Chapter 35: Doppelbanger: Chapter 35

“HURRY UP, GINA,” my best friend whines, peeking her head around into my office. “I’m starving.”

I hold up a finger, indicating for her to give me a minute before I forget what I’m doing. “I’m coming.” After I’ve finished writing in my last patient’s chart and filing it away in the drawer, I grab my purse and follow her out to her car. “You know, he messaged me again today?”

“Who?” My best friend asks, looking over her shoulder as she pulls out of the lot.

“Who?” I mock. “Jeffrey, duh.”

“What’d he say?”

I dig my phone from my purse, swiping my finger across the screen to open up the texts. “He said: ‘Good morning Tink. I miss waking up with your tits pressed to my chest and my dick buried in your belly. Hope you have an amazing day at work.’ ”

Spencer snorts, nearly pulling her truck off the road. “Oh my God. He’s awesome, Gina. Did you reply this time, or just ignore him again?” It’s really starting to annoy me that she’s so Team Jeffrey. She’s supposed to be on my side.

“What do you think?” I ask, shoving my phone back into my bag. “He’s just missing my sexual prowess, is all.”

“Uh. No offense, Gina, but he’s really fucking hot. If all he wanted was pussy, he could pick that shit up at any bar or church in Livingston.” Her eyes swoop to the side, looking at me pointedly. “And you know it.”

I shrug, staring out the window. “I’m not talking to you anymore.”

“Why? Cuz you know I’m right.”

“Cuz you’re a mean, skanky ho. That’s why.”

§

“Hey, Spencer…Gina,” Lucy says, grabbing two menus and silverware, “Your friend beat you here.”

“Friend…you didn’t tell me someone else was meeting us for lunch.”

Spence shrugs, following Lucy around to the back of the boat, my favorite spot.

My heart starts jumping around in my chest erratically when I see . He’s facing away from us, but I’d know that back anywhere. Suddenly my appetite is gone. Or, rather, it’s been replaced by another hunger entirely.

“Fuck this,” I grumble, turning to haul ass out of this restaurant. I cannot handle this shit.

“Oh, no, you don’t.” Spence’s fingers close around my wrist, and she yanks. Hard. “You owe me lunch, and I chose Boudreaux’s. We’re eating here.”

Jeffrey must hear the commotion, because he turns in his seat, his entire face lighting up when he sees us hissing at each other a few feet away. “Spencer,” he says, coming over to join us. “Thank you so much for meeting me for lunch.” He gives her a one-armed hug, kissing her cheek. And I’ll be damned if my cheek doesn’t burn with jealousy.

“Of course. I’m really excited to help you find the perfect place.”

“Tink,” he purrs. “I didn’t realize you’d be here, but damn…I’m so happy you decided to join us.” He looks like a little kid in a candy store. Well, he can just pick that panty-melting smile up right the hell now.

My head jerks back before I get the urge to do something stupid like throw myself into his arms and rip his clothes off. “Uh, I didn’t decide shit.” Narrowing my eyes at my best friend, I add, “I have no idea what you’re doing here or what this business you two have going on is even about. But, trust me, if I’d have known, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.”

Jeffrey leans in close, invading my personal space, effectively making my pulse race. His breath is warm against my cool skin, giving me a chill when he whispers into my ear, “You’re so fucking sexy when you’re flustered, Tink.” His breath is all minty and fresh. I want to lick him and punch him and…and fuck him.

No. No, no, no. Calm down, kitty. So what if we haven’t had sex in a bajillion years?

“I hate you,” I growl at Spencer, as I take my sex-starved ass over to the chair farthest from his.

Peering over the menu that I’m only using as a shield, I watch Jeffrey bend to sit, adjusting his tie. His white, pin-striped oxford fits his muscled chest like a glove. And his pants…It should be considered indecent to fill the crotch of a pair of pants the way this man does.

“You okay, Gina?” Spencer asks, fighting back a laugh.

“Yeah, why?”

She snickers. “You fan that menu any harder and you’re gonna fly right offa this boat.”

Shit. Busted. Blinking a few times, I tear my gaze from his. I didn’t even realize I was fucking staring. Way to make an ass of yourself, Gina.

“See anything you’d like to try?” Jeff adds, smirking, as I tear my eyes away from him. “I hear the sausage is .”

“Been there, done that. Got the scars to prove it.” I do my best not to react when his face falls. I don’t know why the hell I’m suddenly feeling guilty. Why can’t I just hate him? This would be so much easier if he was some monster.

“Tink,” Jeff rasps, reaching across the table for my hand. I want to pull it away. I pull it away, but it feels so fucking good—his skin on mine—even if it is only the palm of his hand. “Give me a chance. Just one—to show you how sorry I am.” His fingers lightly rub back and forth, turning me into a big ball of mush. “I won’t fuck this up again, baby.”

“Excuse me,” I say, my chair screeching as I push back from the table. “I need the restroom.”