Page 5 of Expiry Dating

“So ... are you gonna tell me why I never knew you were a physical therapist?”

She was sitting at her desk, staring at a computer screen, likely reading his notes. Or re-reading them. “Probably the same reason I didn’t know you were in need of physical therapy until today.”

He couldn’t do this. Not with her. As he reached for the door handle, he felt her head whip his way. “Don’t.” Just one word. Yet it was enough to make him think twice while she stood and closed the distance between them. When she got to him, she placed herself between him and the door.

“Look. I know we aren’t exactly besties, but right now none of that matters. While I’m in this clinic, I’m a PT and nothing else, not Ali, not the chick who threatened to kick you in the balls, just a PT. And I’m a good one, so why don’t you let me do my job? Let me help you.”

Let me help you. Why does that sting so much?

“As nice as it is to know that my balls are in the forefront of your mind, sweetness, you still haven’t answered my question. Why is it I didn’t know you were a PT—a PT at the VA Clinic at that?”

He watched her professional mask momentarily falter.

“In case you hadn’t noticed, Brady, we’re not exactly friends. There would be no reason for you to know what I did for a living. As for the VA Clinic, this job is fairly new.”

He knew they weren’t friends, so why did his stomach twist with that little reality check?

“How new?”

“Today is my first day. Now, are you gonna let me do my job?”

“No.” He reached around her to grasp the handle again, thinking she would take the hint and move. She didn’t. Why was he not surprised? Instead, she moved toward him, essentially making herself a human barricade.

“Sweetness,” he warned.

“Why are you doing this? Is it because you don’t like me—is that it? Because I’m a professional, Brady; I can put aside our differences when I’m in this room.”

Having her this close was not wise, let alone having her touch him. Why does she smell like chocolate?

“I think the real question here, darlin’, is why are you so determined to be my PT?”

Something changed, her shoulders slumped and her features softened.

“I can’t ... it’s my first day. I have a probationary period. If a client on my first day wants to be transferred—how is that gonna look?”

It was hard not to notice the silent pleading glistening in those sapphire eyes. Seeing this side of her was new. Vulnerable. She’d never once dropped her guard in his presence. It almost made him want to stay. Endure the humiliation, so he could see more of her like this. Just Ali.

Yeah, and let her see who you really are, who you’ve been hiding? A weak and broken loser. Then what will she think of you?

Then her hand went to his chest again. An innocent touch that shouldn’t heat his blood or make him feel like his heart might pound right out of his chest. “Please, Brady.”

Fuck.

Only ten minutes into his session and Brady was already regretting his decision to stay.

“And hold it there.”

He saw the sadness in her eyes again as she added more pressure to his leg.

He should have avoided eye contact. He should have plucked her delicate fingers off his shirt and never looked back, because then he wouldn’t be here right now. In the seventh circle of hell. No, he’d be enjoying his lunchtime dose of caffeine. Instead, he was here with Alice Hart, allowing her to torture him. If he didn’t die from these damn exercises, then he’d burn from the heat engulfing his whole body every time she touched him.

“What’s that face for? Am I hurting you?” Alice’s voice cut through his chain of thought.

Yes. “No, I’m fine. Are we done yet?”

“Seriously, Brady, I need to know your limits. If I’m going to be able to help you, you need to tell me what you’re feeling.”

He couldn’t take it anymore. The pain radiating from his knee, the look of pity on her face, her soft hands on his body. It was all too much.

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