Page 48 of The Doctor's Twins

“Of course, you can. But I’m not talking about physically. I mean emotionally. What if she goes back to him? Abused women have a habit of doing that. God knows why.”

“Peyton doesn’t strike me as that kind of woman. She’s tough.”

“I hope so. For both your sakes.”

“Are we gonna stand around all day, or are we gonna catch a big ass bass?”

“Okay, but I’m warning you. Loser buys dinner and drinks.”

“You’re on.”

I knew Owen was right. I was being less than smart to get involved with a woman without knowing the facts.

It’s way too late for contemplating the facts, Ben. You’re in it now, whether it’s a dumb idea or not.

No matter who or what Peyton had run from, I had made up my mind to be there for her. I would keep my curiosity in check until she was ready to share her past with me. I wasn’t going to let her down the way she had been let down already. Peyton was worth so much more than that.

Owen caught one of the biggest largemouth bass I’d ever seen. The little shit crowed all the way to the restaurant and throughout dinner. The more beer he had, the bigger the fish tale.

I dropped him at home just before 11 pm. I was exhausted. It had been a long week and I was ready to hit the hay. After a warm shower, I lay in bed and thought about what my brother had said.

Was I being a fool? Would I fall in love with Peyton just to see her leave and go back to her ex?

I found my phone in the dark and typed a message to the woman who had captivated me.

Hey, Doc. See you in the morning. Sleep tight.

14

PEYTON

“Imiss you, Pey. Can’t I come and see you?” Alyssa begged.

“No, Lyss, it’s not safe. What if Mateo follows you? He could have someone watching you. I can’t risk it. I’m sorry.”

“Fucking prick. This is insane! I can’t go for the rest of my life knowing I’m never going to see you again. There must be something we can do. Come on. We’re smart women.”

I thought about it for a minute. Alyssa was right. Mateo had taken enough from me. Why the hell was I allowing him to take more?

“Okay. Give me a few days to think about it and I’ll get back to you.”

“Fine. But you’d better think fast. If I can’t see you, I swear I’m going to fly to Mexico City and put a bullet between that fucker’s eyes. I mean it, Peyton.”

“Are you feeling better now, Rambo?” I chuckled.

“A little,” she laughed.

“I know this is frustrating. Imagine how I feel. I miss you all so much and I haven’t had an opportunity to be with Madison through this pregnancy.”

“I’m sorry, Peyton. I’m ranting on. I’m being selfish.”

“No. You’re not. You’re right. Mateo has taken enough. We won’t let him take any more. I’ll call you in a few days. I promise.”

“Chat soon. Love you.”

“I love you too.”

I hung up and made my way to the shower. It had been a long shift and all I wanted to do was to put my feet up and veg in front of the TV with wine and a pizza.

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