Page 61 of Wild Card

My friends are enjoying this way too much. “I got this under control.”

“Yeah, that why you left the house in the middle of the night?”

I should have known Ford would see me coming and going. After what happened with Rowan, he’s locked into our security monitors.

A collective chuckle sounds from Ace and Major.

I can’t even disagree that he’s hit a nerve. Not long now and I won’t be leaving the house in the middle of the night to watch another man take Willow home.

Fucking countdown is on.

“That new?”

Abe eyes my wrist. “What?”

“That watch. Is it new?”

“No, why?”

“Because you’ve checked it a dozen times since you sat down. My guess is it’s new or you have a newfound fascination with time.”

“Smartass.”

“Hey, the alternative is you want to get away from me. Which absolutely wouldn’t be the case.”

“Have a few things to do this afternoon.”

“These things have to do with a certain brunette who isn’t at work?”

I don’t deny it but stay quiet, rotating my shoulder a few times at full range.

“Any pain today?”

“None.”

“You back at the gym?”

“If I say yes, are you going to delay my release?”

His lips curl as he shakes his head. “All your movements and reflexes are normal. I’ll sign off on the release.”

“Today?”

“Is that what you want?”

“Hell yeah.”

“Should we consult with Willow first?”

My first instinct is to say no. Because the moment he signs off, I’m no longer a patient, and Willow’s timeline is up. But how would that affect her?

He cocks an eyebrow, waiting for my response.

“What will happen to Willow’s assessment?”

“It’s actually her recommendation. She noted it last week.”

Sneaky woman. “She didn’t tell me.”

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