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Not wanting to interrupt, my best friend gives me a side hug, kissing my left shoulder.

Standing straight, I groan.

“Okay, that’s enough for now.” Leonard steps in. “The painkillers should be kicking in any minute. A nap and then she’s all yours,” he promises the room.

“Aw,” Sam and Riley complain together.

“The doctor knows best,” Helen’s husband says. Christopher cups the back of my head and kisses my forehead softly. “Rest for as long as you need. We’ll be here when you wake up. The chocolate cupcakes might not be,” he jokingly warns, nodding to his daughter and Riley, who are both eyeing the sweet treats laid out on the kitchen table.

I give a short laugh. “Smuggle one into the cupboard for me.”

“Already done.” He winks.

I feel Leo’s hands on my waist immediately.

“Christopher,” he acknowledges.

I try to smother my chuckle unsuccessfully.

“What are you laughing at?” Doc asks, leading me down the hall.

“You,” I reply, looking up at him.

He glares playfully. “The only man who gets to wink at you is me.”

Slowly lowering onto the bed, I roll my eyes.

“I saw that,” he whispers, capturing my chin.

I do it again.

His eyes darken instantly. Tilting my chin, I seek a kiss. My body deflates when the only thing to touch my lip is his thumb.

“Touch me,” I plead. I need to know that he still wants me, wants us.

“I am touching you.”

This time, my eye roll isn’t teasing, nor is my huff.

Tapping his hand away from my face, I kick off my shoes.

“Shelby,” he starts.

I shake my head. “Don’t worry about it.” But the words come out watery.

Reaching for the band of my sweatpants, he tells me, “Lift your hips.”

“I got it.” I wave him away.

“With what hand?” he challenges, raising a brow. His face quickly softens. “Hey, hey.” He captures my cast wrist, placing a kiss on my fingers. “Don’t.”

I bite my lip.

“I wasn’t joking out in the car, Shelby. If I touch you, I won’t be able to stop.”

I take a sharp breath at his confession.

“I don’t want you to stop.”