I slowly nod, barely able to keep the laughter from spilling free. Even so, I can’t stop my lips from twitching. “Sure. They’re for your grandmother.”
His eyes narrow. “You’re messing with me, right?”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
“Do I really look like I’m incontinent?”
I shrug again. “Could be a medical reason. Nothing wrong with that.”
“It’s great you feel that way, but I assure you, I can very much hold my bodily functions until I find the appropriate facilities.”
He looks down at the contents in my shopping cart. Of course, I should have known better than to pick on him for shopping for adult diapers. Not when I have a jumbo box of tampons in my own cart.
His brow lifts before he sets his eyes back on me.
I point my finger at him. “You hush. And in case you were wondering, I’m not on my period.”
One side of his mouth kicks up. “The thought hadn’t crossed my mind. And besides, it’s none of my business.”
Now it’s my turn to be embarrassed, but I refuse to give into it. I also ignore his answering comment.
“I’m actually glad I ran into you. I have to cancel my appointment this Thursday. I remembered a few moments ago that I have plans that afternoon.”
My heart jumps and something warm fills my insides when I see a hint of disappointment flash in his eyes. The look is gone just as quickly as it appears.
“I’ll have my secretary mark it out.”
“Should I call tomorrow to confirm it was cancelled.”
“No need. I’ll take care of it.”
I shift awkwardly when an uncomfortable silence ensues for several long moments. Dr. Erikson pushes his cart forward a few inches, putting him that much closer to me.
“You have a hot date Thursday?”
Do I detect a touch of jealousy in his tone? I’ve always gotten the sense there was a bit of interest on his part, but I’ve never known for sure. Each week I flirt, say naughty, inappropriate things to him, flash him a bit of leg, just to tease him to see what he’ll do. He always comes across as professional, but he can’t hide the heat I see in his eyes at times. What would he do if I tucked my feet under the chair and spread my knees enough for him to get a good glimpse?
Just the thought of him taking me up on my offer has a needy ache forming between my legs.
Cocking my head to the side, I regard him closely. “I actually do have a hot date.” I’ll admit, I’m not disappointed in the least when the muscle in his jaw twitches. “With a female,” I emphasize, “friend of mine. We’re going to see Grey Water.”
Relief relaxes the tense muscles in his face. “Ahh… gotcha. I heard they were in town. A friend of mine will be there too.”
I release my hands from the cart and step closer to him, leaving only a foot of space between us. “Would it bother you if I did have a date with another man?”
For a second, his eyes turn dazed before he’s shaking his head and the look disappears. “No. Why would it? You can date whoever you like. In fact, it might be good for you. It may help your need—” he stops and looks around, making sure no one is within hearing distance, and lowers his voice, “—to flash men.”
I incline my head. “Maybe, but I doubt that will cure me.”
He opens his mouth to respond, but snaps it shut when someone calls his name.
“Bryan?” We both look over at the man approaching us from the opposite end of the aisle. “I thought that was you.”
“Reed.” Dr. Erikson greets him.
Reed looks from me to Dr. Erikson, then back to me. “Who’s this?” His question is meant for Dr. Erikson, but his eyes never leave mine.
Dr. Erikson’s voice is tight when he answers. “Reed, this is Charlotte. Charlotte, this is a friend of mine.”