Christian's warm breath brushed Annie's neck, and her heart softened instantly. She didn't even have the strength to push him away.
With a helpless sigh, Annie patted the arm locked around her waist. "Alright. Let go. I'll be right back after I finish the paperwork."
Right then, the ward door opened. A nurse wheeled a cart in to tidy up. When she looked up and saw them wrapped around each other, a knowing smile spread across her face.
"Mr. and Mrs. Parker, you two really are close."
Annie's face went bright red, like an apple that had ripened too far. She tried to pull free, but Christian only tightened his arms and held her closer.
He turned his head slightly and smiled at the nurse as if there was nothing to be embarrassed about. "We are. My wife takes good care of me."
The nurse laughed at how shamelessly calm he was and went back to work, moving quickly and doing her best not to disturb them.
Annie was mortified. She gave up and buried her face against Christian's warm chest, her voice muffled. "Eat your food."
Only then did Christian loosen his hold, looking entirely pleased with himself. "Okay."
He watched Annie grab her phone and bag and hurry out of the room like a startled rabbit, her ears practically pink.
Christian felt a quiet warmth fill his chest. This was the feeling of home he had wanted for as long as he could remember.
Christian sat back down and picked up another piece of rib, his smile impossible to hide.
...
The hallway was quiet enough that Annie could hear her own footsteps.
After she finished the discharge paperwork, she turned back with the documents in hand. Her phone, tucked away in her pocket, started vibrating again and again.
She frowned and pulled it out.
The screen was filled with missed calls and messages from Sean. Annoyance prickled at her when she saw that.
"Why aren't you answering?
"Why did you send a man to dine with me? Annie, did you do that on purpose?

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