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PROLOGUE
Patty
I swipe at my eyes, upset with myself that I am still crying this morning. My best friend, Skylar, and her five-year-old son, Crew, moved out of my apartment last month. I’ve been a complete mess ever since. I’m happy Skylar found her soulmate. She and Crew had been living with me since she was pregnant. I was there for her through her pregnancy and his birth. I had the gift of watching him grow day in and day out. Now they’ve moved in with Skylar’s boyfriend, Liam, and the apartment is too empty, too quiet. I am Crew’s aunty Patty. I’ve been there for him since day one. I never planned on having kids of my own. Crew, in a way, was my chance to watch a child grow.
Now I’m pulling into the arena for my first day on the job as a physical therapist for the Rangers with tear-stained cheeks and a runny nose. I use the edge of my hoodie to swipe at my eyes for the umpteenth time so I can see where I’m going. I park my car in the first available spot I see and glance in my rearview mirror. I inhale deeply and deflate.Get your shit together. You need to make a good first impression.My dad is the head coach for the Rangers. He’ll want to check up on me some time this morning. If he sees what a mess I am, he’s going to worry. It’s the last thing I need because although I love both my parents, they can be overbearing if they think something is wrong.
I grab my purse from the passenger seat and head inside. The team is at the height of the playoff season. Usually, they don’t bring in a new therapist at the end of the season, but Mike threw out his back and I just finished my final residency for my degree.
I walk into the arena knowing exactly where I’m headed. I keep my head ducked so no one can see my red face and walk directly into the therapy room. I’m an hour early so I can review all the players charts. I want to understand all their therapy needs and be on top of my game. I head over to the file cabinet. The head therapist, Jamie, isn’t in yet, but I came in last week for an orientation and he showed me where I could find files and workout equipment. I’m leaning over the file cabinet when I hear the creak of an opening door. A singsong whistle stings my ears.
“Well, hello there,” a deep sexy male voice says.
My eyes widen and I freeze.Who the hell is that and are they for real?
I straighten up and spin around, coming face-to-face with Evan Hayworth.
“Did you seriously just whistle at me?” I give him an incredulous look and then dab at my eyes. I hadn’t even realized I was still tearing.
His palm comes up to his chest and he stumbles back, losing his footing. He falls over Jamie’s desk. It’s covered in all kinds of papers, and everything gets mixed up. Evan quickly pushes off the desk and comes to his full height as he scrambles to straighten the papers on the desk, while I stand with my arms crossed in front of my chest. My right brow is cocked while I wait for an explanation.
“Shit, Patty.” He runs his fingers nervously through the chestnut strands of his hair. “I’m so sorry. Didn’t know it was you.”
I scoff, “You can’t be serious. Do you really whistle at women? Who does that?”
He backs up a few steps. “I didn’t mean it. Please accept my apology.” He’s still holding his palm to his heart. Then he pauses and his eyes narrow on me like he is really taking me in.
“Are you okay?”
I dab at my eyes once again.
“I’m fine.” I hold my chin high.
“You don’t seem fine,” he retorts.
“Even if I’m not fine, you’re the last person I would talk too,” I say. “You literally just whistled at my behind.”
His face scrunches. “Sorry about that. I’m having an off morning. I’m used to seeing Mike and Jamie in here. I walked in and saw a female with the behind of a goddess, and I lost my senses.”
Did he just compliment my ass again?I don’t know what to make of this guy. My parents have had him over for dinner and he’s good friends with Skylar’s boyfriend, but I don’t know anything about him. What I do know is I am his new physical therapist and I prefer to keep things professional.
“Look, Evan, I’m the new assistant physical therapist for the team. You talking about my. . . behind,” I say quickly then clear my throat. “Is completely inappropriate.”
“Shit.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I keep putting my foot in my mouth. I just wanted to compliment you. I didn’t mean to be inappropriate. I had a bad night and woke up feeling like shit. That’s why I’m here. Mike sometimes comes in early. I thought I’d be seeing him and then I was met with your fine . . .” He pauses, and his amber eyes turn wide. “Shit.” He squeezes his eyes shut. “Ima go. I clearly can’t think straight this morning.”
Something inside me softens. “It’s fine. I just pulled your file. I didn’t have a chance to review it. Do you want to tell me what kind of pain you’re having? I know there’s a game tomorrow, so we need to have you ready.”
“Thanks, Patty. I do appreciate it. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding,” he says politely.
We walk into the therapy room where there are treatment tables lined up, along with other equipment.
“Have a seat.” I motion to Evan to sit on one of the tables.
“What kind of pain are you having?” I ask again.
“Honestly, my entire body is sore. I had a bad night and kind of drank too much. I don’t usually drink that much but I . . .” He shakes his head. “Everything hurts.”
I don’t know what to make of this guy, but I’m here to make sure he feels good.
