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“Well, that’s us told,” Leo jokes. “You heard the girl. You’re needed right here.” Snagging my hand, he pulls me in close, our chests pressed together. “Right here,” he whispers.

Pushing up onto my toes, I kiss him, earning a deep chuckle, one that makes my toes curl. But I’m not about to get caught twice. Leo might want the world to know, but I’m not ready for that. Not yet.

Pulling back, I smile up at him, shy and self-conscious. “I have a boyfriend.”

“You do.” He grins, thumbing my chin.

Shit, I said that aloud.

My face flames.

“Don’t laugh.” I pout. Curling a fist, I nudge him in the stomach with it, not that he felt it, stupid abs.

“I’m not.” But his words are countered by the chuckle that escapes with them.

Catching his eye, I roll mine.

“Brat.” He mock glares.

I grin at my win.

“Come here,” he orders, his voice dropping to a deep husky tone while he reaches out for me.

“Shelbs?”

My heart stops. I know that voice. Shoving Leo again, I step back so quickly that I nearly lose my balance.

Smooth, Shelby.

Waving my arms, I save myself, but not before two strong, firm hands catch my waist. Wide-eyed, I push at his forearms and put some distance between us.

Turning, I come face-to-face with a smiling Helen Cromwell and an irritated-looking Christopher Cromwell close behind. My heart is in my throat. My best friend’s parents are my second family. They practically co-raised me.

“Helen,” I greet, my voice too high.

So much for not being caught.

“Hi, baby, I thought that was you,” she greets, pulling me in for a hug. Her arms squeeze extra hard.

“Hi,” I breathe, melting into her.

“It’s been far too long since you came for dinner.”

“It has,” I agree. “Hi, Chris.”

At my wave, he turns from staring down Doc. “Hi, sweetpea.”

I give an honest smile at the nickname.

“I’ll come by soon,” I promise Helen.

“Anytime. And you know you can stay over even if Sam isn’t home.”

I nod, gratefully.

“How is Sam?” Christoper asks with a raised brow.

What?It takes every ounce of self-control I have not to roll my eyes.Fucking Samatha.I’ve known the woman long enough to know she’s using me as an alibi.