Page 38 of Love Takes Home

“Yes, and no? I had them all the time after I was attacked. But they eventually went away, and I thought I was over it.”

“When did they come back?”

“This summer.”

“Gin, have you talked to anyone about what you’ve survived the last couple of years?”

“No. I thought I was okay.”

“Have you not realized it’s the same people in this round of nightmares?”

She tilts her head my direction, chewing on her bottom lip. “I guess I didn’t.”

“You’ve had some crazy shit happen to you.”

“But it didn’t happen to me.”

“Yes, sweetheart, it did. It might not have been aimed at you, but it did happen. And in one instance, you were hurt, too. Add in the town being the town with you walking away from the wedding, and that’s just a building block on trauma. I’ve heard you bitch about your mom giving you a journal to write in, but Ginny, I think you need to talk to someone.”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Ginny.”

“Harry.”

I chuckle, tilting her chin up so she will look at me. “You need to talk to someone. What you did just a few short months ago should have required you speak with someone.”

“I killed a man.”

“You did. And that’s not something any of us take lightly, so you shouldn’t either.”

“I wouldn’t even know where to go. It’s not like this town is busting at the seams with shrinks.”

“You might not have to go anywhere. When I need it, I call and talk to someone over the phone. Or video chat. And Daniel insists that we all check in with his personal therapist. She’s on the payroll. We have to check in with her after every job. Every case. I think you’d like her.”

“Are you trying to set me up with someone else?”

“I absolutely am.” We both laugh. “Seriously, give it some thought. I’ll put you in touch with her ASAP.”

“If you think it would be a good idea, I’ll give it a try. Mom would be thrilled.”

“Don’t do it because I want you to, Beautiful. The choice is yours.”

“You won’t be mad at me if I decide not to?”

“Fuck, no. I just want you to know the option is there.”

“I’ll let you know in the morning, okay?” She yawns and I start to pull away. “No.” She grabs my hand. “Stay? Please?”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Don’t leave me?”

“I’m not going anywhere, Beautiful.”

Ginny puts her head back on my chest, and we curl up together on the bed. I hold her until her breathing evens out, and then I hold her some more. The feeling of her body pressed against mine is causing a reaction, but he can wait. My cock does not rule my life. Of course, my heart usually doesn’t either, but when it comes to Ginny? It’s all heart.

Before I close my eyes, secure in the knowledge that Ginny is safe and sleeping peacefully, I pick up my phone from the bedside table and email our staff therapist, asking if she hassome availability. I’d explain everything to her, but she already knows about Ginny and her heroics—and my nightmares as a result. I close my eyes and fall into the best sleep I think I’ve ever had.

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