Page 22 of Wild Card

Bex’s hand covers mine, her eyes going soft. “This may not be the best place to discuss it, but I’ve held it in for too long.”

“We’re in the break room at work. It’s the absolute worst place to discuss anything about my pathetic life.”

“It’s only pathetic if you let it be. You’re driven, focused, and have objectives in mind. Not to mention you’re so damn gorgeous it threatens my confidence.”

“Disagree,” I counter.

“We’ll add modest to the list of never-ending wonderful traits of Willow Richards. They are almost negatives about you.”

“Almost,” Lucas hums. “You need to learn the word no.”

“Amen. Although if she’d turned down Koch’s patient load yesterday, she’d have never had Talon. That one worked out in her favor.”

“Want to know what I think?” He looks pointedly at me.

“Not really.”

“Go out with him, fuck his brains out, then make your decision.”

“That’s your advice? It’s such a guy thing.”

“Trust me.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s the only way to get ahead of this attraction that you have.”

“Who said I’m attracted to him?”

He arches his eyebrows. “I have three sisters and a zillion female cousins. Trust me when I say it’s better to skip the drama and go for it.”

“I’ve met a ton of hot guys I don’t want to sleep with.”

“Maybe this man is different. And seeing your reaction to him was an instant giveaway. Go out with the guy. What’s the worst that can happen? You get a meal and sex out of it. Maybe it would help your mood, too.”

I force a bite of food into my mouth to avoid this conversation. “You suck.”

“He’s right.” Bex is like a dog with a bone.

“Do I need to remind you he’s now a patient? There are rules in place for a reason.”

“Bullshit, you’re finding excuses.”

“It’s not an excuse to watch out for my career path. If it got out I was seeing a patient, my reputation would be crucified. Everything I’ve worked for is within grasp, and throwing it away for a quickie night with a hot guy is not worth it.”

“I highly doubt anything about Talon would be a quickie.”

“Bex! Focus on the big picture.” As hard as I try to stop it, my mind goes to the kiss and my body heats.

“What? I am thinking big picture. No one is saying marry him. Why not see where it could go?”

“Where could it possibly go? We’re complete opposites.”

“You don’t know that.”

“He’s a police officer.“

“Your hang-up is judgmental.”

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