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I blink in surprise, letting out a shocked laugh.

A smile tugs at his lips, mirroring my own.

“I’m doing a poor job of taking care of you already. I’m sorry.”

“I don’t want to go home,” I whisper tearfully.

Doc frowns. “Why would you not want to go home?”

I lean into the hand brushing my hair back, a shiver flowing through me when he caresses my ear.

Opening and closing my mouth, I fight to get the truth out. “I want to stay with you. You and Riley,” I confess truthfully.

Tilting his head, Leo pulls back, looking confused. A breathy chuckle leaves him. Relief and disbelief.

Knocking my chin gently, he asks, “Where else would you be?”

A car horn behind startles me.

Raising a hand in apology, Leonard presses the gas.

Frowning, I worry my lip. “You won’t touch me,” I whisper so low that even I barely hear the words.

Doc draws in air as if to respond, but it leaves in a sigh.

The rest of the car ride is done in silence.

Turning onto our street, I spot something at the end of my drive.

A For Rent sign.

My heart jumps.

The attached house quickly pulls my eyes away.

Welcome home.It’s everywhere.

Seeing the welcome home banners hung across the windows and door, I give in to my tears.

Home.

A wet laugh bubbles out of me. Even the creepy gnome has a sign.

“He still freaks me out,” I point out.

“Riley insisted he be included.” He grins, climbing out of the car.

My door opens a second after the back passenger door opens and closes.

Taking the cap off, he hands me a water bottle. Pulling out a pill bottle from his inner jacket pocket, Leo shakes two pills into the palm of his hand.

“Take them,” he encourages when I shake my head.

“They make me sleepy.”

“I know.” He nods, but his steely gaze under his dark-rimmed glasses doesn’t falter.

I give in.