The Dentist Date
"Mariam hates the dentist. But when her new practitioner is the gorgeous Dr. Rehan, she finds herself booking unnecessary appointments just to see him smile."
The Dentist Date
"You don't have any cavities."
Mariam blinked. "But I thought—"
"This is your third appointment this month." Dr. Rehan looked at her chart, amused. "Your teeth are perfect. Suspiciously perfect."
"Maybe I'm thorough."
"Maybe you're making excuses to see me." His smile was devastating. "Am I wrong?"
She turned bright red. "This is unprofessional."
"I agree." He removed his gloves. "Which is why I'm transferring you to my colleague. And asking you to dinner instead."
Dinner was wonderful.
Rehan was funny, warm, and looked at her with eyes that had nothing to do with dental work.
"Why'd you transfer me?"
"Because I couldn't be your dentist and date you." He took her hand. "Ethics matter. So does this."
"What is 'this'?"
"Whatever you want it to be."
They made it to his flat—modern, clean, dentist-organized.
"I should warn you," Mariam said. "I have issues."
"Everyone has issues." He kissed her neck. "Tell me yours."
"Abandonment. Control problems. I get attached fast."
"I'm stable, patient, and—" he pulled back to look at her—"I get attached faster."
They made love with laughter—easy, comfortable, right.
"Meri jaan," Rehan breathed, moving inside her. "Best patient I ever had."
"Ex-patient."
"Best ex-patient." He grinned. "Still my favorite smile."
"My family will make dental puns forever," Mariam said afterward.
"Small price." He pulled her close. "Let them. We'll laugh together."
"You're too nice. What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing. I just know what I want." He kissed her forehead. "And I want you. Teeth and all."
The wedding featured tooth-shaped cookies—her family's idea.
The marriage featured consistent dental care—his priority.
Best appointment she ever made.