Page 81 of The Doctor's Irreplaceable Love

“I wasn’t accusing you of anything,” Deacon grumbled.

Candy patted his shoulder, and the rest of them laughed.

“She’s only messing with you,” Ace told him.

“But I think you’d better get used to it,” added Ari.“I like her.”

Chapter Eighteen

“Are you sure you don’t mind making dinner for us again?”Shelley asked.“I feel awful that we’re hanging out at your place all the time and eating all your food.Why don’t you come over to the house tonight, and I’ll cook for a change?”

Trip chuckled.“You know I don’t mind.I enjoy it.And if we’re being honest, you also know that both Harper and I prefer my place to yours.”

Shelley laughed with him.“If we’re being completely honest about it, I prefer your place, too.I just don’t want to take you for granted.”

He went to her and curled his arms around her waist, loving the way she reached up to loop her arms around his neck.

“You have nothing to worry about.I love that you still want to spend time here—even while Harper’s visiting.”

“Of course I do.There was never any question about that.I just didn’t know how it would work.Obviously, we want to get some girl time in, and we’re doing that.But I didn’t know how you’d feel about having her around this much.”

“I enjoy it.”He chuckled.“I mean, she’s Harper—what’s not to like?She’s good fun, she’s good company, and most importantly, she’s a good friend to you.”He cocked an eyebrow.“And I’m getting to learn more about you by seeing the way the two of you interact.”

“Should I be worried?”she asked.

“Not in the least.”

He glanced over at the clock on the kitchen wall.“The only thing you might have to worry about is getting to Jim’s place on time if Harper doesn’t get here soon.”

Shelley reached up and pressed a kiss to his lips.“I’m not worried about that.Harper’s rarely ever late—but she isn’t early either.She’s one of those people who likes to be precisely on time.”

Trip lifted his head when he heard a car approaching.“Looks like she’s running true to form, then.”He pressed a quick peck to her lips before stepping back.“You’d better get going.And seriously, I look forward to you both coming back for dinner this evening.”

She took his hand as he walked her to the back door.“I’ll look forward to it, too—now that I know you really don’t mind.”

“Say hi to Jim for me,” he told her as he opened the door.

Harper was climbing out of her car and waved when she saw them.

“Are we good to go?”she called.

“We are,” Shelley said as she made her way down the steps.

“And you don’t mind me stealing her again?”Harper asked Trip.

He laughed.“I don’t think either of us really get to decide—it’s up to Shelley what she does.But since you asked, I’ll say that I’d prefer if you only borrow her; don’t steal her, please.”

Harper smiled as she nodded.“That works for me.I was thinking—can I treat you both to dinner tonight?”

He laughed.“We already discussed this, and I invited you both back here.If you want to come, that is.”

Harper grinned.“You know damn well I want to come.I just don’t want to outstay my welcome.”

“Then you’ve got nothing to worry about.I’ll see you ladies later.”

He smiled at Shelley, and a rush of warmth filled his chest when she blew him a kiss.He reacted without thinking and blew one back, then turned away, feeling self-conscious as he let himself back into the kitchen.

As he closed the door behind him, he couldn’t help laughing at himself.He didn’t think he’d ever blown a kiss in his life until today—but it wasn’t anything to be embarrassed about.As far as he was concerned, it was something to celebrate.

---