One look at him makes me want to strangle him. I should probably go to yoga tomorrow morning before coming here. Help me get centered. Calm.
“I’m not opposed to a reward,” he quips.
“I’m fresh out of rewards.” I place my notebook on the chair, ignoring his remark. “We have a few more stretches to go through today. Let’s see where you are so we can make sure we are hitting the key spots. If one area needs more attention, I want to make sure we are giving those our focus.”
He cocks his head to the side, that same look he always gave that made my knees go weak.
“I’m proud of you, Laiken.”
A lump forms in my throat at the simple phrase. I successfully push it down before I croak out a weak, “Thanks.”
Moving behind him, I clear my throat. “Dr. Whitaker wants two-hour sessions. Morning is best for me, then I can get back to the clinic in the afternoons to help Matthew.”He easily rises from the floor. “Whatever you need. I’m flexible. When we aren’t doing this, I’ll be helping Coop. The branding event is next weekend, and we got a lot of shit to sort.”
I lift a brow. “You aren’t supposed to be riding.”
“I’m riding the gator, not bulls.” He chuckles. “You worried about my safety, Firefly?”
I cross my arms with a smirk. “Keep dreaming, cowboy.”
He nearly knocks the breath out of me when he responds with, “Been dreaming for years.” Then he seals the deal with a wink. “And they’re always about you.”
Chapter eleven
Parker
My arm rests along the pipe fence, my gaze taking in the field before me. Acres of land roll out toward the ridges, cattle grazing without a care in the world. I finished my session with Laiken this morning, and she couldn’t get out of the loft quick enough. Which leaves me feeling disappointed but also hopeful. The space riled her today. Brought back memories. Good ones. Sometimes those hurt worse than the bad ones.
My phone buzzes with an alarm, so I slip it from my pocket as Ryder trots off toward the tank on his horse.
Three p.m.
Same time every day.
I press her name, then wait.
“How’s that arm?” The voice over the phone has me shaking my head.
“I’m supposed to be calling to check on you, Mom. Not the other way around.”
“Nonsense. I’m fine,” she scoffs. “Now answer the question.”
“It’s okay. Started PT today.” Laiken’s face flashes in my mind.
“And how did that go?” She presses. “You aren’t pushing Laiken too hard, are you, Parker? I always liked her.”
Of course my mother is on her side. She was furious years ago when she realized we weren’t together. Not at Laiken. At me. But I’ve confessed all of my sins to her that involve the gorgeous redhead, and she’s counting on me to right my wrongs.
“I’m not pushing.”
“Is she still mad?” she asks, a bit of hope in her tone.
“Yeah, Mom.” I sigh. “She’s mad. And she has every right to be.”
“She’ll understand,” she assures me. “Just be honest with her. Like you should have been in the first place.”
“I know. I know,” I mumble.
Just dig that knife deeper, Mom. Like I haven’t already gutted myself over and over the last seven years.
