Page 23 of Wild Card

“Gotta agree with that,” Lucas concurs. “What’s your hang-up with cops?”

I groan, knowing my reasoning won’t score with him either. “It’s not personal, but it’s not the occupation either. It’s the fact that jobs are usually an extension of the person.”

“Are you suggesting a job defines a person in every way? Because I love being a PT, but it doesn’t say shit about my personal life.”

“You’re wrong. You care about people, like the challenge of every new case. We have to have a certain level of compassion and personal drive to do what we chose.”

“I’ll give you that. But you could say the same thing about many jobs, even police officers.”

“Yes, but police officers, a lot of the time, are fueled by a different passion. They risk their lives and live off a form of adrenaline.”

“Gotta say, that sounds like bullshit. I’ll repeat, you could say the same thing about many jobs.”

“Yes, but I know myself. I’m seeking something different in a relationship.”

“This safety zone you’ve enacted is absolute idiocy. Willy-dick was safe and he turned out to be a douche-lord. That should be enough reason to step onto the wild side. Dark, dangerous, thrilling, sexy as hell—Talon is all this. His smile alone should disintegrate your panties.”

“Let’s skip the panties convo. I’d like to finish eating.” Lucas frowns at the sandwich in his hand.

“It’s not a safety zone, it’s practical. I know my limits, and dating a man who steps in the line of fire every day isn’t me.”

“Jesus, do you hear yourself?”

“Yes, Bex. My life is made of stability and consistency. I’ve been on the same path since I was ten years old.”

“Which is why you need to expand your horizons. Graduating top of your class, the dream job, excellent references—all of that is a slam dunk. Since the Joseph debacle, you haven’t so much as kissed a guy before the other night. Step outside your comfort zone and live a little.”

“Wait, you haven’t dated anyone since Joe?” Lucas’s eyes widen with shock when I shake my head.

“Nothing? In a year?”

I shake my head again.

“Jesus, Wills. Go on a date with the guy. Scrape the cobwebs off and get back in the game. You deserve more. ”

Everything they said makes sense and also makes me realize how truly closed off I’ve become.

“He has scars. Burns of some kind. All on his chest. I felt them,” I say softly, remembering the puckered skin against my fingers.

“Did he say what they are from?” Bex asks low.

“No, but I froze. When I felt them, my mind went berserk.”

“There’s probably a good explanation.” Lucas goes with logic.

“A good explanation for him to be burned? It’s not a fraternity hazing gone wrong. He was hurt. Something happened to him. I think it has to do with the other injury that put him in rehab with Koch. It had to be bad.”

The table is quiet and when I glance up, the two of them are staring at each other in silent conversation.

I take it as a chance to drive my point home. “His job is too dangerous. I’m not cut out for a one-night stand, or a potential relationship with a man like him.”

Bex blows out a breath and nods. “Okay, Wills. I’ll back off.”

The small trace of relief is short-lived when I catch the glint in her eyes.

She’s not going to leave this alone.

I study the screen,checking the information for the hundredth time. Everything is correct. All I have to is…

---