Page 17 of I'm Watching You

He let out a long breath. ‘Damn. Harold Turner. His wife came through here two months ago with a sprained arm and bruised ribs.’

‘I know. She cornered me at a charity party two weeks ago and told me about her marriage. I offered her a bed at Sanctuary but she refused.’

Sam shook his head. ‘Sanctuary is a big step down from a mansion on River Road.’

‘Yeah.’I can handle Harold. Jordan’s words replayed in Lindsay’s head. ‘I can’t imagine her sleeping in a bunk bed or sharing kitchen duties.’

‘I’d say your morning ranks high on the stress meter.’

‘You’ve no idea.’

Sam laid his hand on her shoulder. ‘You look like hell.’

Lindsay couldn’t help but smile as she leaned into him. ‘You know how to make a girl feel good.’

He grinned. ‘It’s a talent.’

She rubbed the back of her neck.

Sam studied her closely. ‘What gives with your neck?’

‘I fell asleep on my couch last night. I must have slept crooked.’

Sam captured her elbow in his hand. ‘Exam room three is open.’

‘I don’t need to be checked out. And I need to see that woman you called me about.’

‘You’ve got a minute or two to spare.’

Aware Jennifer hadn’t missed a second of their exchange, she hesitated. ‘Sam, we are quickly becoming grist for the rumor mill.’

He didn’t look worried. ‘Since when do you care what people think?’

She glanced at the nurses. Their eyes gleamed with laughter. ‘Let’s just say I’ve been gossiped about enough in my life. I don’t like it.’

‘It’s harmless.’ He pushed her toward the exam room and nodded toward the table. ‘Sit.’

She stood stock straight. ‘I just need to talk to that woman and get back to the office. I’ve got cops crawling all over the shelter.’

‘For a moment, take the advice you give your yoga students and the women you counsel. Sit. Take a deep breath.’

He was right. She’d been running on adrenaline since she’d been startled awake. She climbed up on the table as he closed the curtains behind them.

He moved behind her and began to massage the muscles around her neck. ‘My God, you’re tense. It’s a wonder you haven’t collapsed yet. Your schedule is more insane than an intern’s.’

‘I’m fine.’ His gentle touch soothed but didn’t excite, like Zack’s, which was a good thing. Excitement was overrated.

‘So you’re the doctor now?’

‘I know my own body.’ She took several deep breaths.

His fingers worked up the back of her neck. God, it felt good. She closed her eyes. She could let her defenses down, if only for just a moment. ‘I’m so tired of holding it together all the time.’

‘You want to talk about it?’ He leaned a little closer. His breath felt warm on her cheek. ‘I’ve been told I’m easy to talk to.’

‘Maybe another time.’

Sam’s fingers stilled and she feared this would turn into a tug-of-war. When she’d first met Zack, he hadn’t been content until he’d known everything about her present and past. To her surprise, Sam leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the side of her neck. ‘Have dinner with me tonight.’

---