Plain Jane and the Playboy / Valentine's Fortune: Plain Jane and the Playboy

“Now you’re just being polite.” She released her seat belt. “Shoelaces have more exciting backstories than I do.”

Jorge grinned. The novelty of a modest woman hadn’t grown old yet. “I don’t usually talk to shoelaces,” he told her.

She laughed shortly. “You know what I mean.”

“Yes, I do,” he acknowledged, “and you’re wrong.” He saw her raise her eyebrows in a silent question. “I don’t find you dull or boring.”

This bet that Jorge had going—the one that involved her—it had to be for quite a lot of money, she thought. She couldn’t conceive of any other reason for him to be so accommodating, so nice to her.

Picking up her purse, she then leaned over the seat, reaching into the back for a large book whose edges were gilded in gold. On the front cover was a young woman who, at first glance, Jorge thought, bore a remarkable resemblance to Jane. A second look made him realize that it was the hairstyle and the clothes that were responsible for the likeness.

However they both had a fresh-faced appeal, he noted, although Jane was obviously older. But definitely not by much. She could have easily passed for a schoolgirl.

Jane got out of the car. Waiting until he followed suit, she hit the security lock. They walked toward the hospital’s main entrance.

She tried to give him one last out. “You know, the hospital has a really good cafeteria. The food’s not as good as what your father prepares, but the coffee’s decent. You could wait there if you wanted to.”

Reaching the entrance, he waited for her to go through the electronic doors first. “Why would I want to do that? I came along to see you in action, not to drink watered-down cafeteria coffee.”

“It’s not watered down,” she assured him. “As a matter of fact, it’s pretty strong. Designed to keep sleepy interns on their feet.”

In action.

He said he wanted to see her in action. Somehow, she’d never thought of those words being associated with her. Action referred to the dynamic people in the world. She wasn’t dynamic, she was just a person who did whatever needed doing.