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I didn’t want to go there. My story was too sad, and it still hurt too much. Not right for a casual dinner after work. I went for the most watered-down version of the truth I thought she’d accept. “I wanted to make a difference.”

She smiled. “That’s pretty great.”

“Yeah, I am.” I laughed when her eyes crossed in response. “Enough shoptalk. Are you ready to do some house hunting this weekend?”

We compared the listings we wanted to see, and I was glad to change the subject to something lighter. I plated the bacon zucchini carbonara and set our dinner down at the kitchen table for Melena and me. We were mostly quiet as we ate, and I was pleased Melena dug into the dish. I loved watching people enjoy my cooking. As she swallowed her last bite, I finally broached the other subject that had been on my mind since the doctor’s office. “How do you feel about your appointment today?”

She scowled briefly before her expression smoothed. “I guess it wasn’t all bad news; if the medication doesn’t work, it sounds like this ablation thing won’t be too risky. But I don’t want to take time off of work for surgery unless it’s strictly necessary.”

I reached out a hand to clasp hers where it played with the edge of her plate. “I’ll help you through it.”

Her expression softened. “Thanks, Jimmy. You’ve done too much already.”

I hadn’t. But it wasn’t worth an argument. Not now. Something else was eating at me more. I wasn’t sure if I should ask her about the picture. The photograph she took of Dr. Webb was weird. Did she have a crush on her doctor? Did I think she’d admit it if she did? No. But it stung either way. I hated to think she was lusting after someone else already. “Are you scrapbooking your experience or something?” I finally asked.

Melena tilted her head and looked at me oddly. “No, what makes you think that?”

I rubbed my hand over the back of my neck. “I, ah, saw you take a picture of Dr. Webb.”

Pink flushed Melena’s cheeks. I took a sip of my wine and waited.

“It was for Lisa,” she mumbled, as if embarrassed.

My brows rose. “For Lisa? Why would she want a picture of your doctor?”

Melena cleared her throat. “We trade stealth pictures of celebrity look-alikes we see. It’s a silly hobby. He looks like a doctor from a show she watches.”

My ego demanded to know. “Are there any pictures of me?”

She shrugged and pushed the last few bites of pasta around on her plate. “I may have caught a shot of you at the gym before we met.”

“Oh, and who did you compare me to?” I asked with a grin.

Melena could be so cool. It was fun to see her ruffled.

“Matt Bomer,” she mumbled again.

My laugh exploded out of my chest. It was impossible not to puff up.

“I like it,” I said. “It’s not Adam Sandler from Chuck and Larry, so I’ll take it.”

She glanced up at me from under her lashes and smiled. I was glad the photo had an explanation other than her crushing on her doctor.

After putting the dishes away together, Melena made her excuses and gathered her things to go home. I hovered over her at the door, watching for the flutter of her pulse in her neck. Her gaze shifted to my mouth before she gave herself a small shake, as if remembering her doctor’s appointment. I wanted to kiss her badly, but I missed my moment. Instead, she gave me a friendly wave. A wave. And left. I sighed. Married life was not all I hoped it would be. Our earlier chemistry had been great, but her doctor’s directive was killing me. I’d thought a quick kiss would be okay.

Jimmy: Is it a good sign if your wife leaves without kissing you goodnight?

Chase: Nope. But you already knew that. You know better than to ask me for relationship advice.

Jimmy: Yeah. What was I thinking? We still on to game next Friday?

Chase: Yep. If your new wife will let you. Matteo should be there. Tamra is shipping out for the evening to visit friends.

I snorted. Melena’s approval wouldn’t be a problem. If anything, Melena might want to join in. Friday couldn’t come soon enough. I needed time to zone out and kill make-believe shit without consequences. Just me, pizza, beer, and the guys.

***

“Jimmy. You made it!”