Meredith sat on Jax’s lap facing her, a serene expression on her face as she ran her fingers through Jax’s short hair and massaged her scalp. The tender, therapeutic touch traveled to Jax’s tense neck and shoulders next. Meredith didn’t stop until Jax let out a soft moan.

“You like that?” Meredith purred.

Her eyes were closed. “You know I do.”

“I’m sorry you’re going through such shitty stuff right now. Please don’t forget I’m here to help you through it.”

Jax felt no malice directed at her, just sympathy. “I’m—”

Meredith pressed her finger to Jax’s lips. “Do not apologize. Just remember, you’re not alone.”

Jax knew she wasn’t. She had Wyatt and Amanda, but in that moment, she wanted to be selfish and soak up the presence of this one person who was there solely for her. She wrapped her arms around Meredith’s waist and pulled their bodies together. “I’m happy you’re here.”

“You are?”

“I am.” Jax buried her face into Meredith’s neck. “I got tired of seeing doctors and nurses all day. I missed your friendly face.” She punctuated her words with a nip to Meredith’s skin.

“No pretty nurses are keeping you entertained?” Meredith’s tone wasn’t all light and teasing.

Jax didn’t mind the thought of Meredith being a little jealous. “No, no pretty nurses. But Gretchen’s doctor is pretty smokin’. Like a librarian played by Salma Hayek.” She laughed when Meredith pinched her. The buzzer sounded, letting them know their food had arrived.

Meredith jumped up from Jax’s lap. “I’ll get it. You just sit there and relax.” Meredith grabbed her wallet from her purse and walked out the door.

Jax dropped her head back and closed her eyes again. She’d felt guilty when she first started seeing Meredith. Even though she was formally separated from Gretchen, it still felt wrong. But the longer she was with Meredith, the more she grew to accept that she, too, was allowed to be happy.

Meredith reentered the apartment, all smiles and holding a stuffed paper bag. “I hope you’re hungry.”

Jax’s stomach growled. “I didn’t think I was, but now I’m worried you didn’t get enough food.”

“Trust me, I got enough.” Meredith giggled adorably. She pushed her blond hair over her shoulder and started unpacking the bag. “I got two paninis, two salads, garlic knots, and a calzone because I know you regret it every time you don’t order one.”

She studied the way Meredith set out the food with such serious concentration on her face. Her light blue sweater hugged her torso, drawing attention to her breasts and the curve of her waist. Jax stepped up to Meredith, who looked at her curiously. She cupped Meredith’s cheek gently and kissed her. Her lips were warm and so soft. She weaved her fingers into Meredith’s thick tresses and deepened the kiss. Jax was addicted to the power she felt when she kissed Meredith, and the way Meredith responded to Jax’s every touch. Any lingering guilt fell away.