CHAPTER ONE
* James *
Driving my old pickup truck around to the back of the sandy brick medical building, I didn’t want to park. If I just kept driving, I told myself, I could go home and watch a movie, or get some work done, instead of putting myself through this ridiculous torture yet again.
Opening the door, I swung my legs completely around, so that I could put my right foot onto the ground first. I reached behind my seat for the silver-tipped cane. It was starting to feel too comfortable in my hand. Damn.
I locked the truck and slowly stepped forward, cursing my stupid limp. Walking in the back door of the facility was a sick reminder that I used to have to duck my head on some door frames. Now, since I hunched a bit, it wasn’t as much of an issue.
Feeling like a dork in baggy shorts and a thin t-shirt, I slouched in. I felt grossly under-dressed, but it was better than having to change into a gown for them to poke and prod me. My usual therapist, Bruce, likely preferred me with more clothing on as well.
Looking around the huge rehabilitation room, I saw the usual assortment of people being encouraged to do exercises by their physical therapists and coaches. Slumping on a seat in the waiting area, I honestly didn’t know why I was here.
The first round of physical therapy in the hospital had been brutal. But it was something I could relate to. Like basic training and bodybuilding, I knew how to work hard and blast through blocks.
This fussy business of healing joints and ligaments while not stressing the metal pins in my leg was nothing but annoying. There was no adrenaline. Nobody to yell at me, or with me.
This entire beige place just made me feel weak. Useless. The whole situation was just humiliating.
A few days ago, in a moment of weakness, I had looked up a few psychology articles on how to pull yourself out of a funk. Once again, there was nothing that required strength or aggression. Nothing I could relate to. It was all about gratitude and living in the moment.
Then there was something about focusing on the joy of others if you had no joy of your own.
Blowing out the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, I looked around the room. Little Mrs. Fitzsimmons was now able to walk the full length of the room on her new hip, to the delight and applause of her physical therapist. Several people in that corner of the room were applauding, and I felt myself crack a smile despite my dark mood.
Staring at my feet, I didn’t want the applause of others. There were no big milestones ahead for me anymore. I could walk slowly, and use both shoulders well enough to work on the computer. That was all anyone cared about, so this crap about increasing mobility and circulation was just an annoyance now.
Standing up, I realized I could call Bruce and cancel from the truck as I was leaving. I didn’t really like his attitude anyway.
“Mr. Little?” I spun toward the gentle voice. “Hi, I’m Molly.”
The petite brunette angel extending her hand was the prettiest thing I’d ever seen in this entire world. More delicate than a sunrise, dreamier than a sunset.
Holding her hand gently in mine, I nodded. “James.”
She wore a soft blue dress that fell just past her knees, with a white medical jacket unbuttoned over it. Knowing her curves were hidden made me even more curious. She seemed young for a physical therapist.
To my surprise, she leaned closer, stretching up to whisper in my ear. “I’m sorry, but I’m really going to need your help today.”
As her bright blue eyes searched mine, I didn’t care if she wanted my bank account info or the keys to my truck. I would give this sweet girl absolutely anything she asked for.
CHAPTER TWO
* Molly *
My nerves had been on edge all morning, but when I scanned my appointment sheet and saw that I had been assigned to work with a man today, I felt my hands begin to shake.
I’d only been hired at this clinic a week ago, so everything was new and awkward. At my old clinic, they understood that I was a bit nervous around strange men.
This job involved a lot of touching. I really enjoyed touching people, and trying to heal them, but it was different with men. I was comfortable working with boys, and some of the elderly men, if the muscle work wasn’t too intimate. My previous manager had been fine with that, and he seemed to understand how nervous I was.
But Linda, my manager at this new clinic, wouldn’t listen to my pleas to have only female patients.
Swallowing my pride, I went over to Allie, the receptionist. I casually checked the soil of the plant on her desk, making a note to water it later. When she finished the call and turned to me, I asked, “Listen, is there any way I could change patients for the
ten-fifteen slot?”
She casually tossed her glossy braids over her shoulder as she looked around to make sure Linda wasn’t within earshot.
“I wouldn’t switch if I were you,” she said quietly. “You didn’t hear this from me, but she’s in a really bad mood today. I think she’s sick of the overflow from your old clinic that closed, and she’s stressed out.”
“Well, that’s not my fault,” I muttered.
“Of course it’s not, but you’re the new girl, and you would be the first to go,” she said, looking worried. “I’m sorry, Molly, but you’re going to have to kick ass today to keep on her good side.”
“Have you seen this James Little guy before?” I asked.
“Oh, honey,” she said, fanning herself dramatically. “He’s a looker, but he’s also a handful.”
I pointedly ignored the first part. “What do you mean, a handful?”
“He thinks that this kind of physical therapy is a waste of time, and he rarely makes it through the entire round of exercises. Honestly, if you could get him to do his complete cycle today, that would really impress Linda.”
I gazed up at the ceiling, trying to collect myself.
Allie was obviously trying not to laugh. “I know you’re a shy little thing, but you’ve got this. I’ll make a point of cruising by the door every few minutes, so that I can report back to her how amazing you were with him,” she smiled encouragingly. “That guy has had people push him and bully him into doing the work. Maybe a pretty girl will soften him up and make him behave.”
I looked at the clock and realized there was no time to get out of it. I really did enjoy my work, I was just a bit uncomfortable around men.
“Okay. I can do this.” I wasn’t sure whether I was speaking to Allie or myself.