“Oh, wow, that’s exciting.” I sit up straighter, my interest piqued. “This will be one hundred percent in-home?”
We usually don’t work that way.
“Yes. Let’s just say he’s paying a pretty penny to have private PT. Insurance doesn’t cover the same things as in clinic, but I’m working on making that more affordable for future patients.”
I nod again, unsure of where this is going.
“Fortunately, money isn’t an issue in this instance and he was very clear in our agreement thatyouwere to be the one to complete his rehab.”
“Me?” I point at my chest, my brow furrowing.
“Yes.” She smiles, wide and proud. “I would have recommended you anyway, but the patient said it was nonnegotiable.” She shrugs. “If this goes smoothly, this could open up a new avenue for the office. And for you.”
My mind fumbles to articulate who this patient could be. I come up blank. “Would I have to travel?”
That would be tough with Trace in school and Mom gone.
“Nope. He’s here in Mayson Ridge.” She leans forward, snagging her glasses.
I frown again, unease creeping up my spine. I’ve lived here my entire life and would bet the farm I know the majority of the male residents. None fit the bill.
She slips her glasses along her straight nose. “Sessions would start Monday. Obviously, this will be a salary increase for you for the length of the agreed contract. Think of it as a bonus.” She scribbles something on a notepad before sliding it my way.
I glance down at the number written in ink and almost fall out of my chair.
“Are you serious?” I gasp.
“Yep,” she continues as if the astronomical number is completely normal. “I have established a vigorous plan to get him where he needs to be. It’s all documented in his file. Regular rehab mixed in with some low-exertion cardio to help build his stamina back.”
“Okay.” I’m still trying to swallow the ten-thousand-dollarbonussalary for six weeks. This is insane. Who even has that kind of money?
“Can I ask who the patient is?”
She meets my eyes. “Of course. It’s not every day a woman gets to nurse a famous bull rider back to health. I’m sure you know him. Everyone in this area seems to. Parker Stillwater?” She winks, revealing the only name on this entire planet that I’ve tried to forget. “Hence the agreement. Privacy is important to him.”
Fire lights in my veins, followed by a vicious pounding in my chest.
Parker freaking Stillwater.
Infamous bull rider.
The definition of danger in a pair of cowboy boots.
How dare he?
I swallow thickly before calming my voice. “Yeah. I know him.”Massive understatement I wish weren’t true. “And what if I decline?”
She arches a perfectly plucked brow. “I’ve never known you to decline a patient care.”
I shift in my seat. How do I explain that I would rather walk barefoot over hot coals than spend five minutes with this man?
“Hypothetically,” I urge.
“Well, hypothetically, I would lose a very big chance at opening this office to more high-profile patients. Namely, those in the rodeo world. Be a big deal for a town like this.”
My palms curl in. “So, hypothetically, you’d be disappointed?”
She holds my stare. “Hypothetically. Yes. But I would never force you, Laiken. You always have a choice.”
