Page 18 of Finding Redemption

After my call, I move on to the next client, trying to put as much time and distance between Walker and myself as I can. “Mandy, you do realize we have an excellent counselor here?”

“I’m afraid Joe will find out.” The woman already sports a black eye she says came from the door.

“I understand, but if you change your mind or you just want to talk, let me know. I’m not going to give you a card. We don’t want anyone to find out our secret,” I explain.

“I’ll let you know about the protection order. I only came today to figure out my options.” She shrugs. “You know, just in case.”

“Do you have a ride home?” I stand, rounding the table.

“I’m taking the bus.”

I offer her a reassuring smile. “All right. Let me know if I can help in any way.” I can’t help myself when I pull her into a hug. My chest tightens as my heart sinks for her.

I watch Mandy stand at the bus stop, my heart in my throat. I wish I could help them all.

“You okay?” Walker asks from behind me.

“I want to help.” I fold my arms across my chest, turning to look at him.

“Yeah. Me too.” He sighs, leaning against the door.

I bite my lip and decide to ask. “Why are you here?”

Walker straightens, shoving his hands in his pockets. “The same reason you are, to help people.”

I shake my head, huffing. “For Christ’s sake, just be honest for once.”

“I have my reasons… it’s personal.” He presses his lips into a thin line.

I narrow my eyes. “As I suspected.”

His hands fly in the air. “No! Reese, I’m not here to spy on you or to try to persuade you in any way.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Simple as that, is it?” Walker grinds his jaw.

“Yep,” I snap.

“Why in the hell did you ask if you already knew the answer?” He steps closer to me, and my pulse begins to race.

I swallow hard, my breath quickening. “I want to hear you admit I’m right.”

He leans in, his scent washing over me. “You’re not.”

I fight the yearning in my core as my stomach knots. “Admit it. You’re here to sway my opinion,” I squeak as he invades my senses.

Walker moves closer. There’s no more than air between us. “Not a fucking chance, lady.”

Sweat beads on the nape of my neck and in between my breasts. My eyes shut involuntary, and I pray to regain my composure. I bare down on the inside of my bottom lip, forcing myself to look up at him.

To my shock, he’s staring at my mouth. What in the world? He’s affected in the head. That’s what my granny used to say when someone was about to lose their mind. I release my hold on my lip with a pop.

Walker’s gaze floats from my mouth to my breasts, which heave under his watchful eye. My chest glistens under the lights, and I fight the urge to take a deep breath. Desire coils in my belly, threatening to break free like a spring.

His eyes flutter to mine and suddenly, the spell is broken. Or I wake up from my lust-filled thoughts. Now who’s affected in the head? This man. This gorgeous, intelligent man wants nothing to do with me. I need to snap my ass out of it.

Gathering my dignity, I spit my final words at him. “I never doubted that, Mr. Pennington. Nor do I want a chance to sway yours.”