Page 18 of A Very Grumpy Doctor

I shove a bite of pizza into my mouth so I can delay answering her.It doesn’t really work because Daisy can read me better than anyone.

“I’m both,” I admit.

She sighs.“Your first date.”

I groan.“You sound like a mom.”

“I’m just so excited for you.Hugh seems like a good guy, and the whole town knows he’s crazy about you after his behavior the last few days.”

My cheeks heat, aware that we’re probably the talk of the town.I don’t love being the center of the gossip mill around here, but I know it will blow over in a few days.

“What are you going to wear?Something casual?Sexy?Lingerie?”

I chuckle at her enthusiasm.“Casual and comfortable.”

She shakes her head.“Boo!You should wear something that will knock his socks off.Who knows?Maybe tonight you’ll get lucky.”

She wiggles her eyebrows, and my entire body heats.I’m about to tell her that’s not even on my radar when the door opens and two customers come in.

“I’m heading back to work,” I say, grabbing the half-empty pizza box.“I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay, call me if you want to talk about outfits or anything before your date!”

“I will,” I promise.

I leave, walking down the sidewalk toward the old building where the Wolf Valley Gazette is based.I let myself in, my spirits sinking as I look around.More and more of the desks seem to be empty every day.People have moved, retired, or been let go, and the rest of us are waiting for our turn.The tension is palpable in the mood and atmosphere, as if we’re all just waiting for the hammer to fall.

My editor, Ron, stops by my desk.“Is your article almost finished?”

He looks weary and older than his years.The newspaper’s slow death has sucked the energy out of him like the rest of us.

“Almost.I’ll have it to you in an hour or two.”

He nods and taps his papers on my desk before he shuffles off.I sigh as I sink down into my old chair.The wheels are wobbly and uneven, and I grunt as my hips tilt to the left.Shifting, I straighten up and get to work, forcing myself to focus until my article about the upcoming summer festival is complete.After emailing it to Ron, I stand and gather my things.Everyone else is out, so I don’t bother saying goodbye to anyone as I slip out the front door and make my way home.

I still have a few hours before Hugh arrives to pick me up, so I do a load of laundry and work on some freelance projects.By the time I’m done, I only have half an hour to get ready.

“Shit!”I hiss, jumping to my feet and hurrying into my bedroom.

I flip through my clothes, debating what to wear.We’re not going anywhere fancy, just his place, but it’s my first date, so I feel like I should make an effort.In the end, I decide on black jeans and a navy-blue top that matches my eyes.I’m brushing my hair out when my phone buzzes, and my heart races when I see Hugh’s name on the screen.

Hugh:Just getting off work now, baby.I’ll be at your place in five.

Alexi: Okay, see you soon.

I take a deep breath,smoothing my hands down my shirt before slipping on my shoes.A knock sounds at the door as I grab my purse and keys, and a million butterflies take flight in my stomach as I go to answer it.

Hugh grins at me as I open the door, and I’m surprised to see that he’s dressed up.

“You look beautiful, Alexi,” he says, leaning down to press a kiss to my cheek.“These are for you.”

I smile as he hands me a bouquet of roses.“Thank you.No one has ever given me flowers before.”

“I’m happy to be the first.”

“Let me just put these in some water.”

I turn and head into the kitchen with Hugh hot on my heels.It takes me a minute to find a pitcher large enough to hold the flowers and fill it with water.I arrange the roses, breathing in their sweet scent.