“He walked right up to my window like he was going to make a deposit. He asked where you are and that he knows you left Charlotte, and he needs to find you.”
“Eve, I'm so sorry. I didn't think he'd bother you at work.”
“Don't apologize. It's not your fault he's a stalker.” Her voice hardens. “I told him I had no idea where you were, and even if I did, I wouldn't tell him. Then I asked if he wanted to open a savings account or if he was done wasting my time.”
I laugh. “That must have pissed him off.”
“It did. My manager gave me a look, but it was worth it.” She sighs. “He'll give up eventually, Nat. Once he realizes you're not coming back, he'll move on with his life and find some other woman to torture.”
“I hope you're right.”
“I'm always right. Now get some sleep. You've got a grumpy hockey player to fix tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Eve.”
“Love you.”
“Love you too.”
We hang up, and I stare at my phone for a long moment.
What I didn't tell Eve is that my pulse quickened when I touched Ethan's leg. That I had to remind myself to breathe when he looked at me. That underneath all that hostility, he's one of the most attractive men I've ever seen.
Because none of that matters. He's my patient, and I'm his physical therapist. End of story.
I tuck my phone away and open his file again. I have work to do.
4
Ethan
I ordered pizza.
I know I shouldn't. Lilly gave me a meal plan that's taped to my refrigerator, full of lean proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Everything measured and optimized for recovery. I'm supposed to be eating grilled chicken, quinoa, and steamed broccoli.
Instead, I ordered a large pepperoni with extra cheese and a side of garlic bread.
The team nutritionist would have a heart attack if she knew. But it's Saturday, I have no sessions until three, and I don't care. My knee hurts, my mood is foul, and I want pizza.
I try calling my mother for the third time today. It rings and rings and goes to voicemail. Again.
That's not like her. My mother always answers her phone. She's the kind of mother who keeps her ringer on full volume and her phone within arm's reach at all times, just in case one of her kids needs her.
Something is wrong.
I call Bella instead.
She picks up on the second ring. “Hey, big brother.”
“Where's Mom? I've been trying to reach her all morning.”
There's a pause that makes my stomach clench.
“She's at the hospital with Dad.”
I sit upright, my heart in my throat. The quick movement sends a flare of pain through my knee, but I ignore it. No matter how many times it happens, the fear never gets easier. “What happened?”
“It's a flare-up. He started having trouble with his vision on Thursday, and then his legs got weak. Mom took him to the ER this morning.”
