Page 8 of Paging Dr. VanRyan

A firm knock sounded on my door promptly at six thirty. I smoothed my hands down my dress and checked the mirror. My hair was down, falling in waves past my shoulders. I had added a little makeup, not much, but highlighted my eyes and added a dark tint to my mouth. Those were my best features. I inhaled a calming breath and opened the door with what I hoped was a welcoming smile.

Matthew stood there, tall, smiling, and simply spectacular. He was handsome. Beyond handsome, if I was honest. His shoulders were broad, his waist trim. He had dark hair and beautiful hazel eyes set under heavy brows. His smile was wide, showing off his straight, white teeth. He had dimples that popped when he grinned. He held out some flowers, giving a low whistle.

“You are gorgeous,” he said, then leaned down and brushed a kiss to my cheek. “Stunning.”

I took the bouquet, touched at his words and gesture. “These are lovely. Come in while I put them in water.”

He followed me to the kitchen, glancing around. “Nice place.”

I chuckled as I filled my one and only vase with water. “Small.”

“Cozy,” he replied.

Unable to help myself, I smiled at him. He seemed like the type of person who found something positive in everything.

“Close to work,” I said with a smile.

“Great point.”

I carried the flowers to my small table and set them down, drifting a finger over the velvety petals. “I love lilies,” I murmured. “They are so elegant and regal-looking.”

“They’re my mom’s favorites too. She prefers them to roses.”

“I get that.”

Our eyes met and held, a warmth settling around us. He lifted his arm, brushing a finger down my cheek. “You are incredibly lovely,” he said quietly.

“Thank you.”

“We should go.”

“Right. We don’t want to be late.”

He smiled, shaking his head. “So I don’t give in and kiss you.”

“Oh. Is something stopping you?”

“Protocol.”

I rolled up on my toes and pressed a kiss to his full mouth. His lips were as soft and warm as they looked. He caught me around the waist and pulled me close, his mouth moving with mine. It was a gentle, affectionate kiss. No tongue or deepening. It said hello. Thank you. I’m glad you’re here.

I pulled back, and he smiled down at me. “A rule-breaker. I like it.”

I grinned up at him. He had small lines around his eyes that crinkled when he smiled. It made him approachable. Genuine. His eyes were incredible and showed his emotions. He was very sexy. And I liked him.

I must have said that last part aloud, because his eyes grew larger and his grin became wider.

“I like you too. Are you ready to go to dinner, or did you want to kiss me again?”

I shook my head. “Dinner.”

He winked and bent, kissing the end of my nose in an affectionate, unexpected gesture. “Okay. Dinner first. Kissing later.”

I had to laugh.

And I didn’t correct him.

The restaurant was warm and homey. Lovely private booths with candles that glowed off the many framed pictures of family and customers. The owner was thrilled to see Matthew, greeting him like a long-lost son. He fussed over me and took us to our table.