Page 33 of Doctor’s Forbidden Match

“Hi,” she purrs, and her hand is immediately on my bicep, fingers curling around my arm over my sweater. I stiffen, every muscle in my body locking up.

Her gaze drops to the food in my hands.

“What are you up to?”

“Fishing with the boys,” I say, emotionless.

She rolls her eyes, an expression I’ve seen a hundred times, but her hand stays on me, sliding down to the crook of my elbow. I clutch the takeout bag tighter. I don’t want to make a scene.

“You still do that.”

She never liked me spending time fishing with the boys.

But I guess I did go fishing more the closer to our breakup, using it as an escape, delaying the inevitable conversation. Which I regret now because she still can’t let go.

“I need to go. I’m running late.”

“Nice to see you,” she says, her voice sweet, but with an edge I recognize. She’s testing me, seeing if I’ll bite, if I’ll engage.

I don’t answer. I don’t want to feed into her fantasy that we’re friends, that there’s still something here. I step away, and the movement forces her hand to let go. As I walk to the car, I don’t look back.

But it hits me as I slide into the driver’s seat and start the engine.

She was touching me, her blue eyes were boring into mine, and yet my body didn’t do a damn thing except want to be away from her. All I could think about was how Hannah’s blue eyes have specks of gray and sparkle with her dark lashes framing them, or how a single featherlight touch from Hannah makes my hair stand on end like I’ve been electrocuted, while Yolanda’s grip did nothing. Less than.

There’re only memories with my ex; ones I have no interest in reminiscing. I hope she meets someone else soon, because I hate her waiting around for me when there’s no hope. Blocking her number, avoiding her—fuck, breaking up with her—I thought would’ve made the message clear, but it seems it’s not clear enough.

Chapter 14

Hannah

“Do you want a hand inside?” Channing asks as he pulls the car into the driveway, his voice cutting through my exhausted haze. The throb in my ankle pulses in time with my heartbeat. “Please,” I say, managing a smile as I push open the passenger door.

Channing’s already there, his hand steady under my elbow as he helps me out. The street is quiet, and only the distant sounds of birds and trees rustling can be heard. It’s been a long day, and all I can think about is crawling into bed. I could sleep for twenty-four hours straight, and it still wouldn’t be enough.

I lean heavily on Channing, my crutch gripped tight in my other hand. I don’t even bother offering to help with my things. There’s no way I could manage them, not when I can barely manage myself.

Inside, I sink into the sofa, trying to hide just how much I’m struggling. My leg throbs as I adjust my position and bite back a wince.

“I’ll grab your stuff,” Channing says, already heading back to the door.

“Thanks, Channing.”

I try to muster another smile, but it probably looks more like a grimace.

He’s back minutes later with my other crutch and my bag slung over his shoulder. His face creases with concern as he studies me. “Did you want me to order you some dinner?”

“No. You’ve been great, but I’m sure I can order something. Or I should be able to find something in my kitchen. Thanks anyway.” I wave a hand dismissively, though the gesture feels weak.

He nods slowly, not looking entirely convinced. “I’ll see you in the morning, then.”

“Goodnight.” I wave as he walks out, and the second the door clicks shut, I let my smile drop.

My head pounds in rhythm with my heartbeat as I grab my purse and rummage through it for the strong pills. The ones that’ll actually knock the pain down to something manageable.

Finding them, I push myself up from the sofa, my ankle screaming in protest, and hop to the kitchen. I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and swallow the pills before making my way down the short hallway to the bedroom.

I collapse onto the bed and prop myself up against the upholstered headboard. I just want to lie here for a minute before I get up and get changed. With the girls helping me so much, I want to give back, so I decide to text my friend Nikkita for Jaina.