Page 20 of Lock

But Dr. Moore doesn’t slam on the brakes and shove me out of the car. Instead, his hand finds mine. His long fingers wrap around my hand before dragging them back to his lap. The back of my hand rests against his thigh, and his thumb rubs back and forth as if to soothe me, but one look at his face makes it clear that he’s the one who needs calming.

Wiggling my fingers, I squirm in his grasp until he releases my hand enough that I can entwine my fingers with his. Pullinghis hand over, I set it in my lap and encase his hand in both of mine.

“Riley is perfect.”

Leo nods.

“Say it.”

“Riley is okay.” He nods, his eyes flicking to his daughter through the rearview mirror.

“She said perfect, Daddy,” the little girl in the back corrects while looking out the window.

Leo’s whole body relaxes, all tension puffing out with his laugh. Pulling into the restaurant parking lot, Leonard looks back through the mirror.

“Riley is sassy.”

“Perfect.” She laughs, grinning at her dad.

Parking, he counters, “Riley is silly.”

“Perfect.” She shakes her head.

Turning off the ignition, Doc turns in his seat, facing her. “Riley is beautiful.”

“Dadddyyy,” she whines around a giggle.

“Riley is perfect,” he whispers. “Were you hurt while waiting for Miss Sarah?”

“No,” Riley whispers back, all traces of humor gone. “I was just scared, but then I thought of Shelby, so I went to her.”

“You did the right thing.” He smiles. “Don’t forget Princess Penny,” he reminds her, nodding to her doll lying on the back seat beside her.

“Wait for me,” he orders, finally letting go of my hand.

I miss him instantly.

Get a grip.I roll my eyes at myself.

The door beside me opens a few seconds later. Surprised and still a little in shock at my earlier bold actions, I remain seated as he reaches across me to release the seat belt. Curling my lipsinward, I try not to react as his chest brushes mine, but there’s no hiding my flushed face.

God, I’m pathetic.

Taking his offered hand, I climb out, holding my breath when the front of my body touches his again when Leo fails to step back.

Closing the car door, he stares down at me with a heated gaze.

Swallowing, I bat away the fantasies that swarm me. How can I be this hot and bothered over nothing? Doc steps closer, and I step back until I have nowhere to go. With my back against the side of the car, I quickly find myself boxed in. Strong hands settle on the roof of his car on either side of me.

Would it be cheating if I kissed him? Of course not, I don’t even know who my mystery man is. So then why do I feel so crummy?

Why did I have to have a neighbor who looks this good?

“Roll your eyes again. I dare you.”

I gulp at his words, and a pulse beats heavy between my legs. I don’t think once a year is working for me.

Doc’s deep rumble brings me out of my thoughts. “Thank you for taking care of her.”