Page 50 of Doc

He smiles back and puts the list away. “Okay, well, text me if you think of something.”

“Sure.” Drinking the last of my tea, I carry all my dishes to the sink and put them in the dishwasher. “I’ll see you later? I need to crash before Doc gets home… I have plans for him.”

James laughs and shakes his head. “I don’t want to know. Go sleep, I’m going to check in on Enzo and then head out.”

“Thanks for the food, and the company.”

“Anytime.”

I’m sittingin the family room, reading one of the random books I found on the shelf, while Enzo sits on the sofa opposite me, watching something on a tablet, when Doc comes home.

“Well, this is a surprise,” he says, walking into the room.

Looking up, I close the book. “I needed something to do.”

He takes the book out of my hands and sets it on the coffee table. “It’s a good choice. Never thought you’d be a romance reader, but I have a whole selection of books to choose from.”

“So I’ve noticed. I don’t really read romance, but I was curious. And bored enough to give one a try.”

Enzo snorts. “So sorry I wasn’t enough entertainment for you.”

Doc turns his attention to the other man. “How are you doing? I’m glad to see you up and about.”

Enzo shrugs a little. “I’m okay. I'm having some phantom pains today, so I’ve been trying to distract myself, but other than that it’s been good. I made it out here with only a little assistance from Jane.”

“Good, do you mind if I check the wound?”

Enzo waves his hand at his sweatpant-covered residual limb. Doc rolls the pant leg up and pokes a little at Enzo, who seems more bored than bothered by the treatment, but then he’s been dealing with Doc for years, not just since losing his leg, so he’s used to Doc’s mannerisms.

“You’re looking good. Jayden should be here tomorrow to go over your new physical therapy program, and your appointment with Dr. Watts and the surgeon is on Tuesday.”

“I know, Doc.” Enzo rolls his eyes. “Are you done being a mother hen now?”

“Don’t be such a drama queen, I’m just doing my job and making sure you’re aware of what’s going on. Speaking of knowing what’s going on, I talked to Tennant before I left. He wants to bring Roman over sometime soon to see you.” Docholds up a hand when it looks like Enzo is going to protest. “I’ve spoken to the Boss as well. He agrees with Ten that seeing you will help Roman. The boy is…struggling with his guilt. He hides it well, but you know Tennant pays close attention to his lovers.”

Doc levels a look at Enzo and the other man pretends not to notice, adjusting his pant leg and then shifting his position on the sofa. “I don’t want him to see me like this; so weak and helpless.”

Doc’s face softens and he reaches out to squeeze Enzo’s shoulder. “Roman loves you. You’ve been in his life since the beginning and he trusts you—the list of people who have that trust is short. We all know the boy puts too much on his shoulders because of his position.

“Let him see you’re okay. Honestly, I think you both need it. So much of your life revolved around him. I think, as much as he needs to see you’re okay, the same can be said about you. It was your job to protect him, after all, and that doesn’t just go away.” Doc shrugs. “But then, I’m a medical doctor, not a psychologist. Talk to Dr. Madison, that’s what he’s there for.”

Enzo makes a face. “I’ve been attending my appointments.”

Doc must hear the same derision I do in Enzo’s voice because he says, “But are you doing the work or just going through the motions because you’re trying to appease me? I’m not an idiot, Enzo. Don’t think I won’t get Cristian down here again if I discover you’re trying to pull one over on me.” He leans down and forces Enzo to look at him. “Talk to Dr. Madison, actually talk to him, and allow him to help you through this. Nobody expects you to handle this on your own, and none of us think less of you. The only one who is judging you for everything that’s happened recently isyou.”

Enzo closes his eyes and his emotional pain is evident on his face. My heart goes out to him. His entire world has been turnedupside down multiple times in recent months, and I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t unravel under the circumstances.

Doc being such a driving force in making sure Enzo heals, not just physically but mentally as well, shouldn’t be as attractive as it is. But I love watching him care for the bodyguard. Yes, he’s brash and his bedside manner is nonexistent, but it’s honest, and for someone like Enzo, it’s what he responds best to.

“Okay,” Enzo finally says. “I’ll see Roman when he comes, and I’ll try more with Dr. Madison. I make no promises, but I do appreciate everything you’re doing for me, Doc. I won’t let you or anyone else down.”

“Mi preoccupo per te. All I want is to see you thrive. This is a big life change, yes, but it’s not the end of your life. Get healthy, or be stuck living here forever—your choice.”

Doc straightens up and Enzo looks at him, what can only be love and admiration shining in his eyes. “God, please no. I’ll talk to a million therapists if I have to in order to go back to my own home.”

Doc smiles. “Good, glad we’re on the same page. Now, I’m fucking exhausted. I’m going to shower and take a nap before dinner. Need anything before I go up?”

“No, I’m fine, thanks. Jane is around, I’ll call her if I need to. Did Kail go straight to bed?”

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