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“You don’t want them to?”

“No. Yes. Sam can’t come, so it just won’t be as fun.” I shrug.

“If you’re not in the mood for a party, just cancel.”

“It’s not really a party. We’ll probably just eat and watch films with a glass of wine.”

“You’ll be drinking?” Doc frowns, disapprovingly.

“Yes, Doctor. A glass of wine or two. You are aware that I’m twenty-three, right?”

“I’m aware.” He nods.

My heart flutters.

I roll my eyes. Get a grip, Shelby. The man is successful and super-hot.

Dr. Moore’s smile drops. “What have I told you about rolling your eyes, young lady?”

I swallow at his sharp tone. It should not have the effect it does. “It’s rude,” I reply breathily.

His eyes drop to my lips just as the bottom one disappears between my teeth.

Doc frowns. The man probably thinks I’m on the verge of a breakdown . . . and I am. Just not for the reason he thinks.

Needing a minute to myself, I wait at the end of the drive while Riley and Leonard knock on the white door.

By the time they rejoin me, I’ve talked myself down.

The next few houses are done with Riley between us, her hands clasped in ours.

The street is lively and loud as costumed children run from house to house. A small group of older girls walks toward us, their voices loud. I’d know that god-awful screech anywhere. Kitty Newman. The girl who tortured me through high school. Queen bee, head cheerleader, and sister to Riley’s classmate, Max Newman.

She eyes my snowman onesie like she wants to burn it with me still inside. It’s worlds apart from her slutty nurse outfit. I try to ignore her, but we’re heading straight for each other.

“Nerdy is definitely not the new sexy,” she snarks to her friends. To make it obvious who she means, Kitty looks straight at me.

My cheeks flush, but I do what I did all through high school. I stay quiet and keep walking, but my escape comes to an abrupt halt.

“Off to a party, Miss Newman?”

“Hi, Doc. I didn’t see you there.”

The suggestive tone makes my stomach roil.Gross.Needing to look at anything but her pushing her chest toward my neighbor, I reach out for the bag Leonard holds.

The tall man turns to me as I take the bag from his tight grip. Reaching in, I grab a bottle of water and turn my back on the group of girls.

“You should join us, Leo.”

She calls him Leo?Disappointment fills me.

“I’m thirty-eight, not twenty-three, Miss Newman. My partying days are over. I’d rather spend time with my family.”

My heart soars when I see him motion toward us out of the corner of my eye. Clearly, he means Riley, but the look of shock on Kitty’s face is well worth whatever rumor she starts.

“Miss Newman, remember what I said about being safe. We wouldn’t want you in my office again, would we?”

I choke at the implication. Water sprays out, back into the bottle and down my chin. Coughing, I bend slightly, trying to catch my breath.