Hold Me Close Read Online Free Page A

an apartment above the bar.”
    “Why?”
    She looked at her doctor’s impassable face. “Because I haven’t stepped foot in the bar in almost five years. It’s my family’s business, and I feel like I’ve lost part of my life because of it.”
    Dr. Janzen tilted her head, readying whatever her next thought was, but Maggie cut her off.
    “You taught me exposure might be good. Face down my triggers. It might help me get over it.”
    “Maggie, this isn’t something to get over. And when we talk about exposure, it’s controlled, not overwhelming yourself with possible triggers.”
    “It’s been almost five years. I shouldn’t be living the life of a nun. I want to be a normal twenty-six year old. I want to have boyfriends and go out drinking with friends. I’m tired of this weight hanging around me.”
    “I understand. It sounds like you’ve made up your mind.” She sipped her coffee.
    Maggie smiled. The woman did know her pretty well. “I promised Shane I would talk to you before speaking to Ryan. I think he hoped you would talk me out of it.”
    “I think I know you well enough to know when you’ll listen.”
    Maggie twirled the ring on her right hand. “Do you think it’ll work?”
    “It depends on what your goal is. Do I think working and living at your family’s bar will make having sex any easier? No. It might help you deal with that location and the memories there, though. I would suggest that instead of jumping into a job, you just go to the bar. Have dinner, spend some time, and see how you feel.”
    She could do that. It had actually been her plan. She needed to know she could be in the bar before she could work there.
    “What about sex? I feel ready to move on.”
    “If you’re truly ready to move on and have a sexual relationship, you’ll be able to have that conversation with the man. If you’re not comfortable enough with him to share your past, then you aren’t going to be comfortable having sex with him.”
    Maggie sat there, a little stunned. She felt like her therapist just told her to grow up. She’d tried to tell Ian about her rape, but it never quite came out right. He was a constant distraction, making her smile and laugh. They’d never been serious together. It was part of why she’d liked him so much.

    Shane ran tape over the box as he packed the last of his things before moving in over O’Leary’s. He hated moving. His phone buzzed with a text.
     
    Help! Need an escape. Family driving me crazy.
     
    Nothing like a little Maggie melodrama to break his boredom. On my way.
    He didn’t know what they were doing to make her crazy, but he didn’t care much either. He knew a lot of what she disliked was stuff she brought on herself. It was a little of the crazy she dished out coming back at her.
    By the time he parked down the block from her mom’s house, the sun was long gone and the streetlights had clicked on. Most families were huddled in their homes having dinner. He walked toward the house, studying the neighborhood. He’d been here plenty over the years and it was comfortable, a home away from home. These neighbors were a little nosier than his, though.
    Suddenly, something pelted his shoulder. Barely more than a sting, but enough to get his attention. He looked around for whatever kid had thrown the snowball, but saw no one. Then he heard the snicker and knew it had been Maggie. He bent over, scooped some snow, and formed it into a tight ball. Walking a few more steps, he listened for her.
    She popped around from behind a tree, sailing a snowball past his head.
    “Nice try.” Then he threw his, nailing her thigh.
    Unfortunately, she had a small arsenal by the tree trunk. She must’ve been waiting outside for him for a while. She turned and then fired again, swinging wildly with double-fisted ammunition. He began throwing half-formed balls to slow her assault as he rushed her position.
    When she saw him coming, she squealed and ran, abandoning her post and her