Page 28 of Wild Card

“There’s no judgment.” Boyd glances at the others like they’ve lost their mind. “We’re inclusive.”

Now he’s quoting the HR handbook.

“This is too much, I can’t make this up. Talon’s inclusive.” Ford is on his knees now, holding his side.

“Why are you acting like lunatics?”

“Because, as of yesterday, Abe and I agreed on my new therapist. Willow is very much a woman.”

Boyd visibly relaxes, color returning to his face as his eyes light with hilarity. “Glad there won’t be any messiness with Abe and his fiancée.”

“Maybe not with Abe, but he’s been shot down. His‘twinkle’is fading.” Ford’s a wealth of information today.

“You are a complete ass. I wasn’t shot down.”

Ace whistles as a paper airplane flies across the space, crashing into the side of a trashcan.

“You done?”

“Long time coming, brother. You dished this shit out, time for payback.”

“Hell yeah.”

“Karma is a bitch,” Ford and Major say at the same time, agreeing with Ace.

“All three of you were stupid asses.”

“Last Standing Casanova—tell us your plan to woo the unsuspecting and innocent, Willow-the-therapist.” Ford covers his heart with a hand and flutters his eyelashes.

My lips twitch, and before I can stop it, a chuckle escapes.

When we got out of the service, our plans were made. Join the academy, join the force, and as soon as possible, join SWAT.

We lived well in a house owned by Ford’s parents, stuck to ourselves, and had little socialization.

Before long, rumors started about our personal lives, and the mansion on the hill was labeled the Casanova Club.

Stories spread about our parties and the women rotating in and out of our doors.

The term Casanova used to piss us all off, but it’s become more of a badge of honor in the last year.

As the women became part of our lives, they embraced the term and love to throw it around.

“Sorry, you’ll have to watch it play out in real-time.” I move to leave, waving in the air.

“Don’t make me pull Rowan in on this!” Ford calls.

I flick my middle finger his way, another loud rumble of laughter following me to the stairwell.

Once I'm at my truck, I confirm that everything's good to go for this afternoon.

Abe Koch isn't stupid; he knew right away why I suggested Willow take over my case. He didn't fight it.

Pretty sure the guy was laughing the whole conversation, even wishing me luck in the end.

Now it’s time for me to put this plan in action.

“You’ve done well today.”Willow types on her iPad, not glancing my way.

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