Page 16 of Wild Card

“Let’s get this out of the way so we can have a session without the awkwardness.”

“It’s not awkward to me. I consider it opportune.”

Her cheeks flush, a splotch creeping down her neck. “I’ve never made out with a stranger in public before in my life. That night was very out of character for me.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate? Do you make it a habit of kissing strangers in bars?”

“Never did it before, but also hadn’t been propositioned by a gorgeous woman in need.”

“I wasn’t in need. And I didn’t proposition you. My friend lost her mind.”

“A thank you will suffice.”

“Thank you? For what?”

“For saving your ass.”

“I can handle my ass just fine!” she whisper-hisses.

I bend to the side and take in the view. “Yes, looks like you handle it fine.”

Her eyes flame, transforming into a deadly glare.

“I am teasing. It was a kiss. Nothing needs to be awkward.”

“You’re infuriating.”

“All part of my charm.”

Her face goes to the ceiling as she huffs out a breath. “Let’s get to work before I do something that blows the last seven years of schooling up and I lose my job.”

There’s a hitch in her voice that kills all my playfulness. “Hey, seriously, I’m kidding around.”

“Can we keep this professional?”

“Scout’s honor.” I give the triple-finger solute.

“Were you a scout?”

“Better. I’m a Marine.”

“Good God, this keeps getting better and better. Police and military. A real thrill chaser.”

“Thrill is my middle name.”

This gets me a sliver of a smile. She steps in, reaching up to my shoulder. “Let’s get a feel for what I’m working with.”

Even on her tiptoes, she’s considerably shorter. I sink into the chair to give her a better position.

“I’m not that short.”

“I was tired of standing.”

She knows I’m full of shit and moves beside me. Her mouth cinches in concentration, her fingers pressing and prodding the area.

“Tell me what happened?”

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