Breakfast with Elizabeth was amazing if not a little awkward and I felt raw at the admittance of my feelings but excited at the prospect of our date.

After heading back to Rhyne's to get my own car and heading home I felt a small emptiness in my chest without Elizabeth's presence. This was a feeling I hadn't felt in many years and it scared the shit out of me.

*****

But as luck would have it work bombarded me for the next two weeks. My date with Elizabeth was pushed back twice and I was antsy and moody because of it. I needed to see her again and before I exploded on someone.

I picked up the phone in my office to dial Elizabeth and tell her that our weekend date tomorrow was on come hell or high water. But before I finished dialing Dr. Sabina Monroe knocked once before she sauntered into my office. I groaned internally.

Dr. Monroe was an amazing surgeon but her attempts at flirting with me were annoying at best. She was gorgeous of course, tall with smooth dark chocolate colored skin and long natural curly hair. But she was on the hunt for her next husband and I was not it.

"Dr. King, so happy to catch you before you left for the day."

I plastered on a fake smile as she moved to my side of the desk. She placed her hand on my shoulder.

"I just wanted to see if you were planning to attend the Plastic Surgery conference in London in a couple weeks? I'd love to see you there." She slid her hand across my back to my other shoulder.

I stood quickly, shaking off her hand, moving towards my office door.
"Yes I'll be there, but Dr. Monroe I'm in a hurry we can discuss this later I think." I said curtly. I was not in the mood for her relentless flirting.

"Maybe we could discuss it over drinks later then" she purred, eyebrow raised at her suggestion.

I was getting more annoyed, "Maybe some other time doctor. I have plans this weekend." I removed my white coat and opened the door. Obvious sign this discussion was over. She smiled big and toothy. Her own annoyance was written on her face at my obvious dismissal of her attempt to ask me on a date.

As she shimmied out of the office she placed her hand on my chest "yes some other time Jackson, I'll hold you too that" she winked and then she was gone.

My poor mood was only worsened at her presence and I hated her many attempts at a date. I didn't believe it was professional to date my employees and peers and I made that known several times to her. But she continued to ignore it.

I tried to get it off my mind, because the only woman I wanted to think about right now was Elizabeth. I knew she was pissed at my constant rescheduling but I was going to see her...tonight instead of tomorrow. I needed to see her.

I picked up my cell as I headed to my car, dialing Parker as I walked. He answered on the 3rd ring.

"Hey Jackson didn't expect to hear from you today, uh what's up brother." He sounded a little winded.

"Uh you ok Park?" I questioned.

"Yah yah" he said dismissively. "What can I do for you?"

"I need Lorraine for the weekend can I take her out? I'll be there by 7-ish tonight."

"You know you don't have to ask, anytime brother. I'll get her ready for you. Uh sorry to rush but I gotta go."

"Sure thing, thanks again."

"Yup no problem bye." He disconnected quickly. Hmmm I wondered what that was about. Parker was always calm and collected but he seemed rushed. Well I would have to figure that out later. I needed to focus on seeing Elizabeth.

I made a few more quick calls as I drove home. Tonight I was going to make up for bailing on Elizabeth and with any luck she still wanted to see me.

As I pulled into my driveway my cell rang. Alexis name flashed across the screen.

"Hey sweetie-!" I happily answered.

"Dad why is Elizabeth at my house in tears" she sounded pissed at me.

I cringed. "I know Lex I messed up but I was going to call her. I need to see her to make up for bailing. So pack her a bag for the next three days. Don't forget a swim suit. I'll be there in a hour." I disconnected the line and took the stairs two by two to my room before jumping in the shower.

We were just starting and I was already fucking up. I told her I wanted to see where this led and then left her high and dry just like at the wedding.

As I showered quickly I asking myself What I was thinking?! I didn't know how to do this right. And if I kept messing up she wasn't going to give me more chances.

Once I was done I dried off and put on comfortable grey shorts and a black tee. I stuffed my bag with the essentials for the weekend. And threw it into my Porsche.

I peeled out of the driveway anxious to get to Elizabeth.