Dirty Toe Drag (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 6)

I blink. “It’s only our second date, so no, but I have been honest about my therapy.”

“That’s wonderful, Wes,” Noelle praises. “So good. I’m proud of you.”

I can’t even be thankful for her praise. I’m fucking pissed. Especially when Melody taps her chin, shaking her head. “That’s good and all, but you need to be honest with her. She needs to know you are recovering and healing. She needs to know this probably won’t last once you start having sex or if things get hard.”

“Okay, that’s unfair,” Noelle says finally. “And very unprofessional. We lift our clients here. I don’t know how it was where you came from, but our team needs our positivity.”

Melody thinks that over and, without missing a beat—or completely ignoring Noelle—looks at me and says, “I apologize. But tell me this, Wesley. Can you tell me three nonsexual things about her that turn you on?”

I fucking hate her, but I can answer that, no problem. “Her confidence, her strength, and her love for her family.”

She nods, impressed. “And what happens when you can’t handle the real relationship issues? You ruin her confidence and her strength?”

That’s when I left. Noelle tried to stop me, but I can’t even deal with any of that right now. I don’t know who that bitch thinks she is, but I know I am ready. I feel it. Deep inside me. I want to be the best version of myself for Stella because she brings it out in me. Hell, I want to be the best version for myself. I know I can do it; I am doing it. Fuck Melody.

As I enter the tape room, I’m early, but I find Boon and Aiden are already there. They’re both on their phones, but when I enter, they look up, instantly confused.

“I thought you had therapy?”

I slam myself down between them. “I fucking left. Fuck that new therapist.”

“Oh, man. Was it bad?” Aiden asks, and I cross my arms over my chest.

“Yes, she was a fucking cunt. Questioning me and completely doubting me before I could even prove that I’ve grown.”

“Well, that’s bullshit,” Aiden says, and Boon nods.

“What did Noelle say?”

“She tried to defend me, but it was a shitshow from the start.”

“Fuck,” Boon mutters. “I’m sorry, dude.”

“I mean, shit. I am trying here. I’m working hard to be a better person. Yes, I got into a fight, but whatever, I’m a hockey player.”

“It’s part of the game,” Aiden supplies, and I nod.

“But, no. It’s from my past issues, and I’m not ready for a relationship because it’s hard to get over what I went through and shit. Fucking bitch.”

Boon wraps his arm around my neck, squeezing me. “Dude, you have grown. I’ve seen it. We all have. You’re doing awesome.”

“Absolutely,” Aiden agrees. “We may not know what happened, but this last year, you’ve changed.”

I know I have. I feel it, but fucking hell, if that bitch didn’t get in my head. “She asked me about my date this weekend, and then she asked for three nonsexual things that turn me on about my girl. I said her confidence, her strength, and how much she loves her family. Then she comes back at me with, well, what happens when you mess that up? That’s not fair.”

“No, it’s not,” Aiden says sternly. “Those are top-notch things.”

“I couldn’t have said it better,” Boon agrees. “For me, it’s when Posey wears Zac on her chest or when she makes me coffee in the morning. Oh, and how deeply in love with Zac she is.”

I know he is saying it to lighten the mood, and I appreciate it. I smile, knowing that he’s right. Posey is an incredible mom and woman, but it doesn’t help that this chick got in my head and made me doubt myself. Not knowing my suffering, Aiden’s grin is unstoppable. “So, Shelli rubs her belly every night and sings. I love it. It does it for me. I also love how, wherever we are, she always meets my gaze, even across a crowded room. It’s awesome. But my ultimate favorite thing is how hard she loves everyone. I mean, she loves my family, her family, and our team, all like they’re hers.”

“Yeah. She is awesome like that.”

“She is, but the fact that you can name off those things about the girl you’re dating right now, without even thinking too hard, is awesome, Wes,” Aiden says, so sure of himself. “I mean, I’m impressed. I know Noelle won’t stand for that. I’m sure she’s already called Elli and Shelli by now.”

“For sure,” Boon says. “And we all know Elli won’t deal with that shit.”

“Exactly,” Aiden adds. “Our mother-in-law don’t play.”

“No, she don’t.” I let out a long breath. “Thanks, guys. I needed this.”

Boon squeezes me, and Aiden punches my thigh. “We got you, dude.”