Page 79 of Beating Heart
Raunchy humor came with being surrounded by my brothers and cousins.
“Yes. Why do you seem so surprised?”
“Um, because I’m a pediatrician, and I’m single.” I shrugged.
“Oh, please. Everyone knows you and Nash are bumping pleasantries. That man has been single since Cutler’s mom left town. Everyone has tried to tie him down, and then what do you know… our new doc happens to be a single, hot woman who lives next door. So, I could use some pointers, you know, from the younger generation. I need Doug to look at me the way Nash looks at you. How do you seduce your man?”
“I—er, I,” I stammered, pushing to my feet and pacing around the room. “I don’t know that I’ve ever really seduced a man.”
“That’s your tip? You just happen to be gorgeous, so you don’t have to try?” She threw her hands in the air.
“No. That’s not what I’m saying.” I leaned against the counter and placed my hands on my hips. “It seems like you’re having an awful lot of sex, but I guess if you want more, you should just ask for it.”
“Ask for it? I thought you were going to tell me to wear something sexy or do some sort of dance for the man.”
“I mean, if that’s your thing, go for it,” I said over my laughter. “But as a modern-day woman, I think you should just ask for what you want.”
Maybe I should take my own advice. I want Nash, and I am done waiting.
“Is that what you do? Ask for what you want?”
I chewed on my thumbnail as I looked at her. Her gray hair was tied back in a knot at the nape of her neck. “It’s a new thing for me, and I’m working on it.”
“Fine. I’m going to go home and demand that man make mad, passionate love to me again tonight.”
I closed my eyes and sighed, because sex talk with Midge Longhorn was not what I’d expected when I arrived at work today.
“I never said demand. I said that you should ask for what you want.” I walked to the door, and she followed me down the hall.
“Got it. Should I call you tomorrow and get on your schedule so we can follow up?” She smirked.
“Sure. Make it during lunchtime and bring me a grilled cheese and tomato soup.”
“I can do that. Have a good night.” She waved as she pushed through the door, and I locked it behind her.
I grabbed my purse and slipped out the back door, walking the short distance to Whiskey Falls bar. I loved Magnolia Falls, as it reminded me a lot of home back in Rosewood River. Hell, this whole town was growing on me. Ruby’s father, Lionel, owned the bar, and I’d met the girls there one other time over the last few weeks.
“There she is!” Peyton shouted when I walked in.
The place was fairly busy for a weeknight, and this was definitely the most popular hangout for locals.
“Hi,” I said, making my way around the table and hugging each one of them. “Sorry, I’m late.”
“Your text said that Midge was there? Why in the world would she be coming to a pediatric office?” Demi asked as she reached for her water. I noticed everyone else had wine, and she normally did, as well, so maybe she just wasn’t drinking tonight.
“Well, I feel like there is doctor-patient confidentiality, but seeing as Midge isn’t technically my patient, and I didn’t really give her any medical advice, I can tell you. But it has to be in the absolute vault.”
“Vault. I love that,” Peyton said.
“She’s specifically speaking to you, because we all know how chatty you are,” Ruby said, as she sipped her wine and tried to hide her smile behind her glass as she directed the comment to Peyton.
“It’s a small town. Everyone knows everyone’s business. I’m not responsible for that.” Peyton chuckled. “Tell us.”
“Well, she wanted advice on how to spice up her sex life. They already have a lot of sex. Like five nights a week. But Midge wants more,” I said, as I leaned into the table and whispered it to them.
Demi spewed water across the table.
Saylor’s mouth gaped open.
