Bad Behavior Read Online Free PDF Page B

further.
    “What I meant,” he said, trying again, “was that I understand you’re mandated to be here. But you could really get something out of this, Grant. You could work on improving your relationship with Sophie, which I know means a lot to you. You could process your grief over your cousin murdering your brother. You could explore some life goals for yourself, now that you’re trying to make a fresh start. The sky’s the limit. For you to just sit here and tell me you’re fine—well, that’s a total waste of time for you and for me.”
    Grant had been inching up straighter and taller with each word out of Hunter’s mouth, and by the time the psychologist finished with the diatribe, he sat rigidly erect on the sofa. His eyes attentive and his mood sober, he replied, “Yes, sir.”
    “So I’ll ask you again, what are your goals for therapy?”
    Stealing a helpless glance at his girlfriend, Grant began sweating. He felt like he was back in college ROTC again, enduring a quiz about Navy history from a superior.
    Sophie watched him squirm, and she offered, “Do you want to deal with your nightmares?”
    Grant whipped his head toward her, disconcerted by her question. “Uh—um—”
    “You’re having nightmares?” Hunter interjected.
    “Not really,” Grant lied.
    Sophie frowned. Although they’d only spent the night together perhaps four times, on two of those occasions Grant’s sleep had been interrupted by what appeared to be intensely distressing nightmares.
    “You said something about improving our relationship, sir?” Grant quickly added, redirecting the conversation. “That would be one of my goals.”
    “Okay, and what would you like to improve about the relationship?”
    We need to stop lying to each other , Sophie supplied silently on Grant’s behalf.
    Then Grant turned to her and shrugged. “I don’t really know how we could improve our relationship. It’s perfect already.”
    Hunter watched Sophie practically swoon over Grant’s comment, and he chuckled softly. “Well, my work is done here. Your relationship’s already perfect.”
    Noticing Hunter’s grin, Sophie said, “Our relationship is awesome. Grant’s right about that.” She clasped his hand. “But I do have an idea for something we could work on.” Sophie took a deep breath. “Um, I think we need to be more open with each other.”
    Hunter nodded. “I agree. There’s quite a bit you two seem not to know about each other.”
    And a lot I don’t want Sophie to know , Grant thought.
    “So that’s one of Sophie’s goals: to be more open in your communication with each other. Grant, how about you?”
    Grant met the psychologist’s inquisitive glance and chewed on his lower lip.
    “Hunter, Grant’s never been in therapy before,” said Sophie. “Maybe we could explain what it’s like?”
    Hunter sat back in his chair and peered at her thoughtfully. “Perhaps that’s a good idea.”
    Feeling the psychologist studying her, Sophie turned to face Grant. “So, in therapy, you talk about what’s going on in your life—the good stuff and the bad stuff. And the therapist helps you make sense of it all by asking you questions so you’ll see things in a different light, notice patterns—”
    Continuing to sense the heat of Hunter’s stare, Sophie turned to him and abruptly asked, “What?”
    “Speaking of patterns,” Hunter said, “I’m noticing one right now. Did you notice that was the second time you swooped in and ‘rescued’ Grant?”
    She appeared indignant. “What do you mean?”
    “He was uncomfortable—anxious—and you jumped in to answer the question for him. Twice.”
    “I did not.”
    The corner of Hunter’s mouth twitched.
    Grant slowly began nodding. “Yeah, you did. I was trying to think of an answer to Dr. Hayes’ question—”
    “Not that you minded her interference,” Hunter broke in, earning a rueful grin from Grant. Turning to Sophie, Hunter inquired, “Why won’t you let him