Page 19 of Opening Strain

She trails a manicured fingernail up his arm. His lips purse. “Even in the off-season, you’re still moving and shaking.”

“Angie and I like to keep things interesting.”

She fluffs her hair, tucking it behind her ear. Next, her fingers play with a large hoop earring. “I bet you do.”

King’s gaze meets mine and speaks a silent question. I shrug. “In fact, this is our newest client. He just rented the bungalow a few doors down.”

Michelle turns her attention to me. If I were in the market for a hot chick to while away the hours, she would be a good candidate. Right now, though, I’m not feeling her. Mostly I’m feeling my freaking groin pull, and don’t want to do anything to delay my progress.

“I swear, do you only associate with beautiful people or what, King?”

“I do my best.”

His tone and demeanor suggest he’s ready for her to move on. Given my situation, I am too. Before I can open my mouth, she stares at me, tapping her finger on her lips. “You look familiar.”

Crap. At least King didn’t introduce me—I don’t want to deal with her attention, or potential paparazzi. “I’m only in town to get some physical therapy.” My statement should make her leave us alone.

“Really? I work for the number one doctor here in Aroostook. Who sent you here?” King long-forgotten, I’ve now captured her imagination.

“A doc from New York City. He didn’t recommend the therapist, and we already knew her.”

Michelle moves to my other side. “Interesting. I can give you the scoop on everyone here. Who’s the therapist?”

What harm can this do? Maybe I’ll learn a little more dirt about Darren’s girlfriend, so I know what I’m walking into tomorrow. “Jenna Westfield.”

Michelle’s nose scrunches as if she smelled a rancid lemon. “You can do much better than her, handsome. What about?—”

On second thought, I don’t let her finish her recommendation. “I’m afraid this is a done deal. Contract signed and everything.” Was there a contract? I consider this question for a moment and decide I don’t care. “I start tomorrow.”

“There’s still time to change your mind.” She flips her long, brown hair. “Right, King?”

“I think Bennett here has everything well in hand.”

Michelle rises on the balls of her feet. “Bennett? Unusual name. Not Ben or En?”

God no. I shake my head, ready for the inquisitive—although sexy—woman to disappear. Across from me, King stands. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

The able-bodied guy strides toward the bathrooms in the back of the restaurant. He looks as if he never even had a hangnail. I hit the top of my thigh, causing a ripple effect throughout my leg. Fuck.

Go for deflection. “I take it you’re not a fan of Jenna’s?”

Michelle rolls her eyes. “You could say that,Bennett.” I ignore how she stresses my name. “I’ve known her forever. She’s sort of a,” she pauses. “A holier-than-thou type of person.”

I consider her assessment and find it lacking. “She’s always seemed down-to-earth to me.” Darren never could’ve been with someone with a chip on her shoulder.

“She can play nice if the situation calls for it.” Michelle leans in. “But don’t be fooled. The woman’s a snake.”

Smart. Skilled. Sweet. Not any of the s-words Michelle used to describe her. I lean back in my chair.

“So,Bennett, enough about your therapist. You look familiar. Tell me where I know you from—do you party in the Hamptons often?”

Michelle’s question takes me to summer parties on this glitzy East Coast. “I have been to some events out here. Maybe that’s where you saw me.” Please don’t dig.

Fingering her earring again, she says, “Maybe.” After a moment, she points at me. Her voice raises, “You’re Bennett Hardy of Untamed Coaster fame. Iknewyou looked familiar.”

“Shh,” I hush her. “Please keep your voice down. I really am in town for rehab and need to lay low.”

In a sultry move, Michelle checks me out. “No one knows you’re here?”

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