Page 13 of Wild Card (Men of Action #4)

I sit reluctantly, holding my purse like a lifeline.

“Relax, Lo.”

“I’m good.” Dammit! The freaking squeak comes out.

Lucas and Abe chuckle while Bex outright laughs.

“Have a sip.” Abe scoots the drink closer. “May loosen you up.”

I eye the martini, wanting to shoot the whole thing back and order another STAT. Instead, I sip, letting the lime and citrus taste coat my mouth. “This is delicious.”

“Maddie said Key Lime was your favorite.”

It surprises me that she remembers, considering we haven’t been out together in forever.

“She also said it would help.”

“Help with what?” I ask innocently.

“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.”

“Thank you for understanding.” I relax in my stool, taking a much deserved gulp of the martini.

“I didn’t say I understood. But I know when stubborn out-trumps logic.”

“I’m not stubborn!”

Bex snorts and Lucas coughs out what sounds like ‘ bullshit’.

“You have a good guy who’s into you. He’s served his country proudly, loves his family—even those not related by blood—and works to protect his community. It’s easy to be attracted to someone, but what he brings to the table isn’t your thing,”

“I’m boring, predictable, and uninteresting. A man like Talon will lose interest in a few days.”

Abe’s jaw hardens and he pulls his lips between his teeth. “That’s all shit, Willow. And that asshole you dated is no man for making you feel that way. Don’t let what he did punish the rest of the male population.”

My skin flames. Before I can even dart my gaze to my friends, he shakes his head.

“It was Chase who filled me in. Came to me a while ago and asked me to look out. If your ex or sister showed up, I was to call him. Told me the shit they pulled and they weren’t ruining your chances at finishing school with top honors.”

“Oh my God.” I sink into the seat. “You’ve known my pathetic story all this time?”

“It’s not pathetic.”

“He brought my personal life into my clinical rotations. Do you know how mortifying that is?”

“I have a sister and would absolutely do the same thing.”

“No, no, no,” I chant, covering my face.

Chase is going to hear about this as soon as my ass can get away from these people.

“If Talon Simms is not your gig, I get it. But don’t shut him down because you think it will reflect on your position. And definitely don’t fucking blow him off because of your lack of self-worth. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Well said!” Bex claps obnoxiously.

“Can we drop it now?” I mutter through my fingers.

“Yeah, we can.” Abe pulls one hand down and squeezes my wrist.

“I got here as soon as possible.” A frazzled Maddie rushes up. “What did I miss?”

Abe’s eyes light up, his expression transforming into what can only be described as adoration. He releases my wrist and tugs her to him, kissing her sweetly.

“You missed the Dr. Phil hour, but I think it’s all good,” I answer.

“Did Abraham straighten you out?”

“He made a few valid points.”

“Proud of you, honey.” She beams, her amber eyes glittering. “I am dying for a cocktail. It’s been way too long since we got together.”

Abe raises his hand for the waiter and the whole mood shifts at her cheeriness.

Bex pats my knee and shoots me a small smile. She knows.

Abe may have just broken through.