Page 31 of Justice

“As long as you make me some food too,” I tell him.

He laughs. “Like I’d make food and not feed the pregnant person. I don’t want to die.”

An hour or so later, Meadow comes back smiling, “Your labs are so much better than they were yesterday! It’s safe for you to go home. I’m going to write a prescription for you to go straight to the pharmacy to collect it, and a list of some other basic things to keep on hand to help get your strength back up.”

Mom takes the prescription from her. Mason is staring at the back of her head, and I know she has to feel his eyes boring into her.

She clears her throat, stepping back, and pulls some cards out of her pocket. “I will be by later to check in with you. Here is my personal cell phone number if you need anything at all.” She hands us a card and Mason lifts his hand out and without thinking, she hands him one too.

Her eyes widen when she realizes before trying to jerk it back. He pulls harder, successfully taking it from her and tucking the card in his pocket. “I didn’t mean to,” she starts, and he looks away, ignoring her protests.

I cover my mouth, trying to control my laughter, my eyes watering from my efforts.

“Well, I will see you all later,” she tells us and leaves the room in a rush.

“You have flustered that poor girl, Mason. I can’t wait to tell Joslyn of your antics.” My mom takes out her phone, and I know she is off texting his mom and the other ole ladies.

There is nothing better than being home after being away, especially when I’m dressed in one of Christopher’s shirts and we are lying in bed watching movies.

My mom is running around the house, ensuring all the old meds have been thrown out and inspecting everything to make sure it’s okay. We’re all paranoid after everything.

I slide off the edge of the bed, my feet hitting the cool hardwood floor. "I'm going to take a long shower," I announce, grabbing some fresh clothes on my way to the bathroom.

Christopher's footsteps follow close behind. "Let me go with you," he says, his voice laced with concern. Before I can protest, he's slipping into the shower behind me, the glass door clicking shut.

The warm water cascades over us, steam rising and fogging the glass. I turn to face Christopher, pressing my chest against his. My arms wrap tightly around his waist. "I'm okay," I murmur, my words muffled against his skin.

He kisses the top of my head, tightening his arms like he’s afraid I’m going to be taken away. “I know. It was hard on me to see you like that.”

I sigh, leaning into Christopher's touch. "I hate that I've put everyone through so much stress lately. You've all been through enough drama because of me."

Christopher's hands pause in my hair. "Hey, none of that," he says firmly. "We're family. We stick together, no matter what."

I close my eyes, savoring the feeling of his fingers massaging my scalp. "I know, but still…"

"No buts," he interrupts, gently turning me to face him. "We love you. End of story."

I can't help but smile at his stubborn expression. "Okay, okay. Point taken."

He resumes washing me, his touch both comforting and electrifying. As he rinses the soap from my skin, I'm overwhelmed by a wave of emotion.

"You know," I say softly, "I really do love you. Like, a ridiculous amount."

Christopher grins, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "Good thing the feeling's mutual then, huh?"

In one swift motion, Christopher hoists me up, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. I let out a surprised yelp, clinging to him as water cascades over us.

Laughing, I kiss his cheek, tightening my grip. That's when I feel him hard against me, and suddenly, laughter gives way to desire. It takes every ounce of willpower not to sink down onto him right then and there.

"Christ," he growls as I roll my hips, creating delicious friction. "Baby, you're killing me."

He braces one hand against the shower wall, steadying us. His other hand slides down my back, gripping my ass.

“We need to wait and make sure it’s safe. We will ask the doctor when she’s here.”

I groan, resting my head on his shoulder. "I can still take care of you," he whispers, his lips brushing my cheek. "Just keep quiet. Your mom's downstairs."

He lifts me gently, sliding me along his length. The friction is maddening as he moves me up and down. My legs tremble. It's been too long since we've done this.