Page 52 of Rise Above

his arm over my shoulder, providing me with some extra needed warmth.

“Houston.”

“Do you miss it?”

I nodded. “Houston is home. I spent a few years in

Denton, but I was still in Texas. I miss the wide-open spaces and genuine Southern kindness.”

“Yeah, I get it. Why’d you move here?” He

squeezed my arm, providing quiet comfort.

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“Other than for my PhD?” I cuddled closer into his

side. “I needed to get away. Houston is home, but it holds memories I’d rather forget.”

His brow furrowed. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

His offer seemed genuine, his tone gentle.

“Maybe one day.” Talking about emotions was a

part of my job, but I hated to do it when it was about myself. It was just easier to pretend things didn’t happen to me. That made life easier in all aspects; disassociation was a cruel mistress.

“I’m here whenever you’re ready, darling.” He

squeezed my side again, a constant warmth I didn’t know I was missing. It felt right being here.

I loved that he called me that. His accent came out

when he drawled the word. Every moment I spent with him, I felt more attracted to him. TJ really was every woman’s wet dream. How did I get lucky enough to know him?

“Thanks, Talon. I really appreciate it.”

“Talon?” His voice dropped an octave.

“Sorry,” I said, “Do you not like it?”

“I like it when you say it.” He licked his lips. “You

make it sound sexy.”

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CHAPTER 8: FALLING

TALON

Aife saying my first name did strange things to my

body. My heart was beating faster, and a lot of blood had rushed to my dick. Would my name sound that sexy when she moaned it? Fuck. This woman was doing things to me I didn’t fully understand. She was a puzzle I desperately wanted to figure out. It was more like a need in this moment.