I step out of the shower, quickly dry off, then wrap a towel around my waist. As I walk to my bedroom, drips of water fall from my hair and run down my chest. Standing in front of the clothes I laid out across the bed, I wonder if I’m overthinking this.

It’s been years since I’ve been on a real date, but it feels like decades. Medical school and focusing on my residency took most of my time, and when I finally found the courage to ask a girl out, the opportunity passed me by. I deserve the title Mr. Undateable. I think about Alicia for a moment, and sadness rushes over me. It’s hard to know when it’s our time to go, but I know for a damn fact her life was cut way too short.

The day after the bachelor auction when Emily brought me that cup of coffee, I froze. Tasting that coffee and seeing the logo on that cup dug up old, painful memories. I’ve avoided that place for years, and I’d done a pretty good job until then. I shouldn’t have reacted that way, but I’m human. Sometimes it’s difficult to be emotionless when a wound has been partially reopened. Fortunately, she let it go and didn’t ask questions. I know I owe her some kind of explanation, but I’m not ready to go down that road yet.

It’s almost been two weeks since the bachelor auction since we had to wait until our next day off. I pulled some strings so we both have a later shift tomorrow. Instead of going in bright ass early, we’ll start midmorning instead. Seeing Emily every day at work and knowing this night was approaching had us both anxious. With private glances and stolen kisses, she’d tease me and work me up, push me into the supply closet and kiss the hell out of me, then walk out, leaving me to suffer from a major case of blue balls.

I haven’t told her what I have planned for tonight other than I’m picking her up around seven, which is in forty-five minutes.

To say I’m rusty when it comes to dating is the understatement of the century. We’re technically doing this because of a fundraiser, but it feels much more than that. It’s personal at this point. Considering I owe her a massive favor for bidding on me in the first place and saving me from my number one crazed fan, I’m sure Emily’s loving every minute of this. Though she’ll never admit it, I think she intended to bid on me anyway.

The past few auctions, I’ve gone out with women who were twice my age. We’d have an early dinner, conversation that always revolved around church and their grandkids, and then it was over. This, on the other hand, is much different and directly conflicts with our unspoken agreement that what we have stays private and between us only.

After Emily won, it encouraged Mama to pry, which complicates things. As a joke, I asked if I could double the bid that Emily made and go on a date with myself. Mama slapped me upside the head for even insinuating I didn’t want to fulfill my end of the bargain. She’s called and asked a handful of questions about us working together, and I politely asked her to stop. If Mama’s already acting this way before the date, it won’t be long until the whole town’s talking about Emily and me. It’s exactly how the rumor mills start around here. Considering we were seen at the wedding together and then she eagerly and so easily outbid April, they probably already have.

After I tuck my button-up shirt into my slacks and snap my belt closed, I put on my shoes. I’m even wearing Oxfords for her. The realization that I actually care about this date hits me pretty hard. Emily Bell is going to ruin me and everything I’ve tried so hard to avoid. She just came barreling into my life so easily, and now she’s inescapable. She’s at work, outside of work, and in my fantasies—the woman is dangerous.

I finish drying my hair with the towel, put on my watch, and check my phone. My brothers have done nothing but antagonize me all day about this. Baiting and taunting me about my Mystery Girl and if I’d be able to seal the deal like last time. I’m getting ready to send them all a middle finger emoji and call it a day. Though for me to pull this date off, considering I’ve worked all week, I had to get their help because the truth is, I’m not going to half ass this. Even made them swear and cross their damn hearts they wouldn’t tell Mama or Kiera. Instead of being a dick, I don’t respond with a finger salute and instead shove my phone back in my pocket, grab my keys, then head to my truck.

As soon as I step outside, I realize how damn hot and humid it is and roll my sleeves to my elbows as I walk to the driver’s side door. I back out of the garage feeling both excited and slightly nervous. Before I pick her up, I stop at a flower shop on the way and grab a fresh bouquet of roses.

“Gettin’ your mama some flowers?” the owner, Mary, asks. Occasionally on my days off, I’d bring Mama fresh flowers because I know how much she loves them, but not today.

“No, ma’am.” I smile.

“Oh, for a special lady then?” With a smirk, she wraps them in white tissue paper and hands them over.

“Something like that.” I shoot her a wink and pay my bill.

Fifteen minutes later, I pull up to Emily’s condo and see her rental car. My heart rate increases as I grab the flowers and walk toward her door. I swallow hard, then knock. After a moment, Emily opens the door, and she’s so fucking beautiful it takes my breath away. Being the prowess she is, Emily looks down, causing her dark hair to fall into her eyes. It takes everything I have not to kiss the fuck out of her right then. The black dress hangs off her shoulders but hugs her tightly around her waist. My eyes gaze down her body and long, sleek legs until they land on her black fuck-me heels. I’m tempted to run my lips across her skin and skip dinner completely. If how she’s dressed is any indication of how much she plans to tease me, then I’m already fucked.

“Hey,” she finally says, looking at me from head to toe with a smirk on her face. “You look really nice.”

“Hi.” I step forward, pressing a kiss to her cheek, then handing her the flowers. “For me? It’s almost like a real date,” she teases, but I can tell she’s genuinely happy about them. She steps aside and allows me to walk inside.

“Well, I have to make sure you get your money’s worth and all. Otherwise, my mama will kick my ass. Plus, I kinda owe you.”

She laughs, but I’m not joking about Mama.

Instantly, we fall back into our typical routine of teasing each other, and my nerves melt away. I watch her as she walks through the living room and into the kitchen to grab a vase. Images of me ripping her dress off assault my mind before I shake them away. This is more than just one night, and I’m not going to jeopardize it by not being able to control myself around her. Though that tight little number is making things really hard.

I watch as she fills the vase with water and places the roses inside. “Thank you for these. They’re really beautiful.”

“Beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman,” I tell her with a smile, and I’m not remotely joking. “But before we leave, you might want to pack a change of clothes and a jacket or something,” I add.

She tilts her head and steps from behind the island. “You don’t like my dress?”

“I fucking love it and have already fantasized about a dozen different ways I’ll peel it off your body, but for what I have planned later, you might not be too comfortable.”

Shaking her head, she smiles. “Do I even want to know what you’re up to?”

“I wouldn’t tell you even if you asked.” I wink.

“Fine.” Emily playfully rolls her eyes and heads to her bedroom. As she walks past me, I can’t keep my eyes off her. When she disappears, I look around her place, and the photographs on a decorative table catch my eyes. There are photos of her on vacation, a picture of her and an older man, probably her father, then a photo of whom I assume are her with her brother and sister dressed up for Halloween in matching Three Musketeer costumes. They all look exactly the same; there’s no doubt they’re related. There’s one photo when Emily is a child with her parents, but it looks over twenty years old. Other than what I’ve read on paper, I barely know anything about her personal life, and I’m determined to change that tonight. I’m surprised when I don’t see her mother in any of the recent family photos. I’m so focused on her pictures that I don’t notice her return until I feel her body standing next to mine.

“This is my dad,” she says, picking up the first photo I saw and looks at it for a moment. “The only man who I’m trying to prove anything to.” She sets the picture down and smiles.

Her words become a little too real, and at that moment, I understand so much more about her than before. She’s grown up watching her father, knowing he’s one of the best in the country, and has siblings who have followed in his footsteps as well. I’m sure it always feels like a competition—always something to prove while standing in the shadows.

I feel regret remembering the words I said to her about her father that first day at the hospital. I insinuated she hadn’t worked for her accomplishments, and I know that’s not true. Emily’s one of the hardest working doctors I’ve ever met, but not only that, she’s also compassionate and driven. She’s trying to prove to her father the same way I’m trying to prove to mine that being a doctor isn’t just a career, it’s a life calling. That’s something we’ll always have in common.

“I’m sure he’s very proud of you.”

“Yeah.” She looks up at me, and I tuck loose hair behind her ear. Tonight will be a lot harder than I thought, but I promised myself this wouldn’t end in sex. However, when she’s standing in front of me, looking too fucking irresistible, I’m not so sure I’ll be able to keep that promise.

“We should get going. We’ve got reservations.” I look at my watch, then back at her.

“And I know how punctual you are.” She smirks and grabs her duffel bag before we head toward the door.

After she locks up, we turn, and I place my hand on the small of her back as we walk to my truck. Opening her door, she glances up at me, and our eyes meet. It feels as if the air stills around us before she gets inside. “Thank you.”

I shut the door behind her and get ahold of myself before walking around the truck and climb in. We drive across town, and the awkwardness returns. What the hell do we talk about? Work?

“So,” she says at the same time as I do, the nervous tension filling the truck. We both laugh.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going and what we’re doing tonight?” she asks.

“No, ma’am. No can do,” I tell her and she glares. “Don’t you like surprises?”

“Not particularly. Too much of a control freak,” she admits.

I chuckle. “Well, you don’t get to be in control tonight. But remember, darlin’, you ultimately chose this.” We drive through Old Town San Angelo and park in front of Da Nonna, an old Italian restaurant that’s been around for as long as I can remember, but it also requires a reservation.

“Da Nonna? What kind of name is that?” Emily asks.

“It means Grandma’s Place in Italian, apparently. It’s the best we’ve got in this little town, but I’m willing to bet it’s better than any fancy schmancy place in Houston.”

She snorts. “Houston doesn’t have it all. I can’t say I’ve actually been to an authentic Italian restaurant unless you count Olive Garden.”

I playfully roll my eyes before I get out of the truck and open the door for her. She loops her arm in mine as we walk inside. The lights are already lowered in the restaurant and candles flicker on each table.

“It smells amazing,” she whispers, as I tell the host the name for the reservation.

“Dr. Bishop.” The woman smiles. “So good to see you again.” The woman comes around to give me a side hug.

“How’s everything going?” I ask. A few months ago, she was admitted for pneumonia and had it pretty bad.

“Better, thanks to you.” She winks, studying me from head to toe.

“Glad to hear it.” I give her a smile, and she glances at Emily, then looks back at me. “Guess I should get you two seated.”

We follow her across the restaurant to a secluded corner of the room and take our seats. We’re handed menus shortly before the waiter arrives and tells us the food and wine specials for the day. I order a bottle of Merlot. When he walks away, Emily chuckles.

“What?” I ask.

“The hostess wants you so bad,” she tells me over the menu.

“Okay, sure she does.” The sarcasm isn’t lost on her.

“She does. Are you always this oblivious when it comes to women?” She sets the menu down and closes it. The smirk on her face may be permanent.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The waiter thankfully walks up with the bottle of wine and pours it into our glasses. After we give our order, Emily sips her wine and continues the conversation.

“I know a lot about you, Evan Bishop. Probably things you wished I didn’t know.”

“Oh yeah? Kiera must be getting the scoop from Jackson then.” I narrow my eyes at her, then laugh. “I’m not dumb, you know. I know where you’re getting your info, and honestly, I wouldn’t trust anything he says. Unless it’s good things, of course.” I throw a wink at her, and she tries to hold back a smile but fails miserably.

“Well, I know that no one in your family wanted you to go to med school or become a doctor. That ranching is in your blood, but you were the only one to break away from it. When you aren’t working your ass off at the hospital, you work at the ranch because you still give a shit about your family and their business. You’re known as a hardass to everyone who knows you, but you have a soft side when it comes to children or animals or helping others. You also put up a front to scare people away, but that’s not who you really are. Also…” She leans in. “You should know you don’t intimidate me. At all.”

“Damn. Hit the nail on the head. Sounds like I have a stalker,” I tease, lifting an eyebrow at her. “But it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure those things out. Where’re the deep, dark secrets? The juicy stuff that no one ever wants anyone else to know?”

She looks at me, and I see the color in her face slightly drain, and it confuses me. I furrow my brows. “What?”

“Nothing,” she says. “Just forget about it.”

“No seriously, what is it?” The mood shifts, and my curiosity has the best of me.

“We can talk about it later.” She smiles. I decide to drop it, especially if she doesn’t want to talk about it, whatever it is.

We chat about work and med school, and I find myself noticing the little things about her again. The way she smiles, laughs, and randomly licks her bottom lip or nibbles on the corner. She’s gorgeous, but she’s also so much more—intelligent, funny, and easy to talk to. Had our circumstances been different from the start, I would’ve asked for her number the morning after our one-night stand and taken her out on a proper date.

Before long, our plates of pasta are being placed in front of us. Emily eats with proper etiquette, and I almost laugh.

“What?” she questions as she cuts her pasta, rolls it with her fork on her spoon before placing the small bites in her mouth.

“I’ve never in my life seen someone eat pasta the proper way,” I admit.

“You remember who my father is, right? My childhood wasn’t normal between the nannies and housekeepers raising us. I’m actually jealous of you in that regard. I’m sure you just got to be a normal kid living on the ranch.”

I nod. “I did, but I worked my ass off too. I learned there was no play without work at a real early age, shoveling horseshit and doing yard work in scorching temps. I did a lot of stupid chores until I was old enough to really help on the ranch. Then once my brothers got older, I made them do all the stupid shit for me instead.” I laugh, remembering when I finally had my license and would dump their asses out into the pastures and drive away. “But I had fun and loved what I did. I think that’s why everyone was so shocked when I chose this path.”

“I envy you. I really do. I went to private school for as long as I can remember. The nanny was more of my mother than my own. At age five, I had to learn proper etiquette so I could impress my father’s social class in public situations such as charity events and fundraisers. Sure, I traveled around the world when I was a teen for medical conferences, but my views were from a hotel window. I may have gotten luxury cars and expensive things, but it just proved to me that money doesn’t buy love, and I started to resent it all. I didn’t get to choose my friends or boyfriends until I went to college, and even then, I didn’t feel like I had complete control of my life. But I was able to discover who I was without being my parents’ perfect little puppet 24/7. Being medical royalty, as they all called me in medical school, fucking sucked. Everyone either expects greatness or wants to be chummy to get on my father’s good side. As sick as it makes me to admit, I’m pretty sure every guy I dated was more in love with my dad than me, and my friends just wanted to be in my family’s social circle. That’s why I really like living here, and why Kiera and I have stayed such good friends. She never gave a shit about any of that, and it’s been freeing. For the first time in a while, I feel like my true self.”

“I had no idea.” I try to process it all. I can’t imagine living that life. The more she tells me about herself, the more I want to know.

She chuckles. “It’s just not as great as it seems. But it has some perks. I could’ve gone to any medical school I wanted, and I had people begging me to work for them. But after my residency, I put my foot down and chose to do what I wanted for once. But the stigma of being Dr. Bell’s daughter doesn’t go away regardless of where I work, apparently. You even proved that one.”

“I’m sorry for that,” I tell her. “Really. You’re nothing like I thought you’d be.”

“In a good way, I hope.” She lifts an eyebrow and takes a sip of wine.

“In the best way possible.”

We continue eating, and the way she moans as she takes small bites makes me think she might actually be having a foodgasm.

My voice drops low enough for only her to hear as I lean across the table. “If you don’t stop moaning like that, we’ll be leaving this restaurant and going straight back to your condo.”

“It’s just so good. You were right; this is the best I’ve ever had.” After she takes another sip of wine, she sucks on her bottom lip, and it drives me fucking crazy.

“Fuck,” I whisper as I watch her, and she lifts an eyebrow, knowing exactly what she’s doing to me. Before I can say another word, the waiter returns and hands me the check. She hurries and grabs it.

“No, ma’am. You’re not paying for this,” I tell her with my hand out.

“Yes, I am. The only reason you’re here is because I paid for you to be, so the least I can do is treat you,” she says with a smirk. The waiter walks away with a smile as we continue to argue about it.

“You’re being stubborn.” I give her a pointed look.

“Dr. Bishop, you should already know stubborn is my middle name.” She pulls out a credit card from her clutch.

“Emily Stubborn Bell. It does have a ring to it,” I joke, before standing and taking the ticket from her hand and sitting back down.

She rolls her eyes at me. “Not fair. I wasn’t expecting you to do that.”

“A true gentleman never allows a woman to pay for a meal.”

Smiling, she places her hand over her heart. “I guess I’ll oblige, sir.”

“Shut the hell up,” I say with a laugh as I hand the waiter my card and the check. After I sign the receipt, I stand, and we walk to the door. As she walks in front of me, shaking her ass in the short dress, I lean over and whisper in her ear. “You keep teasing me like that, and you will be paying tonight.”

She looks over her shoulder at me and licks her lips. “You know how I love a good dare.”

Of course, that’d be her response.