Page 8 of Doctor Everything

Her hands tracked up to my hair. Kept me pinned there until we broke off breathlessly.

Then she hit me with a blinding smile. “Wow.”

“What?” I was still catching my breath.

“Oh, um, nothing.”

I fell onto my side and pulled her against me. For some reason, I wanted to keep feeling her skin against mine.

This would end tonight. I might as well make the pleasure last.

“I don't even know your name,” she muttered, snuggling against me.

I chuckled and stroked her hair. “Doesn’t matter.”

Once she fell asleep, I would be gone.

Chapter3

Ava

I rang the doorbell at Dad’s house and waited.

The door slammed open. “Ava!” Dad barreled out and swept me up in a bear hug.

“Dad, don't—” Air snuffed out of my lungs as he squeezed me tight.

He grinned and butterfly-kissed my cheek. A reluctant smile pulled at my lips. His hug probably cracked my back in five places, but it was snuggly and warm, so I allowed it.

“How are you, Peanut?” He dropped me, ruffling my hair.

This was the drill whenever I came over for Sunday dinners. I gave up styling my hair and simply opted for ponytails. Dad’s many hugs and head rubs left me looking like I’d been buzzed with static electricity.

“I'm fine, Dad.” I ran my free hand through my hair. “You’re as cheerful as ever.”

His always-smiling brown eyes crinkled at the corners. “You know it.”

“Here.” I handed him the paper bag that had somehow survived his tackling hug.

Dad took it and peeked in. “Cake,” he exhaled. “Did you make this?”

“I wish. I got it from the bakery beneath my unit.”

He laughed. “Classic Ava. Come on in.”

He stepped back, and I slipped past his imposing build into my childhood home. Everything was warm-toned, cream and brown, with the occasional pop of an orange color Dad loved. The familiar space felt different today.

“Have you done something new with the place?” I shrugged off my jacket and hung it up.

“Nah, nothing really.” Dad shut the door. “Unless you count this new contemporary art piece!”

He rushed to the mantel, doing a Vanna White hand gesture.

My gaze skipped over the photos and keepsakes to the newest addition.

I gasped, hurrying to his side. The mini statue was shaped like a bee, but with the head of a woman. “The lady and the bee! You've always wanted it.”

“And now I've got it.” Dad stared at it, eyes soft. “Isn't it glorious?”

---