Page 81 of Guarding Glenda

I’d been staring at him. His sharp and dark features were stunning. And I’d memorized every tattoo. On the outside he appeared cold, but wildly sexy; the kind of man most mothers would warn you about. But while he was sexy as hell, he was anything but cold.

“Nothing. Just lookin’ at ya.”

He pulled my hand to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to my fingers. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy this week.”

Linny laughed from the backseat and I covered my mouth with my other hand.

“What? What’s funny?” he asked.

“Not funny,” I told him. “Sweet. Sugary sweet. But yes, I miss you when you’re gone.”

His chest puffed out but he didn’t grin or say anything, just kept driving.

“Plus, you’re nice to look at.”

That got him to crack a half smile. “You can always look.”

“I’m back here, you guys,” Linny said.

I turned and blew a kiss at her, but we stayed quiet the rest of the ride.

When we got to the center, we all hopped out. Leigh walked us inside but left me at the door to the session. “I’ll be in the truck, but I’ll come back when you’re done.”

Linny passed me and went inside.

“We can walk outside, Leigh. I know you have business to handle. It’s a short walk from here to there.”

He gently pulled my hoodie, moving me away from the door. He stepped in close. “I know. But I worry.” He nudged his nose over mine.

My eyes closed and a smile spread. “I like that you do. But I’m okay. You can’t be with me every second.”

“I know, and that’s why I want to be with you all the seconds I can, Glenda.”

Grabbing his neck and pulling him back down, I told him, “You really are difficult in the best way possible.”

He leaned in for a quick but passionate kiss. Pulling away, he said, “Okay. I’ll be outside. But don’t hang around too long or I’m coming in.”

He walked away so I stepped inside, heading to the meeting room and took the seat next to Linny.

The session was better for me today. I still didn’t talk much, but I introduced myself and explained I had PTSD from several assaults and two losses, and that’s why I was there. Everyone was welcoming and Dr. Stanley smiled but didn’t push.

Linny shared a little but left out bits and pieces, mostly about Marshall. The last thing any of us needed was a way to tie us to a cop showing up dead.

A new woman was there. She was pretty. Maybe mid twenties. Long, dark hair straight as a board. She was slender with long legs. We were all sitting so I couldn’t tell how tall she was, but most people were taller than me. She had on tight jeans, black heels, and a black leather jacket over a black graphic tee. Her eyeliner was sharp and her lips glistened with a red gloss. When we did introductions, she said her name was Lydia.

When one of the men got through talking about how he lost his wife to gun violence, the room was quiet for a moment before the woman spoke up.

“That’s so sad. I lost my man and my brother.” Her tone was flat.

Dr. Stanley did the normal tight-lipped nod after someone shared a loss. “Would you like to share about them?”

She looked down at her beautifully crafted red nails. “I miss them both very much. And I gotta stay strong for them both. I’ll make them proud.”

“Were they together when it happened?” Dr. Stanley pressed on.

She finally looked up, her face almost bored. “Yes. They were.”

Dr. Stanley continued. “How are you coping?”