Page 11 of Doc's Decision

It’s a comfortable quiet, the kind that comes from years of friendship and shared history.

I savor each bite and sip, wishing I could bottle up this feeling, this moment—a full stomach, buzzing head, heart so damn happy I could burst.

Knowing my girls have my back, no matter what shit life throws my way.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like . . . maybe my luck is finally turning around.

“So, I know you wanted to change the subject and all, but I have to dig a little more.” Harlow leans forward with a wickedgleam in her eyes. “Please, for the love of God, give me the dirty deets.”

I groan internally, already regretting opening this particular can of worms.

Harlow’s not one to let things go, especially when she scents fresh gossip.

Zoe jumps in before I can deflect. “You already know Doc’s one of the guys in Spark’s MC. He’s a total DILF—all muscles and tattoos and broody intensity. And our girl here”—she jabs a finger at me—“has been thirsting after him for weeks now.”

The denial bursts out of me, but it rings hollow even to my own ears. “I have not!”

Zoe just smirks, entirely too pleased with herself.

“Uh-huh. That’s why you practically start drooling every time he walks into the room.”

My face flames hot, and I duck my head, letting my hair curtain forward to hide the incriminating blush.

It’s not my fault Doc is basically walking sex in worn jeans and scuffed boots.

The man exudes a raw, magnetic pull that snares my attention every damn time, no matter how hard I try to resist.

“It’s not like that,” I mumble, picking at the label on my beer bottle. “We’re just friends. He’s going through some stuff, and I’m trying to be there for him, that’s all.”

Harlow cocks her head, shrewd gaze raking over me. “Friends, huh? Is that why you’re lit up like a Christmas tree right now, just from one little text?”

I sputter, scrambling for a plausible excuse.

I’m drawing a total blank, my usually clever tongue tied in knots.

The truth is, she’s not wrong.

There’s something about Doc that just gets to me, burrowing past all my carefully constructed walls and defenses.

He makes me feel seen in a way I haven’t experienced in far too long.

Like he looks at me and actually seesme—not just the glossy exterior I project to the world but all the messy, aching, hopeful parts I try so hard to keep hidden.

It’s unnerving as hell.

“Look, he’s a great guy and an amazing dad,” I say finally, treading with care. “But really, I’m just helping him out. Sassy put him in a shit position, you know?”

Harlow looks between me and Zoe. “Sassy?”

Zoe wastes no time filling her in. “The clubwhore who Doc knocked up. She was a dumb, ratty bitch who turned on the club and tossed her son aside. Luckily, Doc’s the kind of man who takes care of his responsibilities.”

“Wow.” Harlow shakes her head in denial. “I can’t fucking believe how cruel some can be. I’m sure that little boy is better off without her.”

There’s no doubt in my mind that he is.

Harlow giggles. “You’d better hop on him soon, and I do meanonhim. Men like that don’t stay single for long.”

I shake my head. “He’s just a friend, ladies.”

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