Page 66 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

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It was almost midnight by the time Trip got home.He smiled when he pulled up behind the house and saw Shelley’s car parked near the back door.He loved that she’d left the space closest to the door for him—just as he usually left it open for her when he arrived first.

He let himself in quietly, not knowing if she would have gone to bed already.He was exhausted—he needed sleep himself—and the thought of sliding into bed beside her had him eager to hurry upstairs.

He closed the door as quietly as he could—and then laughed when he turned around to find her standing there, smiling at him.

“I was trying to be quiet,” he told her.

“That’s sweet of you—but as you can see, there’s no need.”

He went to her and slid his arms around her waist, pressing a kiss to her forehead.“You didn’t need to wait up.I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for.It was my choice—and I wanted to.”She gave him a guilty little smile.“I might have gotten a little carried away watching a movie.”

He chuckled.“Good.In that case, I don’t feel so bad—and nope, you won’t have me to blame if you’re dragging ass tomorrow.”

She laughed.“Nope.I take full responsibility for my own choices—I’d never blame you.”

He pressed a kiss to her lips, deciding that he no longer wanted to give any headspace to thoughts of comparing her with his ex-wife.She couldn’t be more different from Katrina—Shelley was her own woman .And as he looked down into her eyes, he couldn’t help hoping that maybe she would become his woman.

Her expression gentled as she looked back up into his eyes and said, “I’m afraid to ask what you’re thinking.”

He rested his forehead against hers.“Nothing to worry about—I’m thinking happy thoughts.”

She tightened her arms around him.“Good.I’m glad to hear it.Are you hungry?”

He shrugged.“I think I’m too tired to eat.Maybe we should just head to bed, and I’ll make us a decent breakfast in the morning.”

“You need to eat something, and I can make breakfast.”

He took her hand and led her toward the stairs.“I’d rather go to bed.”He tugged on her hand when she hesitated.“We can argue about who makes breakfast tomorrow.”

When they reached the bedroom, he stripped down to his underwear while Shelley went into the bathroom.When she came out wearing just her underwear, he went to her and ran his hands down her sides.

“You’re gorgeous, honey.But I don’t think tonight …”

She looped her arms up around his neck.“I wasn’t expecting us to.”She kissed the tip of his nose.“You need sleep — and besides, I’m not just here for the sex — as great as it is.”

Her words made him feel as though he grew two feet taller.She laughed and patted his ass.“Look at that smile!I should probably tell you more often just how great you are in the sack.But go take your turn in the bathroom.I’ll be right here in bed waiting for you — waiting to snuggle.”

When he climbed into bed with her a few minutes later, he spooned her and pressed a kiss to her neck.“You’re an amazing woman, Shelley.You make me feel at home in my own house, and that’s something that hasn’t happened in years.”

She looked up over her shoulder at him and murmured, “It makes me happy to know that, Trip — and … I feel at home here, too.”

He closed his eyes, hoping that maybe one day …

She reached up and touched his cheek.“Go to sleep, Doctor Harvey.I’ll see you in the morning.”

He tightened his arm around her waist.“Goodnight, honey.”

“G’night, Jack.”

Chapter Fifteen

“I wish I could stick around to meet her, but I need to go.”

“Of course.”Shelley looked out the window, hoping to see Harper arriving.She’d called when she landed at the airport half an hour ago and said that she was on her way.