Page 13 of Rushing Into Love

“Yes, I’m here visiting my sister and niece. I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying,” I rambled, shifting from foot to foot, due in part to the knee, but also the nerves.Oversharing, I warned myself.

“Oh, that’s cool,” Ryder said, nodding. “Alex is a neat kid. She’s gonna be a superstar this season.” He grinned, his white teeth gleaming.

“Yeah, she’s really excited to be on the team. It’s great that she’s playing football. Can’t wait for the first game!” I said, adding a corny hurrah with my arm. Inside, I did a mental eye roll.Why was I suddenly so awkward?

“Should be fun. And if you need anything in the meantime, let me know. You know where to find me,” he winked.

“Great, thanks. I’ll just get my stuff.” I leaned down, grabbing my purse and stuffing his card into the side pocket. “Ok, thanks again.” I gave a little wave and headed for the door.

“Bree?” Ryder called out.

I looked over my shoulder; Ryder was striding toward me.

I paused in the doorway. “Yes?”

“You forgot your handout.” He was at my side, handing the paper to me. My cheeks burned; I tried not to seem disappointed.

“Oh. Thanks.” I took the paper, shoved it into my purse.

“See ya.” Ryder waved, then turned and went back into the clinic. I pivoted and noticed the receptionist glaring down the hallway at me, smacking away on a gob of gum.

“You forgot to sign in,” she said in an annoyed tone, motioning to a clipboard sitting on the counter.

“Oh, sorry.” I hobbled down the hall, grabbed a pen, and scribbled my name, number, and insurance info. I wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. I wondered how long the receptionist had been staring at us.

I handed the clipboard back.

“Thanks,” she said in a tone that implied otherwise, not even bothering to make direct eye contact. She turned back to the computer; clearly, I was dismissed.

“Bye, now,” I called out in a too-cheery tone, giving her a too-doo-loo wave, even though she probably didn’t see it. I guess she had a crush on Ryder, too, like the rest of the women in Peachtree Grove.

I limped out to my car, sighing as I got into the driver’s seat.Why was I so disappointed? What had I been hoping would happen? I’m sure the guy had a girlfriend—or three—anyway. I mean, look at him, he’s gorgeous!

And I didn’t need a long-distance relationship. I was only here temporarily, just long enough to let the Pax issue blow over. Then I could go back to LA and focus on my career.

All of these thoughts raced through my mind as I drove across town, back towards Brooklyn’s. Besides, I wasn’t even 100% sure Pax knew we’d broken up.

But after meeting Ryder, I was a thousand percent sure Pax and I were done.

Because there was absolutely no way I could go back to Pax after meeting Ryder McCauliffe.

4

Ryder

“Who was that?” Patrick, another PT and my best work friend, asked with a smirk. He’d sidled over to my desk and was reading over my shoulder.

“Huh? Who?” I looked up from my laptop, playing dumb.

“The hottie you just worked on, who didn’t even have an appointment,” he said in a loud whisper.

“Oh.” I nodded. “Her. Name’s Bree, she’s the aunt of one of my football players. Got tackled yesterday at practice.” I shook my head at the recollection.

“Tough break,” Patrick said, eyebrows raised. “She single?”

“No idea,” I answered. “What’s it to ya?” I tipped my chin at him, staring pointedly at his wedding band.

“Just curious.” He shrugged, then did a 180 to greet his next patient. “Mrs. Cline, how’s that elbow doing?”

---