Page 79 of Wild Card

She tips up on her toes, brushing her lips across mine. “Thank you, for everything.”

“Careful, Princess, that’s twice now.”

“I have a feeling I’ll use those words a lot with you.”

“Willow, my bed is five feet away. Unless you want to find yourself underneath me, you need to tone down your sweet.”

“Okay, Talon.”

Fuck, just the sound of her voice has my dick hard. I squeeze her hips, crashing my mouth to hers.

11

WILLOW

A paw scratchesat my thigh, followed by the unmistakable jingle of dog tags.

“Come on, buddy, let her sleep.”

The warmth at my back disappears as I dig deeper into the pillow. A few seconds later, Wolf’s nails click on the hardwood before a door shuts. I try to fall back asleep, but my body and mind come fully awake.

After all the sleep over the last few days, I was afraid I’d be restless last night. Apparently, I underestimated the comfort of Talon’s bed. Or it could be the fact that Talon hauled me across his chest and held me all night. Either way, I feel better than I have in weeks.

With the stress of graduation, clinicals, and the boards, my brain has had a hard time shutting down. And when those things weren’t plaguing me, I was obsessing over why Talon wasn’t the right guy for me.

What an idiot.

The last two days with Talon are above and beyond compared to the two years with that douche-canoe.

I giggle, thinking about Bex’s approval.

Seriously, I should have my head examined for trying to avoid Talon.

My mind replays last night.

The simple dinner he cooked after approving the menu with my brother. Even though I passed the food challenges, and the Immunologist pretty much released me without concern, Dad and Chase sent Talon a list of things to avoid.

This is a list Talon took very seriously according to the inventory of food in his refrigerator and pantry. Either his friends went shopping or he ordered delivery. Regardless, he stocked up for me to stay much longer than expected.

The thought sends a swarm of tingles rippling through my system. I’ve always been independent. Growing up and into my adulthood, there wasn’t much I asked for from others. Maybe it’s because Chase was a role model and Rylee was completely opposite. She didn’t care if it was a convenience or not—she lived her life of expectations. Hard work wasn’t her style.

But last night, having every ounce of Talon’s attention was an unfamiliar treat.

I could get used to being pampered, carried around, and doted on. Talon wouldn’t let me lift a finger, even when it came to unpacking. Ignoring my suggestion to live out of my bag, he unloaded my things, arranged my toiletries, and set up my laptop on the desk in the corner. Like in the hospital, he tried to convince me to let him help dress me in my pajamas. I expressed my capability to dress myself, but it was a weak argument.

And the man has completely won over Wolf. Not that it is a hard feat, considering my dog loves everyone.

But Wolf’s paw has hampered his usual activity levels. Talon babied him in his own way. He didn’t think I saw when he slipped Wolf’s pain pill into the slice of chicken. Wolf lapped up the meat like it was the finest cuisine.

My dog is in love.

And I may be in love?—

Hold up, speed racer!My conscience interrupts my hearts-and-flowers starlight daze.

One night, Willow. One night can’t dictate the trajectory of your love life.

But it’s not one night… it’s a month of skirting around the inevitable.

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