Page 44 of Wild Card

“Is that a baby mobile?”

“Yeah, I discovered a trick in high school. I took the toys off and clipped on notecards with different subjects. It’s a game I play, close my eyes and pull a card. Shakes up the monotony of endless studies.”

“Inventive and impressive. Although not sure how you can find anything in the rest of the piles.”

“Like I said, I wasn’t expecting company.”

“No judgment from me.”

“I have my system and know where everything is.”

“I’m sure you do.”

“It’s my dirty little secret.”

“How you study is a dirty secret?”

“Most people would break into hives. Your face makes me wonder if you’re about to do the same.”

“Never studied to get my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. What do I know?”

This earns me a shy smile. “This way.”

She leads me to the small kitchen which is opposite of the other room. The space is gleaming, everything in a place, and not a stray item anywhere.

“I can see this is more your style. A clean freak.”

“I’m a Marine. Order runs in my blood.”

Her face falls and I drop the bags on the counter, closing in on her. I consider it a win that she doesn’t pull away when my hands curl around her hips. “Do you have something against the Marines?”

“No,” her answer comes out pitchy. “I love the military.”

“Did you lose someone who served?”

“No.”

“I can’t change my past or who I am.”

Her face pales and eyes well with shame. “Talon, I didn’t mean?—”

It’s obvious she’s about to close down and raise her shields. I cup her chin, forcing her to meet my eyes. “Willow, one of these days we’ll get to the bottom of your hang-ups. But that is not today. It’s evident you have a lot going on and I’m not interested fucking that up. Right now, we’re having lunch and you’ll explain to me what you’re studying.”

The color in her face slowly returns, adding a pink hue to her cheeks. “You want to know what I’m studying?”

“Yeah, fair warning. I’m not a dumbass, but that shit may go right over my head.”

“I’d never think you were a dumbass.”

“Good, now before we eat, that dog’s about to lose his mind. Do you need me to take him for a walk?”

She shifts her gaze to Wolf who is whining for attention.

“He’s a big baby. He can go out back and bask in the sun while we eat. He’s been cooped up with me all morning.”

“You want me to get the food or the dog?”

“If you let him out, I’ll get lunch ready.”

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