Page 52 of Pucking Obsessed

Is it possible for someone to truly be as good as Cody seems without wanting something from you?

Can I trust him?

Let my guard down, finally?

Is this real?

Yet Cody chose me — and not my twin — to be his friend. That’s never happened before.

I relax. “Try them.”

Cody grins; his cheeks dimple. “Oh, I will. But these treasures deserve jam and clotted cream.”

I nod.

“Take a seat. Why don’t we be rebels and have our reward, before we do your exercises? Aren’t I the best physical therapist?” Cody waggles his eyebrows.

“Despite your t-shirt, definitely.”

Cody is Director of Physical Therapy at the Bay Rebels but he’s also agreed to help me one-to-one, so that I don’t need to work with a stranger. He’s put in a personal plan to work on my injuries. He’s demanding but that’s good.

The consultants haven’t sugar-coated how serious my injuries are. But no matter how hard I need to work, I’m going to recover.

I won’t give up.

Cody laughs. “Mike doesn’t appreciate my skills. Well, when I’m practicing on him. I love that this in-joke freaks out the players.”

I stroll across the kitchen and settle on the window seat.

It’s comfortable, warm, and peaceful in Tide Cottage.

I understand why Robyn likes escaping here sometimes. Especially, on Shay’s hyper days.

Cody happily hums along to “Fame,” swinging his hips and dancing around the kitchen as he pulls out knives, pots of jam, and cream onto a tray.

I glance out of the window.

The beach is remote with sea stacks that rise from the swelling waves.

The moon is almost full. Its light ripples across the silver water.

When there’s a clattering noise that makes me wince, I glance back at Cody.

“Whoops.” Cody steadies the large plate, before putting the scones out on it.

The plate is splattered as if with a violent bloodstain, along with the words:KEEP CALM, I’M A DOCTOR.

It must be Doctor Michael Gaines, Cody’s husband’s, plate.

Michael has a serious streak of dry, dark humor.

Typical doctor.

Cody’s a wild spirit, and Michael is the stern but calm influence on him.

Michael is the type of man I hope to become in another twenty years.

Cody carries the tray over to me. He sits down on the window seat as well.

---