Another thing bothered Dylan. He had yet to be on the receiving end of Eve’s megawatt smile. To everyone else, she passed them around without reserve. For him, she could muster little more than a sneer. Or nothing at all.
On the few occasions when Dylan thought he saw a friendly twinkle in her gray eyes, her lips didn’t move—not even a twitch. Frustrated, he almost resorted to telling a joke. But if his efforts fell flat, he would feel like a fool.
Besides, Dylan didn’t want to earn his reward through artificial means. When Eve finally smiled his way, if the gesture wasn’t organic and from her heart, then he wasn’t interested.
Dylan sighed. He didn’t know if Eve was unlike any woman he’d ever met. But one thing was certain. She was the first in a long time—perhaps ever—who occupied his thoughts even when she wasn’t around. She made him anticipate the next time they would meet while he tried to think up an excuse to see her sooner than planned.
Shaking his head at his wild musings, Dylan stared out the window. Less than a week ago, he didn’t know Eve existed. He checked his watch. Forty-eight hours ago, he’d never laid eyes on her outside of a hastily snapped photograph that didn’t begin to do the woman justice.
Yet, Dylan knew when the time came for him to say goodbye, when he was safely back home in Seattle, living his life, the memory of Eve would linger in his consciousness.
Whether Eve’s continued presence in his thoughts would turn out to be something he celebrated or cursed, only time would tell. He couldn’t say what tomorrow would bring. Today, Dylan planned to relax and allow himself to enjoy the novelty of his one-sided crush.
Dylan started the car just as his phone rang. Letting the engine idle, he checked the caller ID. Surprised to see Erin Ashmore’s name on the screen.
“Hey, Doc,” Dylan said, smiling as he pictured the blonde goddess. “How’s the morning treating you?”
“I’m on my way to deliver a set of twins to a mother who is thrilled to be at the end of her pregnancy,” Erin answered with a laugh. “After gestating two whole human beings for the past nine months, I understand her feeling of relief.”
“Twins?” As a man, Dylan couldn’t imagine. “Why isn’t she scared witless?”
“Right now, she’s more exhausted than anxious,” Erin said. “The terror of becoming a new mom will come later. After the epidural wears off.”
Erin Ashmore was a respected and in-demand OBGYN. They met through the Seattle Knights’ team owner, Riley Preston. Green-eyed, with legs that went on for miles, she was absolutely Dylan’s type. Normally, he would have asked her out on a date. But for reasons he couldn’t remember, they quickly settled into the friend zone. For them, romance wasn’t in the stars.
“I don’t have time for more than a quick word,” Erin said. “How’s the little girl? Daisy, right?”
Dylan shook his head. Erin’s memory and her level of caring never failed to amaze him.
“She’s healthy, happy, and well taken care of,” Dylan assured his friend as his thoughts once again turned to Eve. “The woman who took Daisy has done a phenomenal job. Above and beyond.”
“You sound like a fan.” Erin continued before Dylan was forced to reply. “The DNA results are back.”
“When I asked you to recommend someone to do the test, I didn’t expect you to go any further.” Dylan couldn’t keep the surprise out of his voice. “You’re a busy woman. The last thing I wanted was to add another thing to your already jam-packed schedule.”
“I made a phone call,” Erin said, waving off Dylan’s protest with her usual flair. “Since I knew you were anxious to hear the result ASAP, I knew if I asked the lab to call me with the results, the technician would give your case priority.”
“Always pays to know someone with influence.” Dylan chuckled. Then, remembering the implications, he sobered. “What’s the verdict?”
“Ethical standards prevent me from seeing the results,” Erin told him. “I asked the lab to send you the findings. You should receive a detailed email within the next few hours.”
“How detailed?” Dylan asked with a frown. “I’m just a dumb jock, remember? Medical jargon is not my forte.”
“Don’t worry.” Erin chuckled. “On the first page, at the top, you’ll see if the samples are a match, or not. The language is simple and straightforward.”
“Okay.” Dylan let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you, Erin. I owe you. Once again.”
“Friends don’t keep track,” she said. “However, if you want to buy me dinner some night when you’re back in Seattle—a big steak and a medium glass or two of pricy wine—I won’t say no.”
“Deal.” Dylan grinned. “Showing up in public with you on my arm will be good for my image.”
“Which image?” Erin asked.
“As a lady’s man,” he answered.
“Please,” Erin scoffed. “Men aren’t the only ones who like to brag about their conquests. From what I’ve heard about you from other women, your reputation is solid platinum.”
“Really?” Dylan perked up. “Tell me more.”
“I don’t have the time or patience to stroke your already sizable ego. Two little girls are waiting to come into the world.” Erin sighed. “The first thing I plan to do is warn them about men like you.”
“I’m a pussy cat,” Dylan protested.
“You’re a wolf,” Erin corrected. “But as someone immune to your sexual charms—mostly—I appreciate the fact that you don’t prey on innocent lambs. You like experienced playmates.”
“Very true,” Dylan said with a nod. “Wait. Did you use the word mostly? As in, you might be interested in sampling my charms? When? Where?”
“Down boy.” Erin snorted. “We’re better as friends.”
“Agreed.” Dylan had to think twice about his answer. “Good luck in the delivery room.”
“With my mad doctor skill, I don’t need luck,” Erin said, showing where egos were concerned, she could hold her own with anyone. “On the
