Page 54 of Wild Card

“Is Talon Simms harassing you?” His question catches me off-guard and I choke mid-sip.

“N-n-no.”

“Has he done anything inept?”

“Not at all,” I answer stronger this time.

“You know, I’ve been going over it in my head. Wondering if shifting his case to you was a mistake.”

A new form of alarm stirs in my stomach. “Have I done something wrong?”

“Not from a professional standpoint. He’s in good hands under your care. But I guessed he may be interested in more. He’s a good guy, thought maybe something could grow from it.”

“He is a good guy. But he’s my patient. There are professional lines that can’t be blurred.”

He studies me until my skin tingles under his intensity. “Do you know how I met Maddie?”

“Not really.”

“She came in after ACL surgery. One session, and I knew she was special. One month and I was gone.”

“That’s awesome.”

“She was my patient.”

His point is not lost on me. “My situation is different.”

“Because he’s a cop?”

I swing my eyes between Bex and Lucas who both gaze around the room.

“Talon’s job is a bit of a sticking point.”

“That’s your business and I respect it. But he’s a great guy.”

“He is,” I whisper.

“The man has been through a lot and seen unimaginable things. He came through on the other side without many scars. He’s a born fighter and protector. Maybe that’s not your thing. It’s hard to deal with not knowing the kind of past you’re up against. I respect that.”

Oh my God, he thinks I’m avoiding Talon because of his past as a Marine? Because I don’t want to deal?

Am I that much of a bitch?

“You have it all wrong. It has nothing to do with his past. I’m not confident that dating a police officer is the best course for me. We’re very opposite people.”

“Maddie grew up on a farm. I was raised in Miami Beach.”

“Well, that works for you.”

“What’s so opposite between you?”

“He’s a risk-taker, and I’m more strait-laced”

“Okay.” He takes a long drag of his beer.

“Okay?”

“You have your reasons. I said as much as I should. Your prerogative.”

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