“Smart, successful, gorgeous, and you actually eat real food instead of weeds.” Declan’s tone was filled with masculine approval.
My eyes popped open in surprise. I’d been enjoying my food so much, I’d kind of forgotten he was there for a minute. I ducked my head in embarrassment and set my fork down on my almost empty plate. Skipping breakfast hadn’t been a smart idea since I’d been hungry enough to devour my entire steak in a matter of minutes. “I definitely enjoyed my food,” I mumbled.
Declan reached out to grab my hand and squeeze it. I slid my hand away and dropped it onto my lap. Awkward.
“I meant it as a compliment, Ellison.”
“Thanks,” I whispered.
“You done?”
“Yeah,” I confirmed, fidgeting in my seat, suddenly aware of how we’d been seated together in a corner booth.
He waved the waiter over, and he cleared the table, leaving the check behind for Declan.
“I’ve already given you my pitch.” And he had, both the last time I’d interviewed and during our lunch. “Not to sound conceited, but I know we have a lot to offer at Children’s Minneapolis.”
“You do,” I replied, nodding in understanding.
“When we spoke last week, you mentioned your situation had changed.” His gaze dropped to where my hands were folded in my lap before rising to meet mine again. “I can only assume it’s your personal life since our research hadn’t indicated anything different in your current position.”
“It is.” I kept my answer short because I didn’t really want to get into it with him.
Declan cocked his head to the side, his gaze speculative as he scanned my face. “I hope you don’t mind if I get a little personal with you for a moment.”
I waved a hand in a circular motion, giving him permission to continue since I was curious where he was going to take this.
“I’d hate to see you pass up an opportunity like this because of a guy, especially when there will be opportunities for romance in Minneapolis for you.”
“Erm...” I sputtered, completely flustered and unsure how to respond.
“Let me be blunt.” Like he wasn’t already? “I didn’t see a ring on your finger, so I’ve got to think this guy probably isn’t worth the sacrifice. Not when you can take the job with us and let me take you out on a date after you get settled in up there.”
Oh, for criminy’s sake. Was I putting off irresistible pheromones or something? First, Richard got all weird when I tried to let him down easily, and then here was Declan trying to lure me into the job in Minneapolis, using himself as bait. Not to mention, Jack doing his best to knock me up.
“That’s incredibly kind of you to offer,” I murmured, glancing down at my phone as it vibrated in my hand. “And as much as I’d love to discuss this further,” —not—“they need me back at the hospital.”
“They” was really Jack since he was the one trying to reach me. I sent him a quick text, letting him know I was on my way back and chuckled softly at the series of rapid-fire texts which followed.
Jack: I missed you for lunch. You took my favorite meal with you. I had a taste for honey.
Jack: Where did you go?
Jack: Wanna meet me in my office for a quickie?
Jack: I promise to do my best to make you scream, but I’ll keep your mouth busy so nobody can hear you.
Me: Poor, starving boy. I’ll be there in 5 minutes.
Damn that man! The ride back to the hospital couldn’t go fast enough since it was already awkward, and that was before I was blushing wildly and my panties were damp from the images Jack had put in my head. I stayed super quiet, not wanting to do anything to make Declan think the visible signs of arousal were due to him.
When the car pulled up in front of the hospital, I practically leapt from the vehicle. Unfortunately, Declan followed behind me and insisted on walking me back inside. And my bad luck turned worse as I caught sight of Jack through the glass doors. He didn’t give us a chance to make it inside before he stormed through the doors to meet me on the sidewalk and stake his claim.
“Ellie,” he growled, his mouth crashing down on mine in a kiss which screamed possessiveness. When he lifted his head, my knees were weak and I was holding on to his arms for dear life.
Declan cleared his throat, drawing my attention to him, right along with Jack’s.
“Dr. Jack Halston,” he announced, holding his hand out to shake Declan’s. “Ellie’s fiancé.”
Say what now? Had I completely missed his proposal at some point this week?
Declan’s gaze dropped to my ringless finger before he chuckled softly. “Dr. Declan McGowan from Children’s Minneapolis. I was in town trying to tempt Ellison into joining our team. Considering how things went down last year, I figured a little bit of wooing was in order.”