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“Is Talon Simms harassing you?” His question catches me off-guard and I choke mid-sip.
“N-n-no.”
“Has he done anything inept?”
“Not at all,” I answer stronger this time.
“You know, I’ve been going over it in my head. Wondering if shifting his case to you was a mistake.”
A new form of alarm stirs in my stomach. “Have I done something wrong?”
“Not from a professional standpoint. He’s in good hands under your care. But I guessed he may be interested in more. He’s a good guy, thought maybe something could grow from it.”
“He is a good guy. But he’s my patient. There are professional lines that can’t be blurred.”
He studies me until my skin tingles under his intensity. “Do you know how I met Maddie?”
“Not really.”
“She came in after ACL surgery. One session, and I knew she was special. One month and I was gone.”
“That’s awesome.”
“She was my patient.”
His point is not lost on me. “My situation is different.”
“Because he’s a cop?”
I swing my eyes between Bex and Lucas who both gaze around the room.
“Talon’s job is a bit of a sticking point.”
“That’s your business and I respect it. But he’s a great guy.”
“He is,” I whisper.
“The man has been through a lot and seen unimaginable things. He came through on the other side without many scars. He’s a born fighter and protector. Maybe that’s not your thing. It’s hard to deal with not knowing the kind of past you’re up against. I respect that.”
Oh my God, he thinks I’m avoiding Talon because of his past as a Marine? Because I don’t want to deal?
Am I that much of a bitch?
“You have it all wrong. It has nothing to do with his past. I’m not confident that dating a police officer is the best course for me. We’re very opposite people.”
“Maddie grew up on a farm. I was raised in Miami Beach.”
“Well, that works for you.”
“What’s so opposite between you?”
“He’s a risk-taker, and I’m more strait-laced”
“Okay.” He takes a long drag of his beer.
“Okay?”
“You have your reasons. I said as much as I should. Your prerogative.”