Larissa's POV
We walked toward the small café on the hospital's ground floor, falling into step behind the handful of other visitors in line. Carson's palm rested against the small of my back, his thumb tracing gentle patterns that sent tiny shivers up my spine. I wondered if he realized what his touch was doing to me.
"Your family seems wonderful," he said, studying the overhead menu with careful attention.
"They're everything to me," I replied. "But they can be a bit overprotective."
"I picked up on that." His mouth quirked slightly. "Your brother Joe looks ready to run a background check on me."
"He's been the head of our household since Dad's condition worsened. The responsibility weighs on him." I shifted closer as the line moved forward.
Carson nodded with what seemed like genuine understanding. "That earns my respect."
When we reached the counter, Carson stepped forward confidently.
