Page 56 of Merry with Me

“I thought I was the doctor?” I joke, trying to lighten the heaviness that has suddenly overtaken our conversation.

“Eat your dinner, wise guy.” She winks and gives me a silly smile before diving back into her own dinner.

We finish quickly, with no more interruptions. After tossing our trash and with her hand in mine, we head back outside to get ready for the event.

“What’s that?” Blakely asks, pointing toward my bag as I follow her into her house.

“I brought clothes to change into.”

“Oh.”

“What did you think it was?”

We step into the house and take off our coats before she answers, “An overnight bag.”

“And if it was?”

“I’d say that’s presumptuous.”

“We’ve slept together before,” I tease.

She swats at my arm, laughing. “Watch what you say, mister.”

“Who slept with who?” Isla asks from her seat on the couch. She’s holding an e-reader in her hand, and her hair is all messy on the top of her head.

“He’s messing.” Blakely gives me a warning look.

“Good to see you again, Isla,” I greet her roommate.

“You too. How was the tree lighting?”

“Meh.” Blakely shrugs. “Not nearly as fun as the one in town over the weekend, but that’s to be expected. Really it was mostly hospital staff that showed up.”

“Bummer.” Isla tosses the cover off her and picks up the empty bowl from the coffee table. “I’m exhausted. I was just waiting up to make sure you made it home. I’ll see you kids in the morning.”

“He’s not staying!” Blakely calls after her.

I lean in close, keeping my words just for her. “I could stay.”

“We have to work tomorrow.”

“So, it’s already almost nine. Almost bedtime.” I wink at her.

“Then why did you follow me home this late if it was almost your bedtime, old man?” she teases.

I drop my bag to the floor and pull her into my arms. “Because I wanted to do this.” Leaning in, I press my lips to hers. She moans. It’s a quiet sound from the back of her throat, but I still hear it. My hand presses on the small of her back, needing her closer as I allow myself to get lost in her.

I slow the kiss, knowing she said she had things to do, which is why we’re here and not at my place. “Laundry,” I say breathlessly, resting my forehead against hers.

“Right. Laundry.” She pulls away. “I should get to that.”

“What can I do to help?”

A soft laugh escapes her lips. “Nothing. I’ll be quick.”

“Where can I change?” I ask.

“You can change in my room. Come on.” She tugs on my hand, and I’m barely able to bend and pick up my bag as she pulls me down the hallway to her bedroom. She grabs a basket of laundry and nods toward the door. “I’ll be in the living room when you’re done.”

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