Page 5 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

He wanted to think it was lust, but it was safer to call it appreciation.

“Whatever you do, keep it up—it works for you,” she said.“And since I know you’re hungry, I would love lasagna and garlic bread.It’s one of my favorites, and I can’t remember the last time I had it.”

He chuckled.“Don’t let Maisie hear you say that.She’ll fix you a batch of your own and send you home with enough to fill your freezer to overflowing.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

He shrugged.“If you like the idea, I’ll let her know.I guess my only problem with it is that if you have your own supply, you won’t need to come over here and eat with me.”

Her eyes widened, and he held his breath.Why had he said that?

He relaxed when she smiled.

“That’s true,” she said.“As much as I enjoy whatever Maisie makes—the company is a big part of the enjoyment.”

Trip nodded as he took the lasagna out of the fridge.

“I hope you know it goes both ways.I don’t just invite you over here to help me eat my way through all this food.”

“No, I get it.”

He raised an eyebrow, wondering if she really did.

When they’d first met, he’d been tempted to pursue some kind of relationship with her.But it had felt like there were too many reasons not to.He’d decided the wisest move was to keep a lid on it.

He knew he could handle the attraction he felt for her.What he didn’t know was if he’d be able to handle the complications that came with getting involved with her.It seemed she wasn’t following his line of thinking.

She smiled.“It makes sense for us to hang out sometimes.We get along.I know that most of your buddies have met women and settled down now—you’re kind of on your own.As for me… I mean, sure, I’ve made a few friends since I came here.But…” She shrugged.“We’re friends.There’s no reason we should both sit home alone on a Friday night.Is there?”

He shook his head.She definitely wasn’t thinking the same way he was.He shouldn’t be surprised.He’d blown any chance he might have had early on.And that was fine.It had to be fine.

Whatever sparks there might be between them, there were too many complications for them to consider anything more than friendship.

He made himself smile.If he stopped to think about it, he knew he should consider himself lucky to have her as a friend.

He needed to remember that.

Chapter Two

When Trip picked up the decanter and leaned toward her, Shelley reluctantly covered her glass with her hand and shook her head.

“I’d love to,” she told him.“But I have to drive home, remember?”

He pursed his lips.“You don’t have to.”

They’d had this discussion before.The first time she’d come over to his place, she’d ended up staying the night.They hadn’t planned it.It had just worked out that way.

She’d been here one Sunday afternoon, and just as she was leaving, his friend, Travis, had shown up with Retta and a guy named Bear, who was a pilot.

The five of them had hung out for the evening, and before she’d even thought about it, Shelley had had too many glasses of wine to be able to drive home afterward.

She’d been careful since then not to overindulge.Of course, she’d enjoyed staying the night.Not that she’dstayedwith Trip.But the guest room she’d used was fabulous.She wouldn’t mind staying in it again.

The trouble was… she’d be much happier staying in Trip’s room with him.

She bit back a laugh when he winked.

“Haven’t I proven that I’m a gentleman?You’ll be perfectly safe.”