Page 21 of Doc's Decision

They almost run straight into us.

Kade scolds them, going into dad mode, “Hey, you two, calm your asses down!”

I chuckle as the twins ignore him completely.

“Just wait ‘til it’s Kash wreaking havoc around here soon,” I tease Doc with a smirk. “It goes by fast.”

Doc’s eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles back at me. “Let’s hope I can savor the baby stage for a while first.”

I clear my throat. “Well, we better get this food inside.”

Doc nods and leads the way, holding the door for me like a true Southern gentleman.

The delicious smells of roasting turkey and homemade pies envelop us as we step into the warm, bustling clubhouse.

My eyes can’t help but follow the lines of Doc’s broad shoulders as he carries my stuffing over to the overflowing dining table.

Things may be complicated between us right now, but damn if he isn’t a sight to behold.

I want him. I can’t deny that. Messy backstory and overprotective streak included.

But I’m terrified of messing up our friendship, this special bond we’ve formed.

He means more to me than I’m ready to admit.

Doc glances back and catches me staring.

A slow, knowing smile spreads across his face before he turns back to arranging the food.

Busted.

Heat floods my cheeks, and I busy myself saying hi to the other club members and ol’ ladies, but I can still feel the weight of Doc’s gaze on me.

It’s going to be an interesting Thanksgiving, that’s for damn sure.

I just hope I can make it through the day without jumping the man.

With the way he keeps looking at me when he thinks I don’t notice, I’m not betting on my self-control.

Only time will tell if we’ll keep dancing around this thing between us or if one of us will finally have the guts to do something about it.

“Hey, Mandy, get that stuffing out of that man’s hands and come give me a hug!” Zoe calls out, waving wildly at me from across the room where she’s perched on Spark’s lap.

I shake myself out of my overthinking spiral and flash her a grin, pushing thoughts of Doc, and that kiss aside for now.

Today’s about friends and found family, something I don’t take for granted. Everything else can wait.

“Coming, Z!” I reply, making my way through the sea of people, stuffing in hand.

As I reach them, Zoe practically tackles me in a hug, nearly spilling her drink on both of us.

I hug her back just as tightly, grateful for her presence in my life, even if she has no idea how much she means to me.

We finally release each other, both a little misty-eyed, and I turn to greet Spark, who slings an arm around my shoulders. “Bout time you showed up. Doc’s been pacing like a caged tiger waiting on you,” he teases with a wink.

I elbow him in the ribs and roll my eyes. “Shut it, you.”

I can’t help sneaking a glance at Doc, who seems engrossed in conversation with Kade and Mouser.

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