“Why?”
“Because I don’t like seeing someone hit you, even if it is just for fun.”
“Fine.” I mean, how can I argue with that response? It’s sweet how much he cares for me.
“What are we doing about the Jose situation?”
“I’ll be discussing that over dinner tonight.”
Oh, no.
“Can you do it after dinner?”
He pulls back to look at me. “Why?”
“Because you’ll dampen the mood. I need it to be light and fun tonight.”
“Why?” He pulls me back to his chest.
“I’m giving Abby and Dr. Roberts a push toward each other.”
I feel him shaking his head, and a slight chuckle follows. “Okay, but I have to talk about it afterward.”
“Deal.” He helps me climb out of the ring and through the gym. His eyes lower to my mid-section.
“I hate your top.”
“No, you don’t,” I laugh.
June hands Abigail a large glass of white wine.
Abigail frowns. “You know I like red.”
“Not tonight, Abby.” June scowls. “You never drink red on the first date. Do you want your teeth turning dark?”
“No, you’re right.”
I hide my smile as I put the lid on the feta cheese salad and place it in the fridge, thinking about the list of things I need to do. Okay, salad is done, chickens are prepped, veggies are chopped and ready to go. Now, for dessert.
“You look pretty, Abby, in your pink wrap-around dress,” I say to help her with her nerves.
“It’s June’s,” she replies, smoothing the fabric. It doesn’t surprise me. June is the younger sister and has a taste for fashion. She looks at me. “Thanks, dear. You look lovely too.”
I smile, looking down at my purple V-neck top and black leather leggings paired with heels.
“So, this weekend is the light festival in town. Are we all planning on going?” Mark asks as he comes into the room. He stops dead in his tracks when he sees Abigail’s outfit. “What are you wearing?” He turns to me. “What’s going on? Why are you three so dressed up?”
“Calm down, Mark,” June says. “Dr. Roberts is coming for dinner.”
“Oh, okay.” He heads to the fridge but stops again. “Wait.” He looks at Abigail. “But why are you so dressed up?”
“Oh, so close.” June laughs into her glass.
“Are you…? Is this…?” He shakes his head. “Are you dating the doc?”
“No,” she shoots back, “we’re just talking.” Poor Abigail can’t hide her smile.
“Am I the only one who doesn’t know?” He turns to me. “Does Cole know? Of course, he does.” He tosses his hands up. “I don’t know how I feel about this. I mean, I haven’t had time to think this through.” He sinks onto the stool, rubbing his head. “I mean, the doc’s a good man, but is he good enough?” He’s now talking to himself, and June rolls her eyes. The doorbell rings, and Mark quickly stands and fixes his shirt. “I’ll get it.”