Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“Bye!” I punched in my code and shoved in my door before he could finish the sentence. Of course, the only thing I can think of is his kiss.
It took a full five minutes for me to move, only to peek through the blinds in time to see him drive away.
I come back to the present, still staring at my phone. I don’t remember mentioning my plans earlier during his session, so how’d he know?
How’d you know about tonight?
Talon
I have my ways.
Stalking again?
Talon
Prefer to call it skills.
Skills to know where I am?
Talon
Enjoy. Call me if you need a ride home.
Will you be picking me up in a police cruiser?
Talon
Not on shift tonight. You drink too much, text or call. I’ll be there.
Thanks, but in the unlikely event I can’t drive, Bex and I will share an Uber.
The bubbled dots appear as he types his reply, then go blank. A warm breath coats my neck and I fall right into Bex reading over my shoulder.
“Personal space!”
“Your game sucks.” She tsks, disappointed.
“I’m not playing a game.”
“You don’t tell a hot guy who offers to pick you up on a Friday night that you’re taking an Uber.”
“I don’t want to put him out.”
“He offered.”
“Okay, then I don’t want to send the wrong impression.”
“Give it up.” Her eyes dart to my screen and her smile grows wide. “I do like this guy.”
Talon
one week and your threats of an Uber are over.
“What does that mean?” I mutter.
“It means you’ve awakened the alpha and the countdown is on. Consider yourself warned.”
“I don’t want a warning because there is no countdown.”
“For someone so brilliant, you’re clueless.”
I ignore her and his comment, stuffing my phone back in my pocket. “Did you happen to mention our plans for happy hour?”
“Nope, but Abe did.”
“Abe did?”
“He invited him.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he likes Talon. He pays attention.”
“You think he knows Talon asked me out?”
“I know a lot. And like everyone else, I notice this dance you two are doing.” Abe Koch ambles in the break room.
My surprise turns to panic, my mouth going dry. Abe circles his hand in the air. “Let’s discuss this over drinks.”
“Or never,” I suggest hopefully.
He walks back out and Bex hands me my bag. “Do I need to drive you to make sure you don’t bail?”
“We’ll box her in. You have lead, I’ll tail.” Lucas stands in the doorway impatiently. “Let’s roll.”
No one speaks on the way to the parking lot and they do exactly as Lucas suggested. Bex pulls in front, waiting for me to reverse, then Lucas slides behind. It’s only a few miles to the restaurant and bar they frequently hang out. Each minute in the car, my dread increases.
My only saving chance is that maybe Abe is already occupied with someone else and I can avoid him.
No such luck.
He’s sitting at a high-top with a bucket of beer in the middle and a lone martini at the place next to him. He takes a pull of his bottle, his expression transparent. No dodging this.
“Maddie’s on her way,” he announces when I’m close.
Relief washes through me. Maddie is his fiancée and an absolute doll. “Okay, I’ll settle over there.” I point to the other end.
“She suggested I order this for you.” He taps the stem of the glass. “Said you may need it.”
“She’s a genius.” Bex takes the stool on the other side of the empty seat, waiting for me.
I sit reluctantly, holding my purse like a lifeline.
“Relax, Lo.”
“I’m good.” Dammit! The freaking squeak comes out.
Lucas and Abe chuckle while Bex outright laughs.
“Have a sip.” Abe scoots the drink closer. “May loosen you up.”
I eye the martini, wanting to shoot the whole thing back and order another STAT. Instead, I sip, letting the lime and citrus taste coat my mouth. “This is delicious.”
“Maddie said Key Lime was your favorite.”
It surprises me that she remembers, considering we haven’t been out together in forever.
“She also said it would help.”
“Help with what?” I ask innocently.
“Is Talon Simms harassing you?” His question catches me off-guard and I choke mid-sip.
“N-n-no.”
“Has he done anything inept?”
“Not at all,” I answer stronger this time.
“You know, I’ve been going over it in my head. Wondering if shifting his case to you was a mistake.”
A new form of alarm stirs in my stomach. “Have I done something wrong?”
“Not from a professional standpoint. He’s in good hands under your care. But I guessed he may be interested in more. He’s a good guy, thought maybe something could grow from it.”
“He is a good guy. But he’s my patient. There are professional lines that can’t be blurred.”
He studies me until my skin tingles under his intensity. “Do you know how I met Maddie?”
“Not really.”
“She came in after ACL surgery. One session, and I knew she was special. One month and I was gone.”
“That’s awesome.”
“She was my patient.”