Page 147 of Penalty to the Heart

I really couldn’t give a rat’s ass who sees me kissing my woman.

Only two people know about Roxie’s secret hiding place at this park, and both of them are currently living it up in Dallas.

Thank Christ for that.

With Trent visiting Rex, my Roxie has relaxed into the girlfriend role with far better ease.

But I guess that’s to be expected.

With Trent away, too far to see what we’ve been up to, she doesn’t feel like her job is on the line every time she kisses me back.

I know the risk she’s taking in being with me.

And I don’t take it for granted.

I even told her I didn’t mind keeping our relationship on the down-low for as long as she needed. Still, I know lying—even if only by omission—doesn’t come naturally to her. Her morals and ethics just won’t allow her to keep up the facade for too long. Sooner or later, she’ll have to come clean to her boss, and I know that worries her. Trent can be somewhat of an asshole when people don’t play by his rules.

“Is that what you’re worried about? Someone spotting us together?” I ask, wondering if that’s where her head is at.

“I’m always worried about that, but no. That’s not what’s on my mind right now,” she explains, crestfallen.

“What is it, love? What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing,” she dismisses with a weak smile while getting up from the grass just enough to settle in between my thighs and lean her back against my chest.

I wrap my arms around her and kiss her neck.

“I know it’s not nothing. Tell me,” I insist.

“I’m worried about a patient of mine.” She lets out a sigh. “I haven’t heard from him in over two weeks. Not since he was discharged from the hospital after his unsuccessful knee surgery.”

“I’m sorry, love. Is he anyone I know?”

“Actually, yes. Lenny Walker. Does the name ring a bell?”

“Of course it does,” I retort. “I was there when he had his injury. I take it he’s not getting better then?”

She shakes her head.

“His days of professional hockey are long gone, I’m afraid.”

“For real? Fuck. I’m sorry to hear that.” I frown.

No wonder she’s worried about him.

I remember Lenny.

He was always in his head with a big chip on his shoulder.

So when a guy like that loses the one thing he’s good at, well… let’s say I’d be worried for him, too, if I was his therapist.

“I don’t know what to do. I even thought I might take a page out of your handbook and show up at his place unannounced.”

Yeah.

Like fuck that’s happening.

If Lenny is losing his shit, there’s no way I want Roxie near him right now.

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