Page 57 of Wild Card

“Nothing…”

“Maddie, why are you leering?”

Maddie? As in Abe’s fiancée? That made sense.

“Because the namesake suits a man who deserves you.”

“What?”

“The name is thought to resemble strong and fierce.”

“Add protective to that. You should have seen Talon when Wills almost got pummeled by a football last weekend. It was like a scene out of a movie. He didn’t even blink, whisking her into him. It was like Captain America except his body was the shield.”

“Bex is being dramatic.”

“I am not, Maddie. It was epic. Like watching a scene come to life. Talon scared the shit out of the poor guy who threw the ball.”

“Oooohhh, that sounds romantic,” Maddie woos.

“It was not romantic, it was bullish.” Willow paused, then sighed again. “Yeah, I guess it was romantic.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere.” There’s a sound of clapping. “Tell me more. Abe is the worst on details. He gives man-splanations.”

“What’s a man-splanation?”

“The kind of explanation that leaves out all the juicy parts and covers the absolute basics. Like you have a great guy interested in you and you’re blowing him off. He blames it on your ex.”

“Oh my God!” Willow squeaked. “Does everyone know about Joseph?”

“If you mean the dipshit who cheated?—”

“Stop!” Willow’s palm raised. “We don’t need to review my woeful story. I still can’t believe everyone knows.”

“That’s why we should talk about Talon. Nothing about him is pathetic.”

There was a lull in conversation until Willow finally spoke. “Fine. Bex is right, nothing about Talon is pathetic. He’s kind, funny, interesting, observant…”

Another lapse of quiet until Maddie clears her throat. “Observant? That’s a trait?”

“It is to me, and reason one-thousand my life was pitiable. Talon pays attention. Like everything I say registers. I don’t know how to explain it. All the time I spent...” pause, “with my ex, he never once seemed to pay attention. Talon picks up on everything.”

“I can see this is important. Why do you say it like it’s a negative?” Maddie pressed cautiously.

“Because it’s wonderful. It’s enlightening. He brought me food—food I like. He shows up at the park and plays with my dog. Joseph hated when I got Wolf. Treated him like a mangy mutt and never tried to bond or accept him in my life. Then last week, Wolf went crazy when Talon stopped by. Talon took him outside and played with him. Threw a ball until Wolf collapsed in blissful exhaustion. My heart almost cracked. He’s charming and selfless. His friends are his family, and he’s a damn hero for God’s sake.”

“Oh no! Not that. A hero? And a man who likes your dog? I can see that would be a major turn-off,” Maddie scoffed.

“Oh, and he’s terrible to look at,” Bex added.

“He’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Like burning inferno HOT!” Willow defends. “I almost swallow my tongue every time I see him. Oh, and he kisses like what dreams are made of. Slow and sweet, rough, demanding, toe-curling—all of it insanely mind-altering. He’s that undeniably perfect.”

“The gall! How dare he be hot? And mind-altering?” Maddie said before bursting into giggles.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because you should see your face.”

“Perfect, Maddie! Like a mystical godlike unicorn among men. Which we all know don’t exist.”

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