Page 51 of Judge Me Not

Heat and hunger ignite and build until my knees go weak and toes curl. I'm breathless when I hear someone clear their throat.

I spin, and Colton keeps his arms planted on my waist and body against mine.

"Dr. Plax!" My voice cracks.

He grins. "Jasmine. Colton. I checked on Abby, and things look promising to begin treatment."

I smile in relief. Colton tightens his arm around me, and I sink further into him. "Can we take her home, or does she need to stay?"

He glances at Colton.

"The nurse is on standby," Colton states.

"Nurse?"

Colton nods. "Dr. Plax said she could go home if she had a private nurse. It's all arranged."

"Colton—"

He puts his finger over my lips. "Abby will be more comfortable at home. Cee Cee agreed."

"Okay. Thank you."

He pecks me on the lips and winks.

"I'll have the nurse get her discharge papers ready. She has the details for the first treatment. Assuming Abby's fever doesn't return, I'll see you in a few days."

"Thank you so much."

"Yes, thank you," Colton says.

"Of course." Dr. Plax squeezes my shoulder and leaves.

I turn to Colton. "That's very generous of you to hire a private nurse."

"There's only one catch."

"What?"

"The company the nurse works for is a franchise. They don't go to Queens. But Dr. Plax said they're the best. And the nurse I hired, he knows personally. She worked for years in this unit."

My heart pounds harder. "But, I live in Queens."

"I guess it's good I have a Christmas tree, game room, and movie theater. I think Abby will like it."

"You want us to stay with you? In your house?"

His lips turn up. "Yep. I even have a legit popcorn machine. And Cee Cee and Maribel can come stay, too, if you want."

"Seriously?"

He shrugs. "I have six bedrooms. No one has ever slept in them."

"You want the four of us to take over your house?"

He chuckles. "Sure. Why not?"

I stare at him, as if he's crazy.