Her eyes narrowed. They were accented by her color of scrubs. “Is this about the deposition?”
“Yes.”
Now she shook her head, loosening the knot at the top. Impatient, she yanked out the tie. And there was that beautiful auburn mane drifting to her shoulders. “The opposing lawyer was a jerk. I disliked him right away.”
“He was trying to trick you in order to portray Pax in a bad light.”
She watched him.
“You weren’t tricked, Noreen.”
“No, I wasn’t. And for the record, the questions you asked me were fairly mild. You said at the wedding that you’d have to discredit me.”
“Only if the opposing lawyer got you to say negative things about Pax and the surgery. You handled the direct questioning so well, I didn’t have to do much.”
Her shoulders relaxed.
He leaned forward. “So there’s no reason to stay away from you now.”
She toed the chair back a few inches. “Of course there is. My whole deposition would come under question if we…saw each other.”
“Not if we’re careful.”
She stood. “It’s time for you to go. I’m ready to leave.”
“All right. I—”
“Goodnight, Nick.”
Reaching out, he cupped her cheek. It was an intimate gesture but she allowed it. “Nick—"
“I’m leaving.” Unhappy, he nonetheless walked out the rear door. Soon he came back inside. “There’s no other car in the lot.”
“Mine’s in the shop. I took an uber. I hate rentals.” She held up her phone. “I was just about to call for a ride.”
“Let me drive you home.”
“Boy, are you persistent.”
“It’s only a ride.” He arched a brow. “You’re not afraid to let me drive you home, are you?”
Shadows crossed her face.
“Noreen, I didn’t mean anything by that. You know I’d never hurt you.”
“Of course I know that. All right, going with you is probably the safest.”
What an odd comment that was. Still, he didn’t question it as she gathered her things. He held out her gray cashmere coat and when she stuck her arms through, he squeezed her shoulders then let go. After she buttoned up, they left the clinic together.
* * *
“Thanks for the lift.” She turned the key in the lock and the click resounded in the still night air. “Walking me to the porch wasn’t necessary.”
He said sardonically, “You’re welcome.”
She pushed open the door, then turned back to him. He stared down at her in the light of a lamp off to the left. The car had been filled with his scent. And it was here now, between them. Was he wondering the same thing she was?She hoped her feelings weren’t obvious on her face.
Gently, he grasped her shoulders. Drew her closer. “Is this okay?” he asked.
