“It’s all going to work out. You’ll see. I have a good feeling about it.”

*   *   *   *   *

BY SATURDAY EVENING, Penny had managed to work herself into a near frenzy. Georgia’s words had been banging around in her head for the past twenty-four hours.

She wasn’t entirely sure why the whole thing was so shocking. They had been dating for three years. Realistically, what had she thought would happen? That they would just continue eating Chinese and hanging out forever? That one day she would wake up with absolute certainty that Scott was “the one” and be swept off her feet? She wasn’t that naive.

There was nothing magical about sexual attraction. It was called “chemistry” for a reason. It was the end result of an eager adrenal system pumping dopamine to the brain.

Like the way you respond to a certain sexy army sergeant?

Penny groaned and fell back on the bed. There was no denying it. Chemistry was a pretty powerful force and when it came to Matt, she felt it. She felt a lot of things around him that she should not be feeling about a patient. She was supposed to feel that way about her boyfriend. He was the one she should have been daydreaming and fantasizing about. But she hadn’t. Instead she’d been imagining the look on Matt’s face when he’d leaned close and told her to say his name.

God, she wanted to say his name, all right. He’d probably planted the idea in her head on purpose, the arrogant jerk. He knew he was sexy. Probably used the fact to play with women’s heads all the time.

But if you know it’s just a chemical reaction, why does it matter so much? Why does it bother you that Scott doesn’t make your heart race or your palms sweat?

She grabbed yet another dress from a hanger in her closet and held it up in front of her body. Her mirror hadn’t magically morphed in the last ten minutes, so her reflection was still the same. A tall, dishwater blonde in white lace underwear holding up a dress that did nothing for her figure.

“Why is everything I own either casual or a business suit?” She sat down on the edge of her bed. It was at times like these she missed her sisters. Gabby would have come over and found a way to turn the contents of her closet into the perfect date outfit. Elisa was no better with fashion than Penny was, but she would have held her hand and calmed her down. But both of her sisters were happily married and living in different states now. She only saw them on holidays and over the webcam on her computer.

Even though she’d hated moving around as a kid, she’d at least always had the love of her parents and her two older sisters. They’d been a close-knit family and she’d always known she wanted kids of her own. She just wanted to stay in the same place after having them.

Her eyes landed on the picture of her parents she kept tacked to her dresser mirror. That was all she wanted for herself. Her parents were a great team. Just like she and Scott were a great team.

Countless nights she’d come home late to find Scott waiting for her with takeout and a movie. She didn’t have a lot of time to spend at home, so they had to make their time together count. He understood her drive to succeed and supported it. Lots of men would be intimidated by a woman who was as driven and committed to her career as she was.

So why does the idea of getting married leave you completely cold?

Penny stood and yanked the first black dress she saw out of the pile of clothes on her bed.

She was half in and half out of the dress when the doorbell rang, causing her to jump. “Crap. He’s early for once.” She quickly finished dressing, rushing to put on her heels and earrings before racing down the stairs. He’d used his key and stood in the foyer, adjusting his tie in the hall mirror.

“You look beautiful,” he commented without turning around. Their eyes met in the mirror. “But then again, you look lovely in a pair of scrubs, too.”

There it was. That was the guy she cared about. The one who went out of his way to make her feel good about herself. Just because they didn’t have the kind of passionate relationship portrayed in books and movies didn’t mean their marriage wasn’t going to be awesome. Everything in life wasn’t going to be exciting. Some things were just steady and reliable and good. Scott was a good guy. Getting married was the sensible next step.

“Thanks. I’d say the same to you, but you always look perfectly polished.”

He kissed her cheek lightly and then opened the door for her. “It’s just part of the job. After you, my lady.”

They rode through downtown Alexandria until they turned into a parking garage. As they walked out of the parking structure and onto King Street, she turned suspicious eyes to Scott.

“I’m guessing we’re close. Do I get a hint?”

He didn’t respond, just tugged on her hand until they stopped in front of a small awning. Penny turned to Scott in surprise when she saw the name written across the fabric in fancy lettering.

“The Tasting Room? How did you get reservations? I’m pretty sure they’re wait-listed into next year!” She didn’t add that she also knew he didn’t care for seafood, which was the main thing on the menu. Now she really felt guilty for her earlier thoughts. The guy was willing to eat seafood just to make her happy. That ought to carry more weight than sizzle and excitement.

“I know a guy who knows a guy who took pity on me. That’s all I’ll admit to.” He held the door for her again and then gave his name to the hostess.

Within minutes they were seated and she almost bounced in her seat looking at the menu. She’d been reading raves about their crab cakes ever since the restaurant had opened a year ago. They placed their orders with an extremely bored-looking waitress and then Scott surprised her by ordering a bottle of champagne.