Cindy's Doctor Charming by Teresa Southwick

dined her hadn’t cleaned out the money her parents left for their children’s education. She took a sip of wine. “You already know about my pathetically normal childhood. I’d like to hear about how you didn’t have one.”
    He frowned, an expression just this side of brooding but no less appealing than his grin. “My father was always working. Because he was never home, Mother had hobbies. She took classes. Painting. Knitting. Needlepoint. Calligraphy. Aura reading.” Over the flickering light ofthe candle, his gaze connected with hers. “Neither of them were around much. I became pretty self-sufficient.”
    â€œIt sounds to me like your mother was hurt about your father working so much. She was probably hiding in her hobbies.” She finished off the wine in her glass. “And I can’t decide if you take after her or your father.”
    â€œHow about neither?”
    She shook her head. “You put in a lot of hours at the hospital.”
    â€œAnd you know this—how?”
    â€œWhile the women wait in your line, they talk about you.” The snarky remark made him smile, just as she’d intended. “It’s said that you’re dedicated. So either you’re a workaholic like your father, or you’re hiding like your mom.”
    Just then Mario brought their salads. “Is there anything else I can get you?”
    â€œNot right now,” Nathan said.
    The light, carefree expression had disappeared and it was her fault. Cindy wished for a filter from her brain to her mouth, but it was too late for that.
    They ate in silence for a few minutes. At least he did. She pushed romaine lettuce and croutons around the plate and not much of it got eaten. She wished she’d kept her views to herself.
    Finally she couldn’t stand the silence. “Look, Nathan, it’s just my opinion and worth what you paid for it. About now you’re probably regretting this invitation. The offer of sex with no strings attached must look pretty good. Sometimes I don’t know when to keep my mouth shut.”
    His eyes turned even darker with an intensity that was almost tangible as his gaze settled on her mouth. “Let’s just say you’ve given me food for thought. Perspective that’s both sincere and sweet.”
    Yay her. It felt like he’d yelled at her even though he hadn’t raised his voice. Unlike that day at the hospital, this time he had a reason to be mad. Amateur psychoanalysis probably wasn’t what he’d signed up for tonight in his quest to know her. He’d no doubt learned everything necessary to form the opinion that this night had been a cheap validation for her pronouncement that he should have taken no for an answer.
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    Two hours later after more to eat and drink and entertaining, idle conversation, they were standing in front of her open door. Cindy was pleasantly full and still rocking a lovely buzz from his favorite red wine.
    â€œThanks for dinner.” She looked up and her breath caught.
    The inside light showed the glitter in Nathan’s eyes as his knuckles lightly grazed her cheek. “I’m going to kiss you.”
    â€œDo you really think that’s a good idea—”
    â€œNo. But all night I haven’t been able to take my eyes off you. I want to see how that sexy, sassy, smart mouth tastes.”
    Her heart started to pound until she thought it would jump right out of her chest. “Oh, my—”
    â€œI can’t help it.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with a shaking hand. “I want to feel all the passion you put into being so tough.”
    Words were trapped in her throat so she started to shake her head. The feel of his lips stopped her as surely as it shut down all rational thought. One moment his mouth was on hers and the next she was plastered against his body, her arms twining around his neck. His big, warm hands restlessly rubbed up