Page 29 of Off-Limits as Puck

“Mr. Hendrix—”

“It’s a valid therapeutic question. You seem tense. Controlled. Classic signs of someone afraid of losing control.”

She sets down her pen carefully. “We’re here to discuss your issues, not mine.”

“But your issues are affecting my treatment. How can I open up to someone who’s wound tighter than a cheap watch?”

“I’m not—”

“When’s the last time you did something impulsive? Somethingthat wasn’t planned, scheduled, and filed in triplicate?”

Her jaw tightens. “My personal life isn’t relevant.”

“Vegas seemed pretty impulsive.”

The words land like a grenade. She goes completely still, then stands abruptly.

“If you can’t take this seriously, I’ll have to report noncompliance to management.”

“Sit down, Chelsea.”

“It’s Dr. Clark.”

“Sit down, Dr. Clark. Please.”

Something in my tone makes her pause. She sits slowly, warily, like I’m a predator she’s not sure will attack.

“You want to talk about anger management?” I lean back, getting comfortable. “Let’s talk. Two months of court-mandated therapy taught me all about triggers. Mine’s people threatening my family. What’s yours?”

“I don’t—”

“Losing control? Being vulnerable? Someone getting too close?”

Her hands clench in her lap. “This isn’t about me.”

“Everything’s about you right now. You’re asking me to be vulnerable with someone who’s terrified of her own feelings. How’s that supposed to work?”

“I’m not terrified—”

“You ran from Vegas like the room was on fire.”

“That was two years ago.”

“But you still remember.”

“Stop.”

“You remember everything. The bar, the dancing, the way you—”

“I said stop.”

“The way you opened up to me. Not just your heart but your legs.”

She’s on her feet again, arms wrapped around herself. “This session is over.”

“We have thirty more minutes.”

“Not anymore. You’re being deliberately provocative and—”

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