Page 12 of Doc's Decision

I’m dimly aware of Harlow and Zoe exchanging knowing glances over my head.

But I ignore them, focusing instead on the lie I’ve just spun.

Pretending it’s the truth.

Because deep down, I know I’m not ready for the alternative.

To face the terrifying reality that maybe—just maybe—my heart’s already long since been lost.

Lost to a man who might not ever be mine.

Lost to the ghost of a future that will never be.

Lost to the breaking tide of a love I’ll never fully know.

I don’t know what scares me more: the possibility of never having him or the risk of wanting him anyway.

CHAPTER THREE

Doc

I’m frantically rummaging through the kitchen cabinets, Kash squirming in my other arm as he starts to fuss.

I mutter, scanning the cluttered shelves, “Where the hell did I put that damn formula?”

Kash lets out a plaintive wail.

“Shh, I know, buddy, I know you’re hungry,” I try to soothe him, bouncing him gently. “Just give Daddy a minute.”

The canister of formula I always try to keep stocked here at the clubhouse is nowhere to be found.

I must have used the last of it and forgotten to order more, like an idiot.

Rookie mistake.

I walk over to the old, beat-up mini fridge, shifting Kash to my other arm as I yank open the door.

Fuck, there’s nothing but beer, condiments, and some dubious leftovers that have probably been in here since Halloween.

“Shit,” I curse under my breath.

Kash’s cries are getting louder and more insistent.

The poor little guy must be starving.

I slam the fridge shut with more force than necessary, causing Kash to startle and let out an extra loud shriek.

I grimace and pat his back. “Sorry, sorry. Daddy’s just a dumbass who can’t remember to keep his kid fed.”

I stride quickly out of the kitchen and down the narrow hallway to the main room of the clubhouse.

A couple of the guys are sprawled out on the grungy couches, eating some snacks and shooting the shit.

They glance up as I enter.

“Hey Doc, what’s up with the rugrat?” Shiver asks, throwing another pretzel into his mouth. “Kid sounds like a goddamn banshee.”

Shiver is a quiet one unless he’s talking to the ladies or someone’s pissed him off.

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