“No.”
I don’t plan on kissing anyone else, period.
“Good. Then shut up and kiss me.”
That’s all it takes.
One kiss, and I am done for.
Chapter ten
Laiken
I’m not a violent woman, but I’d like to sucker punch that smirk right off his ruggedly handsome face. Despite the fact he’s dropped to his knees, this spot also holds memories. Too many and I should have insisted we do this somewhere else. But I’m professional. A woman who is proud of what I’ve accomplished and I will not let his mere presence dilute that. I got here without him, and I’m sure as heck going to keep on surviving without him.
“Let’s start by doing some simple stretches. It will help me gauge your range of motion.” I reach for his arm, bracing myself for the touch.
Like always, the contact sends a flame up my spine, but I steel my expression at his intake of breath.
“I’m going to extend up.” I gently tug his forearm. “Let me know when we’re as far as you can go without pain.”
He nods, his eyes on me as I slowly lift his arm. When his bicep breaches chin level, he winces.
“Pain?” I ask.
He blinks.
“Parker. You have to be honest with me.” I almost roll my eyes. “I realize that isn’t exactly your strong suit, but if we are going to get you back to riding, I need you to be forthcoming.”
Way to keep it professional, Laiken.
He doesn’t react to my dig. He sighs. “There’s pain. Maybe a five.”
“Okay. Good.” I shift his arm back down to his side. “Let’s try lateral. Same thing. Let me know when there’s pain.”
He dips his chin, his curious gaze still on me. It’s unnerving, really.
“There.” His gruff voice startles my train of thought.
“Okay. Same level?” I ask.
“Not as bad. Maybe a three.”
“Good.” I step away, needing a moment where I’m not touching him.
Picking up my notepad, I jot down his pain levels along with any other notes that I find informative.
I hear a snicker.
I glance up to see him sitting on the floor with a knee bent, his tattooed forearm casually draped across it.
“What?” I narrow my eyes.
“You still poke your tongue out of your mouth when you write.”
“Do you want a gold star for being observant?” I deadpan.
What the heck is wrong with me? I’m not this person. I’m not snappy. I’m nice. I’m the passive one. I’m the one who never gets angry.
