Page 24 of Prickly Pair
Matthew
It was Friday morning, and I’d just wrapped up my laps around the park. My shirt was soaked with sweat thanks to the summer heat clinging to our little town, but the runner’s high that came after made it worth it.
I snapped a picture of my water bottle and sent it to Evie. Then I drained almost all of it, exhaling as I leaned against my car.
This week had been a whirlwind so far. I was counting the days, hours, and minutes until my date with Evie.
Finally.
I should have asked her out months ago, but because of Austin, I’d held myself back.
As the lead doctor at the hospital here, my days were often filled to the brim with work. There were many weeks where I practically slept in my office. Even small towns had their fair share of accidents. Plus, being in a small town meant staffing problems were a real issue. I didn’t have nearly enough nurses or other doctors. Our emergency room was only open because I’d pushed for it to stay that way. Otherwise, folks would have to try to make it to a bigger city—which just didn’t work if there was a real emergency.
The good news was we had a great fire department. Over the last few months, Mateo and Dallas had become two of my closest friends. More than once, they’d run an ambulance for us or given me a heads-up about an emergency so I could get to the hospital in time. Not to mention, they were both fun to share a beer with.
My phone rattled in my hand as I slid into my car and cranked up the air conditioner, desperate to cool off. I chuckled as I read Evie’s text.
Evie
I don’t think I can drink THAT much, but here’s proof of slight improvement
She sent a picture of a pink water bottle. It was a 16 oz one, brand new, but it was progress.
My fingers hovered over the keys. Wehadofficially established two days ago that I was her water Dom.
Me
Good girl ;) Make sure you actually drink the water I see there.
What time should I pick you up tonight?
Evie
Okay, SIR, you can’t just good girl me so casually. What if I was working?
I narrowed my eyes. She was supposed to be resting. Word on the grapevine from Mateo was that Nick had fixed the bakery oven, but everyone had collectively bullied Evie into keeping the shop closed until Monday. Knowing her, it was still going to be a challenge to get her to stay home, but I felt better knowing that everyone was pushing for her to do so.
Me
The good news is that I know you’re off work. Our friends tattled
Evie
Ugh, of course they did
Pick me up around six? Does that work?
Me
Perfect. I’ll see you then
Evie
Should I wear black lace or red?
Fuck. I stared at her message. So much for having a clear head after my run.
I was rusty at this. But also, when it came to Evie, flirting came naturally. Especially since we’d been texting this week.
