Page 2 of Doctor Hot Mess

“Speak for yourself. I’m brilliant.”

She snorts. “Right. Forgot. Smartest man in the room.”

That’s the thing about us—banter like this is easy and natural. It’s been that way since we first started hanging out a few years ago. No walls, no pretenses, just two people who know how to give each other a hard time and enjoy it.

“You’re welcome,” I say, sliding into the seat beside her after snagging another round of drinks.

“For what?” she asks, raising an eyebrow as she looks up at me.

“Brightening your life. Bringing joy. Lifting the entire mood of this place. Take your pick.”

She rolls her eyes, but she’s smiling. “You did all that with 'Sweet Caroline’ and a warm beer?”

“Among other things,” I say, tapping the rim of her glass with mine. "Mainly because I brought the drinks, but I'll take it where I can get it."

Her laugh is warm and easy, and it hits me somewhere I wasn’t expecting. We’re friends. Always have been. But there’s something about tonight—the way the neon lights play across her face, the way her eyes crinkle when she smiles—that makes me wonder how I’ve never seen her like this before.

“Don’t let it go to your head, Bellinger,” she says, smirking. “Your vocals were passable at best.”

“Passable?” I feign offense, clutching my chest. “I think I have what it takes to make it big.”

“You’re exhausting,” she says, shaking her head. But there’s affection in her voice, a softness that lingers.

“You want to call it?” I ask, leaning close enough to catch a hint of her perfume. “Or are you ready for round two?”

She arches an eyebrow. “Round two? That’s a tempting offer,” she coos, leaning against the high top with a smirk. “But I don’t think I can handle another duet with you. My ears are still recovering.”

“Fine, no more singing. How about this—come back to my place? We can have a nightcap on my balcony and play some music I promise not to sign along to.”

Her eyebrow arches, her smirk softening into something thoughtful. “Good one, Bellinger.”

“It’s a great idea,” I say, holding her gaze. “Better than subjecting you to more off-key drunk renditions of Journey.”

She studies me for a moment, like she’s weighing the invitation, deciding what’s really behind it. The air shifts between us, and it's suddenly charged. We are at a precipice, and I think we both know what going back to my place for a nightcap means.

“Alright,” she says finally, a small smile tugging at her lips. “But only because I can’t trust you to appreciate good music without my guidance.”

“Deal.” I grin, tossing some cash on the table for our drinks we didn’t finish. Probably the most mature decision we’ve made all night. “Let’s get out of here before I change my mind and make you duet with me one last time.”

Jonah’s House

904 Parkway Drive, Birmingham

2:11 AM

The door clicks shutbehind us, and I waste no time pulling Harper into my arms. Our lips crash together in a hungry kiss, the tension that's been building all night finally igniting. She tastes like vodka and possibility.

I press her against the wall. One hand cups her face while the other grips her hip. Our bodies fit together like puzzle pieces. Her curves mold against my groin. I break the kiss just long enough to murmur, "You're trouble, Harper."

She smirks, eyes flashing with mischief. “That’s all you, Bellinger," she quips, fingers already working at my shirt buttons.

Laughter bubbles up between us as we fumble with each other's clothes. I tug her blouse over her head, revealing a lacy black bra that makes my mouth go dry. "Jesus, Harper," I breathe, drinking in the sight of her.

Her hands find my belt, deftly undoing it. "Like what you see?" she teases, pushing my pants down my hips. They pool at my feet, and I step out of them, kicking them aside.

"You have no idea," I growl, reclaiming her lips. The kiss is all heat and need, our tongues tangling as hands roam newly exposed skin. I trail kisses down her neck, relishing her soft gasp when I find that sensitive spot below her ear.

We stumble towards the bedroom, shedding more clothes along the way. By the time we cross the threshold, we're both down to our underwear. I spin Harper towards the bed, guiding her onto it with gentle pressure on her lower back.

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