Page 9 of Loving Callie
Chapter 5
“How about this one? With dark jeans and your black ankle boots. Sexy, and comfortable,” Reagan said as she held up a maroon top, that had a subtle shimmer to the fabric.
Collapsing down on her bed in exasperation, Callie covered her eyes with her arms. “I don’t know, who knew it would be this hard to choose clothes? It’s just a date. I’ve been on plenty of dates and never been this nervous before.”
Sitting down beside her, Reagan stroked her head soothingly. “Honey, that’s because you’ve never met someone and had instant chemistry like you say you did with Jake. That’s why we need to find you the perfect outfit, so you feel as beautiful as you look.”
Callie moved her arms down to smile affectionately at her best friend. Somehow Reagan always knew what to say. But the sadness in Reagan’s eyes made her sit up and pull Reagan into her arms. “Are you sure you don’t want me to cancel and hang out with you instead? I feel awful leaving you tonight.”
Just yesterday, Reagan had tried to surprise her now ex-boyfriend Eric by bringing dinner to him at his office while he was supposedly working late. Unfortunately, Reagan ended up being the most surprised, when she caught him with his naked ass in the air, bent over his assistant.
Callie was dismayed at Eric’s infidelity, but not shocked. He was a creep, but her loyalty to her best friend had her in disbelief that even an asshole like Eric could cheat on someone as incredible as Reagan. She was one of those women who was stunning to look at, with a beautiful heart as well. Sadly, Reagan thought Eric’s actions were all her fault, blaming everything from her voluptuous shape to her supposedly ‘clingy’ behavior.
“I’m fine. If Eric has taught me anything it’s that I need to get better at being alone. I guess I was smothering him.”
Callie rolled her eyes. Reagan was as forgiving as she was naïve at times. “Oh please. Men don’t cheat because they feel smothered. They cheat because they’re dirt bag assholes who don’t deserve someone as wonderful as you. Promise me you won’t sit here, beating yourself up thinking this was your fault.”
A sad smile came over Reagan’s face, and her voice was soft when she answered, “I won’t. I promise. I’m just going to go home and clean out my cupboards of junk. If I have to start dating again, I need to lose twenty pounds.”
Callie just shook her head. Even though Reagan was very active, running and practicing yoga regularly, she was very self conscious about her curves. Callie suspected Eric had reinforced that with his negative opinions and stupid standards. That man hadn’t wanted a girlfriend, he wanted a walking, talking, Barbie doll. Callie could only hope that someday her friend would meet someone who would help her to see herself as the vibrant, incredible person that she was.
“Okay, but you know I think you’re wrong. You are perfect just the way you are. Promise me you’ll really be alright, then hand me that maroon top. I should finish getting ready, Jake will be here soon.”
* * *
Callie said goodbye to Reagan only moments before her doorbell rang. She ran her hands nervously over her hair one more time before opening the door. Jake stood in her doorway, looking devastatingly handsome in a leather jacket over a grey long-sleeved tee, and dark blue jeans. He leaned against the door jam, and let his eyes travel appreciatively up and down Callie’s body before he said, “Damn. You look incredible, Callie. You’re making it difficult for me to remember I’m meant to take you out in public tonight, when all I want to do is keep you to myself.”
Jake’s low voice went through her like a bolt of lightning, heating her up inside. How was it so easy for him to turn her on with nothing but his words?
Turning to lock her front door, she peeked at him over her shoulder in what she hoped was a flirtatious glance and replied, “Well I guess it’s a good thing I’m hungry. You promised me a date handsome, so let’s go.”
With that she pulled on her jacket, and headed down the steps, adding a sway to her hips in hopes that Jake would check out her ass the whole time.
When they arrived at the quaint Italian bistro Jake had chosen for their date, Callie had to admit she was impressed. Jake clearly knew the owners of the restaurant, based on the warm greeting they received. They were ushered to a romantic booth with a flickering candle and a single red rose in the middle of a crisp white tablecloth. Secluded in the high velvet seats, it was private, and gave the impression they were the only two people in the whole restaurant.
Once they had ordered and were enjoying a glass of wine with an antipasto platter the owners had sent out, Jake leaned forward and touched Callie’s hand as she toyed with the stem of her wine glass. “So, Gorgeous. Now that I finally get you to myself, no frat boys or coworkers to distract us, tell me something. Who is Callie Scott?”
Callie flushed with warmth at his genuine interest in her. “Isn’t that sort of a heavy first date question?”
He gave her hand a squeeze in response. “Not when I have every intention of this being the first of many dates. And every intention of finding out everything there is to know about you.”
Callie was speechless for a moment, marveling at both his confidence and his forwardness. She couldn’t deny the tingle she felt at his words.
“Well, I grew up in Oregon; Salem to be exact, and you know from experience that I work in the ER.” She flashed him a teasing grin at the memory of their first meeting then went on, “I think I’ve always wanted to be a doctor, be there when people are at their most vulnerable; to help them, save them. I guess I have that God complex most doctors have.” Callie blushed, hoping she didn’t come across as arrogant. She loved her job and valued what she did for others.
“I think that’s inspiring. Your passion for your work is nothing to be modest about. Your patients are lucky to have you, and I can only imagine how proud your parents must be.”
Callie winced inwardly at his innocent comment. His admiration for her was evident and filled her with the courage to tell him the truth about her parent’s opinions.
Taking a fortifying breath, she continued, “My parents live in Salem still, but we… aren’t exactly close. They actually aren’t that happy with my choices and don’t waste any opportunity to tell me that.”
Jake’s surprise was evident in his voice, “Are you serious? They aren’t impressed with their daughter being an incredible doctor. What did they want you to do, solve world hunger?”
Unable to hold back a smile at Jake’s indignation on her behalf, she replied, “Nope. My father is a state judge and plans on running for the state senate next year. That has been their ambition for years. My mother is really old fashioned and believes the best thing a woman can do is be a dutiful wife and exist solely to support her husband. Lunch with the ladies league, hosting fundraisers, that sort of thing. Much to their disapproval, that’s just not who I am. I love helping people. I want to be more than just a pretty girl on the arm of a powerful man.”
Jake shook his head slowly, before sliding around the booth, putting his arms around Callie’s shoulders. He pulled her into his arms, cupped her face and looked into her eyes with a serious yet gentle gaze.
“Gorgeous, you could never be ‘just’ a pretty girl. You’re incredible. I’m sorry your parents can’t see that, but I do.”
