Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“That’s exactly why we think you would be good for him.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Lo seemed to make significant progress,” Bex throws in way too enthusiastically.
Sweet Jesus, help me get out of this. And when I do, I’m killing Rebecca.
“Professionally, I disagree. With his history and previous injury, you know his situation much better than I ever could. Time with me can hardly replace your thorough depth of knowledge.”
There, that should do it. Professional, specific, clinical—all reasons Talon Simms should stay with Abe.
Good job, if I do say so.
Abe’s eyes widen in surprise. “Talon told you about his previous injury?”
“Not exactly.”
“Then how did you know?”
“It came up in conversation?”
“He brought it up?”
“I mean, he mentioned his therapy a few months ago from an occupational injury.”
He seems to think on this, his silence unnerving. Finally, he relaxes and shakes his head. “This is a totally different injury and you’re qualified to see it through. He’s dedicated to regaining mobility and getting back to full duty. He’s convinced you can get him there. Unless you tell me he’s done something inappropriate, he’s moving to your schedule.”
I know when I’ve lost. If I argue further, it will mean a lot more explanation than Abe needs. “Thank you for trusting my process.”
“I trust you, the process is a bonus.”
Any other time, this compliment would have me on cloud nine. I paste on my best smile and nod.
Abe Koch just handed me my biggest challenge yet: Finding a way to fully rehabilitate Talon Simms without falling for his charms.
A bell goes off in my head, reminding me of my commitment to stay away from danger.
Safe, consistent, stable.
A man whose burns come from the grill, not God-knows-what on the job.
Yep, I can do this.
Rehab a shoulder… easy peasy. Child’s play.
Therapy 101.
Who cares if he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever met and being near him reduces my insides to goo.
Or that his gray-blue eyes and smile should come with a warning.
We won’t think about the fact that his kiss topped the best kiss of my life. Even if it was pretend.
Yep, we’ll forget about all of this.
Easy… peasy…
4
TALON
“You got somewhere to be?” Captain Boyd saunters through the bullpen.
“Yep.” I grab my cell and keys, ready to get away from this fucking desk. Tweaking my shoulder was an inconvenience. Being on desk duty is hell.
“Next time you rookies decide to go work with Hayes Security, stay there. They went and fucked up all the training we sunk in you.” He points in a circle to Ace, Major, and Ford.
I can’t help but goad the man. “Oh, Boydy-Boyd. Are you jealous we got to play with the big boys?”
His scowl is a reward. “No, dipshit. More like pissed on my squandered investment. You four have turned into wastes of space.”
I grab my chest, cringing dramatically. “You wound me. Dr. Welch will have a field day with this recent development. I can see the report now, ‘Officer Simms had a significant setback. Peewee’s abuse of power is evident in his ability to slice open mental wounds with his words.’”
Captain Boyd’s scowl deepens, his eyes flaring. Dr. Welch is a Behavioral Specialist who contracts with the department. She’s also Captain Boyd’s niece. When Ace and Major were assigned to her for release back to duty last year, she let the family nickname for Boyd slip.
He was not pleased.
We use every chance we can to rouse him. A mountain of a man, he is anything but a peewee.
“I’m not worried about mental wounds. You asses keep going off and getting shot, stabbed, or tortured. Then my budget is hit with all your fucking therapy. Not to mention your time in these chairs.”
“Technically, it’s only Talon on desk duty.” Ace grins smugly. “He’s the problem child this month because he aggravated his shoulder by showing out.”
“Looks like your asses are in chairs to me. Wanna explain?”
“We’re taking a break to give our moral support.” Major leans back in his seat, linking his fingers behind his head. “Simms needs us.”
“I don’t need shit.” There isn’t enough time for this. I want to change out of my uniform before the appointment.
“You got another situation?” Boyd questions with his brows pinched.
“No.”
“More like he needs advice,” Ford adds.
“I can guarantee I don’t need advice from you fuckers.”
Ace points to the ink on his ring finger.
“I got a wife and two boys under my roof with my last name. You have an empty bed.” Major also points to the ink on his ring finger.
“Jesus, help us. Is this about a woman?” Boyd rubs the back of his neck. “Is it too much to ask for six simple months without you four bringing drama to my department?”
“No drama.”
“Yet.” Ford chuckles. “It’s still early.”
“I already regret asking, but someone give me a head’s up.” Boyd fixes his gaze on me.