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Nothing is official yet—he’s getting another MRI and X-ray right now—but he’s expected to be able to lose the sling and start his rehabilitation today.
The Kingsmen squeaked out a win against Los Angeles last week, but part of that win is attributed to Lee sitting on the sidelines, offering Hayes words of wisdom during the game. As expected, the higher-ups are all eager for Lee to return as soon as possible.
Once Dr. Carlisle dismisses us, I head to the practice field along with some of my colleagues.
I’m about two hours into my day when Randy tells me that Dr. Carlisle needs me in the rehab room. My forehead wrinkles, but I thank him and head that way. When I enter the room, there are a couple of players who sustained some minor injuries during yesterday’s game working with some trainers, and Dr. Carlisle and Lee stand at the far end.
My stomach churns as I make my way across the large room. Did Dr. Carlisle somehow find out that Lee and I kissed? Did Lee tell him about our past for some reason? A million ideas run through my head while I slowly approach with a wide smile.
“You wanted to see me, Dr. Carlisle?” I purposely don’t make eye contact with Lee.
My boss’s mouth is tight and his face is drawn. “We have something to discuss.”
I barely swallow, my mouth is so dry from nerves. “Okay…”
“Lee’s results show a marked improvement in both the AC joint and the tear. He’ll need another follow-up run of tests a week from now, but we’ve cleared him to remove the sling and do some light work this week to regain mobility and rebuild some strength.”
I glance at Lee, who’s watching me intently. I still don’t understand why I was dragged in here. “That’s great news.”
“I’d made arrangements for Lee to work with one of the other trainers, but he insistedyouhelp him with his rehab.” The way he says it makes it clear what he thinks of the idea.
My eyes go wide. Why? Why would Lee do this? Is he trying to make people suspicious of us?
“Yes, that was my reaction too, but he wouldn’t back down.” He looks at Lee a little derisively, but Lee ignores him.
“I’ve seen you working with some of the other players and you seem like you know what you’re doing. Elijah always speaks very highly of you.” Lee has got to be kidding me.
“You’re certain about this?” Dr. Carlisle asks in a tight voice.
Lee’s voice is steel. “I already told you—I’m confident Shayna will be able to get me back in top condition. Right, Shayna?” He looks at me.
“Yeah, of course, absolutely.” I awkwardly stumble over my words.
Dr. Carlisle sighs. “Fine. Get started today. I’ve gone ahead and put the rehab plan in the computer. You can find it there.” He walks away, clearly annoyed things aren’t going the way he wanted them to.
I wait for him to leave, and once he’s gone, I whip around to face Lee. “What the hell are you doing?” I whisper.
He shrugs with his good shoulder. “I want the best of the best helping me. There’s nothing more to it.”
I narrow my eyes. “I haven’t been with the team long enough for you to know whether I’m the best of the best.”
He takes a small step forward, leaning down toward me. “But I’ve known you long enough to know that you put one hundred percent into everything you do and that nothing short of success will be good enough for you.”
I have no answer to his compliments, so I don’t address them. “This better not be some ploy to—”
“Relax, Shayna. You made it clear you regret what happened, and even if you didn’t, I realize it’s not an idea we can entertain. I simply want to get back on the field to help get this team to the playoffs.” He holds my gaze and appears sincere enough, so I agree.
“Fine. Let me go look up what Dr. Carlisle has set for the treatment plan and we’ll get started.”
“Can’t wait.”
His grin reminds me of the boy from college, but I shake that thought loose. There’s definitely no room for us to entertain those feelings now.
“Why don’t you go get changed and I’ll meet you back here? Be prepared to work.”
“You’re the boss.”
I can’t help but watch him leave the room, hoping no one notices the longing in my eyes.
