Page 243 of Wild Card

It’s not my fault the baby clothes are adorable. Each of the boys needs these outfits. The dogs have been good and deserve all the treats. Wyatt had a fantastic year and earned a few gifts.

No one really goes bankrupt from a trip to Target.

Do they?

I make a mental note that retail therapy comes with restrictions next time.

But for today, fuck it. I turn back to the cosmetics area, knowing exactly where I’m placing the jeweled organizer. Talon will likely break out in hives when he sees that I’ve added sparkle and glam to his monochromatic bathroom.

I smile at the thought, swallowing my giggle at his reaction.

Two girls pass, and the stench of sweetness has my stomach churning. I fight back a gag, holding my breath to rush out of the path of their body spray.

Or whatever it was.

Did they bathe in the stuff?

Damn Shayla and her shots. My stomach hasn’t felt right since waking up after being forced to down several Ankles in the Air.

Admittedly, they are delicious.

Not so much the next morning… or few days. I need to ask what was in them because it doesn’t agree with me.

Another scent waifs in the air, this one woodsy with a hint of musk and earth.

I migrate to the men’s body care section, taking the familiar body wash off the shelf and inhaling deeply.

Talon’s same-scented bar of soap is in the shower, but it doesn’t smell nearly as delicious as this one my hand. Does men’s soap have a shelf life?

Even if it doesn’t, it won’t hurt to buy this one and have extra on hand. Will he gawk at body wash in place of bar soap? Is that a macho badass thing?

I’m so lost in thought, the presence beside me is oblivious until a throat clears.

I jolt back, tripping over the buggy, my ankle clipping in an awkward angle. I cry out, preparing to catch my fall when hands clasp around my arms. My eyes bulge as Joseph comes into view.

“Willow, are you okay?” He scans me from head to toe.

“Y-y-yes, I was startled and lost my footing.”

“I’m sorry, I’ve been standing here for a minute trying to get your attention.”

“I-I-I was in my?—”

“…head. You were in your head.”

I nod, heat blazing up my neck, realizing I’m still clutching the men’s body wash. “Um, yeah, it’s a habit lately.”

“You stressed about the exams?”

I open my mouth to answer then straighten, realizing this is Joseph. He doesn’t get to have a normal conversation about my upcoming exam—or anything in my life.

“Thanks for that save. I need to go.”

“Wait.” He reaches for me again and I recoil.

The desolation on his face pierces my chest and I exhale. “Joseph, we don’t have anything to say to one another.”

“I wanted to call, ask you to lunch, thank you for your part in that situation. Sterling told me you gave your full support.”

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