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Blake started reading chapter one, his eyes scanning each line as the author introduced the heroine, and pretty soon, he found himself on chapter two. By the time Dr. Stabler came out to tap him on the shoulder, he was fully engrossed in chapter three.

“Blake,” she called loudly, making him jump in his seat.

“What?”

“I called your name several times, but you weren’t paying attention. What were you looking at?”

Blake stood up, tucking his phone into his pocket. “Sorry, I was reading.”

“Oh? What’s the book about?”

Blake could feel his neck and ears warm with a blush. He could lie and tell her it was a thriller or horror novel, but he was here to be honest.

“It’s one of the romance novels that Hannah recommended.” He sat in the chair across from her, waiting for her to raise an eyebrow or at least appear a little surprised, but instead, she just nodded.

“I see. And how are you enjoying it so far?”

“Well, to be honest, it isn’t as bad as I thought. Granted, I’m only a few chapters in, but so far it’s good.”

“And you’re showing an interest in something that Hannah enjoys. Does this mean that you’re planning on taking things to a new level with her?”

Blake shook his head. “I just decided to read it. It doesn’t mean anything more for me and Hannah.”

Dr. Stabler seemed disappointed. “I see. So, you aren’t even going to text or call her to let her know you are enjoying the book she recommended?”

“I . . . I hadn’t really thought about it.”

Dr. Stabler smiled, picking up her notepad and pen. “You should. Women are usually pleased when a man takes an interest in something they enjoy.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not sure how much she cares about my opinion,” he mumbled, but she’d heard him.

“What makes you say that?”

“She’s pretty mad at me, and I can’t blame her. On one hand, every time I’m near her, I have this overwhelming need to touch her, but then I have the voice in my head screaming that it isn’t fair.”

“Is the other voice Jenny’s?” she asked.

“No. I don’t think so, at least. It’s just me.” Running his hands over his face, he groaned. “God, I am so fucked up. You must think I am crazy, right?”

“I don’t think that at all, but sometimes people imagine what their loved one might say if they were still alive, if only so they can still remember the sound of their voice.” Dr. Stabler gave him a rather pointed look. “What do you think Jenny would say to you?”

Her question caught him off guard. The only time they’d discussed death was at his parents’ funeral. Blake racked his brain to remember the conversation, closing his eyes as he pulled the memory up.

They’d gone out to dinner once the funeral was over, and after, they’d headed back to the hotel room they’d booked. Blake had been unzipping the back of Jenny’s dress, and she’d blurted out, “I hope when I go, it’s quick.”

Blake had stilled, hating the conversation already. “I don’t want to think about this.”

“I’m just saying that I hope it’s quick, and you better not let Courtney Mitchell through the door of my funeral.”

Despite the morbidity of the conversation, Blake had laughed. “Fine, as long as you promise to have me cremated and dump me somewhere really cool. Don’t keep me around in some urn as a reminder to your next husband that I’m

always watching.”

Jenny grabbed his hand and brought it to her lips. “I could never imagine being with anyone but you.”

He’d kissed her softly on the side of the neck. “I feel exactly the same way.”

“Blake?” Dr. Stabler called, bringing him out of the past. “You didn’t answer my question.”