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“The game?”
He nods.
I extend my hand toward my open door. “We should talk in my office.”
Duke glances over at the secretary’s desk and then follows me inside my office. We take our usual seats across from each other, and my heart practically leaps out of my chest when I lock eyes with him. Why does he have to be so distracting?
“What do you want to talk about that couldn’t wait until our session?”
“I’m technically not allowed to sit in the team box until after we’ve had four sessions.”
“Today would be our third,” I say.
“Yeah. So, I was hoping we could do two this week. Then, I could take you and Max to the game on Saturday. We’re playing the Penguins. I need to be there.”
“I appreciate you inviting us to the game. But you do understand this puts me in a precarious position, right? No one is supposed to know we’re working together. I had to lie to my ex-husband, so I didn’t blow your cover. Max doesn’t understand why it’s not a good idea for us to go to the game with you. And I’m worried about how us going together will be perceived by your coach or your general manager. I’m a professional, Duke, and seeing patients outside the office is not something a professional would do.”
“It’s not a date,” he hedges. “We’re just hanging out and watching a game together. And Max will be there. I don’t see the problem.”
“My daughter loves you,” I admit. “You’re her dad’s favorite player, and so that also makes you hers. I’m afraid Max will get attached to you. You saw how special she is. She’s not like other girls her age.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being different,” Duke says. “Max is probably the coolest girl I’ve ever met. Just don’t tell my sister.” He cracks a smile. “Kat would get jealous.”
I laugh. “Your secret is safe with me.”
He holds my gaze. “I know.”
Duke is beginning to trust me. This is good. Progress. We’re headed in the right direction. But I’m afraid of what will happen outside of these walls after I get to know the real Duke Baldwin.
“So, what do you say, Doc?” Duke leans back against the couch. “Can we squeeze in another session this week?”
“I think that can be arranged.”
Chapter Eleven
Duke
My hand is drenched in sweat when I knock on Doc’s front door. How am I this nervous for our non-date? I feel like I’m in high school, ready to spill my guts on the ground as I pick my date up for prom. But I didn’t go to prom or any other school function. I was busy dealing with more important shit—like life.
The door opens, and a scream rips from Max’s mouth. “Duke!” She cups the sides of her face with her tiny hands. “You’re here.”
“Of course, I am.”
“My Daddy’s either late or doesn’t come at all,” she says with sadness in her tone.
I know her disappointment well.
Instead of dwelling on it, I hold up my hand for Max to slap. “You ready to go, Mad Max?”
She chuckles and slaps my hand. “I can’t believe you’re here.” Her cheeks turn several shades of red. “Duke Baldwin is at my house. Daddy’s going to be so jealous.”
“Whose number you got on your back?” I ask since Max is wearing a red-white-and-blue Caps jersey.
“Yours. Duh,” she says as if I asked the dumbest question in the world.
“Turn around,” I say, grabbing the black Sharpie from my pocket. “I’ll sign it for you.”
Max squeals and then spins around, her back facing me. Doc appears in the doorway, dressed in skinny jeans and a Capitals tee that hugs her in all the right places. Her tits are way bigger than they look in her boring work clothes. Damn, Doc has some curves on her. Seriously, the tee is small enough to fit Max. Maybe it belongs to her. My eyes drift for a few seconds, along with my filthy mind. I can’t stop the smile that tugs at my mouth as I look up at her.
