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to draw this man into my life!

CHAPTER TWO
    Wednesday, April 19

    Self-confidence is everything—or so they say. When it comes to my job, I have it in abundance; however, when it comes to men …
    I tell myself I am pretty, which deep down I think I am, but I don’t feel attractive. When you don’t feel attractive, you often see yourself as ugly. When you have spent years hearing you are ugly and that no man would ever want you, it is hard to believe elsewise.
    Today is Etta’s two-week follow-up appointment, so I spend the morning fidgeting with pens, my ID tag, my nails—anything to keep my hands busy. I need to give Jensen the right impression. At least my scrubs are pretty pink ones that complement the green in my eyes and bring out the rose tones in my skin—and they are clean. Even if I’m having a bad day, these scrubs make me look like I’m little Miss Sunshine.  
    Dr. Leopold calls me into an exam room. What exactly do I say to Jensen? I can’t turn into a giggling mess again.
    The doctor keeps asking me to take care of just one more thing before I head off. Doesn’t she know I have important work ahead? Sure, I’ve had two weeks to figure out my words, but I’m still clueless.
    Each tick from the clock adds another flutter to my nerves. Rats! Etta’s appointment is now. I have to be the one to see her. If I miss Jensen today, I’m hosed for a few more weeks.
    Five minutes after the scheduled appointment time, I manage to break free and dash to the lobby with hope of being greeted by Etta. The room is empty.
    Griffin slips up and gives me a hip bump. “Saved him for you. Sugar Booger’s in room two.”
    “Sweet!” I shoot him a quick smile of thanks before hightailing it back. Just shy of turning the knob, I halt in my tracks. I’m still without a plan. Why does the dating game play so easily for some?
    No time for wallowing. I will not let this guy know that he has control over my emotions. I will not turn into a giggling fool.
    My words come out before I even finish turning the knob. “Hi! How's everyone feeling?” Etta is already on the table and playing keep away with Jensen and a squeaky toy I gave them. Jensen certainly looks happy—not at all like the guy who was freaking out over never having a dog before.
    Etta sees me and tries to stand. Jensen and I both race to ask her to sit. She obeys, and then pants happily with her tail wagging to her right, over the edge of the table.
    “We're great, though I think Etta’s going a little stir crazy. I borrowed my neighbor’s wagon the other day and took her out for some fresh air. All the kids came out to pet her. Etta’s going to be the hit of the block once she's active.”
    The thought of this gorgeous man pulling a huge dog in a little, red wagon warms my heart. No matter how many kitten pictures I see on Facebook this year, nothing is going to compare to that image.
    “Of course she’ll be a hit!” I go about my routine, which includes the ever-embarrassing taking of Etta’s temperature in a rather private place. Etta’s a trooper, but Jensen’s eyes stare widely as I lift her tail and insert the thermometer. His demure squirm makes me giggle. So much for not letting him know that he has an effect on me. “Well, she seems great.”
    “So, things are going well? I’m taking good enough care of her?”
    Wow. That’s too sweet. “You are taking excellent care of her. I never would have suggested you adopt her if I didn’t know you would.” Jensen turns his head towards Etta. His sigh of relief is actually visible. He’s just so lovable. “Well, the doctor will be with you in a moment.”
    His brow scrunches. “Yeah, okay. Thanks.” I hope that doesn’t sound like I am brushing them off, but I want to save myself from further embarrassment.
    Etta laps at my face when I bend over to pet her. I giggle, and Jensen follows along.
    A guy just giggled? That’s so freaking cute that I am not even angry with myself for slipping.