Page 29 of Draft Pick
King gives me a once-over and chuckles under his breath, but he doesn’t argue. He knows that for me to speak up, it’s with good reason. Not sure if my reason is actually with good intentions this time, but it’s too late to analyze it. His lips meet the microphone, and the music abruptly stops. “You heard the guy. Shows over, ladies. And by all means, holler at your boy if you need some assistance dressing back.”
Dick.
I shove his shoulder, earning myself one of the legendary Kingston Baylor smiles. I point my finger at him, walking back to my seat and securing my things. “We’re getting too old for this, King.”
I occupy myself with mindless tasks, putting chairs and tables back in place while the girls re-dress and get down from the bar. I feel Juniper’s presence behind me before I turn. Partially why I stand with my back to her, too ashamed to be questioned for my outburst.
“I don’t need saving, you know.”
The bingo card in my hand begs me to look. I haven’t yet, not wanting to interfere, but there’s also a part of me that feels protective of Juniper. Maybe it’s because she’s my daughter’s doctor, or because she’s new to town and I want to make sure she feels welcome. Or…maybe it’s for something entirely different that I don’t have the answer to just yet.
“I know,” I tell her honestly. “I was just trying to help.”
She’s silent for a moment, and neither of us attempts to move. “I’m sorry if my coming here made things weird. I really hoped the coincidence wouldn’t be true. I don’t have any friends other than Valentina, and I thought it would be a good?—”
“Don’t. Don’t do that. Don’t apologize for having a good time and making friends.” Now, I’m facing her, and I know she spots the bingo card in my hands, but I make no effort to hide it. “Tenley is one of the best women I know. She’s a great friend to have.”
Juniper nods slowly. “I can tell. Anyway, I promise this will be the last time you see my tits.” She laughs, and goddamn it, it’s hard not to smile.
“What a shame.” Me. It’s me.I’mwhat’s shameful. “Almost saw your ass, too.”
Her brows shoot up, and I’ve officially made things awkward. “Yeah, that too. Still, it won’t happen again when you’re around. I promise. It’s important for me to stay professional with my patients’ families, and although having a life outside of work is critical for my sanity, I’ll keep it PG when you’re around.”
Well, I sure as shit don’t like the sound of that. But what am I gonna say? No, that’s okay, Dr. Wilde, please get naked every time you see me? Drop your bra and panties and let me see you work it.
Not gonna happen.
I swallow hard. Being this close to her after seeing her practically bare on stage makes me question why I’m trying so hard to be good. It’s not something I’m overly proud of, but I can have my fair share of women when I want them. I’ve just got too much to lose over getting off or attempting something real with someone who doesn’t want kids—someone else’s kid to love, specifically. Been there, done that.
I need boundaries. I also need to see this season through, focus on the very little time Idohave with Addie, spend moretime at Boone, and plan out my retirement.Then, I’ll be ready to meet someone for real.
So, I agree with her because I have no other choice. “Probably for the best.”
Sensing our conversation is over, and there are tables to be moved, I spin quickly, but Juniper’s muffled voice stops me. “Aren’t you gonna read it?”
I cease my steps, my thumb absentmindedly cresting the edge of the card. “I was thinkin’ about it.”
Looking over my shoulder, I catch her nod. “Go for it. Makes sense you’d learn something about me, seeing as how I know something personal about you.”
Addie.
Without another thought, I flip the bingo card over and search out her missing square. I remember the pattern she worked toward and feel my voice catch in my throat as I take in the task she skipped.
Lap dance in a dark closet.
“Doc.”
Proving just how confident in herself she is, Juniper waves me off. “I don’t do tight spaces. Not now, not ever.”
“You shouldn’t do something you aren’t comfortable with.”
“And that’s exactly why I forfeited. I can dance on a bar any day of the week, butthat…a simple victory isn’t worth it for me.”
I knew there was more to her than that. There’s no such thing as keeping your heart on your sleeve when your name is Juniper Wilde—that I can already tell. But I won’t lie and say it wasn’t shockingly sexy of her to call me out on my prying.
“Fair enough,” I tell her, glancing around the bar to see how much we have left to do. “Do you need anything? Food or something before we leave?”
“I could eat.” Juniper shrugs, and I already feel at ease. Thank god she has an appetite.
