called Mike from the other room where he was watching a baseball game.

  “You know you’re the only eye candy for me,” said Missy pulling a face at Eva.

  Eva smiled. These two were so cute together. She hoped one day she’d find a guy she could tease and be teased back.

  “I’m sure he had his usual Café Classic.”

  Eva nodded. “I saw him again when he came in for his physical.” She tried not to remember his naked lower body just mere inches from her face.

  “I guess then you already know that his brother passed away last year.”

  “Yes, I did hear that.”

  “So sad because he has a beautiful wife and an adorable little girl.”

  That had reminded Eva about the tips.

  “Speaking of children. Neither Todd or I wanted to take the tips this morning, so I thought the twins might like to buy a couple of toys or even start their college fund,” said Eva pulling out an envelope from her bag and handing it to Missy.

  “Did you know they’re both going to be doctors just like you, who’s making everyone’s noses feel so much better?”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I mean both their plans and the noses. When they’re fully recovered, I’ll take them out for a day to give you and Mike a rest.”

  “You should be given the best sister-in-law award. Don’t suppose you could help out again tomorrow just to give us another day to get completely back on our feet? Todd can’t cover the cooking tomorrow, but I’m asking around and I’m sure we’ll find someone.”

  ****

  Alex scanned the bar area at the Singing Cowboy. He glanced at his watch. Maybe he’d missed her or maybe she hadn’t come in yet. Or maybe she’d changed her mind…had a date. Overthinking the whole thing, calm down.

  Even if she didn’t show, he might as well have a drink. He slid onto one of the barstools and raised his hand to get the bartender’s attention.

  “What can I get you?” he asked, placing a coaster in front of Alex which bore a photo of a cowboy with a guitar upon it.

  “Beer and I don’t need a glass.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Alex pulled the bowl of peanuts toward him and began munching on them. He sure was hungry. Maybe if Eva didn’t show, he’d order himself a steak just to see if it lived up to the hype.

  The bartender put the beer bottle down on the coaster and Alex passed him a five-dollar bill.

  “Can I order food here at the bar?”

  “Sure can, you want to see a menu?”

  “That would be great.”

  The bartender reached over and pulled out a one-page menu from a stand, and handed it to him.

  “Let me know when you’re ready to order,” he said placing Alex’s change in front of him.

  A man began singing on the stage at the front of the bar and Alex guessed it was the singing cowboy himself. He sipped the beer, loving the way it slid down his throat and quenched his thirst.

  “Hi, good to see you again too.”

  Sensing he recognized the female voice who’d just uttered those words, he looked to his left and sure enough it was Eva talking to a couple who were seated at one of the booths.

  She looked a lot different now she wasn’t wearing either her waitress outfit or the doctor’s lab coat. Tonight she wore a denim dress that was secured with a suede belt with tassels and matching cowboy boots. Her hair was out of the ponytail and hung loosely around her shoulders.

  She laughed and threw her head back, making the couple laugh too. No doubt about it she was gorgeous. He sipped his beer again, not taking his eyes off her. Replaying her examining him over and over again. He squeezed his thighs together but darn it, why did he keep torturing himself like this?

  Eva glanced his way. He tried to look away but couldn’t. She had him spellbound.

  He waved to her. She waved back. He spun around, determined to face the other way so she didn’t think he was only here to see her. The cowboy began strumming his guitar and singing another song just as Alex felt someone touching his shoulder. He detected perfume. A light floral bouquet, which he liked a lot.

  “How are you doing?” asked Eva.

  He turned around seeing her face a foot from his. She wore more blusher and a touch of lipstick tonight.

  “Pretty good.”

  “I thought you liked the steaks at the other bar?” she asked sliding onto the stool beside him and reaching for the menu that was set in front of him. The perfume teased his nose.

  “Well, I guess to make a bold statement like they’re the best in town you have to try some other steaks too.”

  “So have you ordered yet?”

  “Nope, I was still perusing the menu.”

  “You mind if I join you?”

  “Sure, I’d love some company and you can tell me more about yourself.”

  She looked at him and smiled and then returned to studying the menu. She ran her finger down the options for steak. He was reminded of her touching him earlier that day. He grabbed the beer and took two gulps. Alex felt himself getting rock hard again.

  “I think I’ll try the T-bone,” she finally said.

  “That was my first pick too.”

  Alex raised his hand to get the bartender’s attention.

  He walked over and slipped a coaster in front of Eva. Alex couldn’t help but notice the sly glance the bartender was giving her. Yeah, she was hot, and he wasn’t going to let anyone else get their mitts on her, well at least not tonight. Beauty and obviously brains too. What more could a man ask for?

  “What can I get you?”

  “Two T-bones,” said Alex.

  “How do like them cooked?”

  “Medium rare for me,” said Eva.

  “Me too.”

  “And anything to drink, Miss?”

  “White wine.”

  “Coming right up.”

  She spun around and crossed her legs, causing the dress to inch up her thighs. The bartender came back with her wine and placed the glass in front of her. Alex was suddenly lost for words as he focused on the sexy thighs. She wasn’t wearing pantyhose and her skin was creamy white and blemish free.

  “I’ve never dined with a patient before.”

&nbs
p; “When Dr. Jackson returns are you staying with the practice or what?” asked Alex.

  She took a sip and placed the glass back down on the bar. “I have a job waiting for me in Denver. I took this in between one so I can visit with my brother and his family.”

  “So you’re in town on a temporary basis?”

  She nodded. “Yep, another six weeks until summer’s done. How long have you been the sheriff?”

  Alex picked up some of the peanuts and nibbled on one before answering. “Two years.”

  “You like it?”

  “Love it.”

  “That’s always a plus in a job.”

  Their steaks arrived and they both began to tuck into them.

  “Your brother and sister-in-law feeling better?”

  “Much, but I said I’d fill in for them one last time tomorrow. Only wish I could find a decent cook.”

  An image of his mother sprang into his mind. She loved to cook and this would be ideal for her.

  “I have someone who fits the bill.”

  “You do?”

  “Sure, my mother.”

  “The lady I spoke to earlier today?”

  He nodded, almost forgetting about that embarrassing incident in the hallway at the doctor’s office. Actually humiliation was an understatement.

  He dug out his phone from the back pocket in his jeans. “I’ll just give her a call and see if she can do it.”

  Alex pressed the numbers and heard his mom’s voice on the other end.

  “Hi, Mom. You doing anything tomorrow morning?”

  “No, not that I know of, why?”

  “You want to do some cooking. I mean it’s just breakfast stuff like eggs and pancakes at McQuire’s?”

  “I’d love to.

  “Great you’ll be working with Eva McQuire she’ll show you the ropes.”

  “The doctor?”

  “Yes, I ran into her in the Singing Cowboy.”

  Accidentally on purpose.

  “Well, that’s wonderful I do hope…

  He switched the phone to his other ear knowing what was coming next. She was going to play matchmaker and he didn’t want Eva to hear because that would make him embarrassed yet again. Twice in one day would be a record.

  Alex raised his eyebrows as his mother rattled on. Eva smiled and winked at him.

  ****

  Eva was guessing that Alex’ mother was a lot like hers. What would they be like if they ever got together? Gossiping, plotting, and possibly consoling one another for having still single adult children.

  “Eva, I’m proud that you’ve finally become a real doctor, but I think you should start looking for a husband and have some babies. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you about a woman’s clicking clock. You’ll spend all your time focusing on your career and then bam, before you know it, no eggs left.”

  It was something she had and was still taking into consideration, but she wasn’t going to settle for a second-best guy just to have babies. The man she married, the man who fathered those babies, was going to be perfect for her.

  “What time would you like Mom to arrive?”

  Alex’s question jarred her out of her train of thought.

  “Is six a.m. too early?”

  “How’s six sounding?” he asked.

  Perfect he mouthed back to Eva.

  “Tell her to wait out front and I’ll let her in the front so she doesn’t need to go around to the back alley.”

  “You heard that, Mom? Okay, and yes, I’ll stop by too.”

  Eva smiled, almost laughed. Yes, a lot like her mother. Well, at least she’d be seeing Alex again in the morning.

  “You want to play cashier again?” she asked him when he pressed the end call button on his phone.

  “I might just do that. How about using the tip jar to collect for cancer research?”

  “That’s a great idea. I gave today’s tips to my twin nephews for their college fund.”

  “That’s another neat idea, and if you’d rather collect more for them I totally understand.”

  “No, I think cancer research is a wonderful idea.”

  She wasn’t just saying that. During her residency, she’d lost three patients to various types and hoped during her time as a doctor they’d find a cure so people like Alex wouldn’t have to lose loved ones.

  “I guess as we both have to be up bright and early we should head home to bed…separately I mean,” Eva quickly added. While she’d love to take him home and get beneath the sheets with the hunk, she’d never slept with a guy on the same day she’d met him. Plus, Alex was a patient, if only a summer one. No, if they were going to get horizontal, she’d let him make the first move and wait a little longer.

  He smiled. “I wasn’t thinking anything else. Okay, I was, but you opened yourself up to that one.”

  She smiled. She’d enjoyed his company. The sheriff made the ideal dinner companion.

  “Maybe we can do this again?” he asked.

  They both stood and then headed outside and to the parking lot where he walked her to her car.

  “Sure, I’d like that.”

  “How about tomorrow night at the other steak place in town.”

  “Is it a date because I’m not sure going out with patients is a smart idea. I mean next time I examine you it might be even more awkward than it was today.”

  “Could it get any more awkward than it was?”

  Eva shook her head and then laughed.

  “I’m Dr. Jackson’s patient not yours.”

  “That’s true.”

  “And the next time you examine me it’s going to be as my date, not my doctor.”

  He leaned over and kissed her before she had a chance to think of the perfect one-liner in response to that suggestion.

  Alex obviously didn’t intend for this to be a quick peck on the lips. His mouth stayed on hers, forcing her to slip her arms around his waist so she didn’t lose her balance. He pulled her in close, wrapping his arms around her shoulders as the kiss became deeper with his tongue sliding over her lips.

  If this went on much longer she’d insist they really go home to the same bed. She’d forget all about her thing with sleeping with guys on the day she’d met them, but then he made the choice for her.

  “Sleep tight and sweet dreams. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  He opened the car door for her and she slipped in, putting the key in the ignition and starting the car. He waved and walked over to his truck.

  The worst thing was he’d stirred her up, her panties were drenched, her pussy throbbed, and she was going to have the most uncomfortable ride back to the apartment.

  Chapter Four

  A familiar smell greeted Alex when he entered McQuire’s Café the next morning His mom was obviously cooking her famous waffles. Judging by the smiles on everyone’s face, things were back to normal. He’d order those instead of his usual Café Classic. He put his nose in the air one more time suddenly missing both his dad and brother and thinking back to the days when they were still a family, all seated around the kitchen table on a Saturday morning, which in the Davis household had been waffle day.

  Eva waved to him. She had her hair tied up in a ponytail again, and tight black pants and a white t-shirt completed her look. He walked over to her, remembering their kiss the night before. Yeah, he’d paid the price for that. He’d had a hard-on for a full hour, and driving home had been downright uncomfortable. In fact, since he’d gone to see her at the doctor’s office, his cock had been in a constant state of turmoil. Maybe tonight he’d put the erection to good use. He found a table by the window and pulled out his newspaper.

  “Morning, Sheriff,” said a man sitting across the way to him.

  “Morning.”

  “Food’s a hell of a lot better today.”

  “Glad to hear that.”

  Eva walked toward him with the coffee carafe in her hand. She turned his mug over and filled it to the brim.

  “So what can I
get you today, Sheriff?” She winked at him.

  How about you?

  “My mom doing okay back there?”

  “She is a huge hit and I think she’s thinking about taking a job here.”

  Now wouldn’t that be perfect. She’d had something else to occupy her time and maybe she’d stop babying him.

  “I take it she’s making her famous waffles.”

  “They melt in your mouth,” said the man sitting opposite.

  “I guess that’s what I’m having,” said Alex. “Extra syrup and butter for me.”

  “Now as your doctor, I should warn you about too much cholesterol.”

  She winked at him again. He winked back almost wanting to slap her butt and order her into the kitchen to get his waffles.

  “I’ll get your order in straight away.”

  Alex watched as she headed toward the kitchen. The pants pulled across her ass, and her cheeks bounced just a tad. He’d never liked skinny girls. He liked his with curves. Yeah, Eva was almost damn near perfect.

  He flipped through the paper and sipped his coffee. A few minutes later Eva placed a plate of waffles in front of him.

  “Here you go. And the butter and syrup. Anything else I can get you?”

  “Not right now, but when you’re passing again, maybe you can top up my coffee.”

  “Sure, and you’ll be glad to hear that we’ve already collected one hundred and fifty dollars in the donation jar.”

  He nodded. That was a great start. He watched Eva walk away again. It was also a great start to the day.

  ****

  “Oh, she’s so cute,” said Eva, looking at the tenth photo that Alex’s mom had handed her of her granddaughter Sasha. She wondered just how many more the woman had in her purse. Not that she wasn’t enjoying looking at them, but she had to be at the office in thirty minutes and didn’t want to appear rude.

  “I spoil her I know, but she’s worth it. And having no daddy is hard for the little darling.”

  Eva gave her a hug as a tear ran down her cheek. “Alex is wonderful with her, best uncle a girl could have. Maybe he’ll have one of his own soon.”

  “Have one what?” asked Alex, stepping into the kitchen.

  “Children.”