Page 33 of Opening Strain

I gaze at the chick sitting across from me but can’t muster any passion for her. I need to let her down with care, so she doesn’t blab to the world about my whereabouts and why I’m here.

“I had a great time with you, Michelle. I wish this evening could continue, but I’m under strict doctor’s orders to remain celibate until my injury is healed. I hope you understand.”

Her plump lips purse. “Jenna imposed a no-sex rule on you? Seriously?”

I shake my head. “The order came from my doctor in New York City.” Not a lie.

“Well,” she coos. “There are plenty of other activities we could enjoy without going all the way. I could lick your six-pack.” Her eyes skim down my torso. “You could lick my...” She cups her tits.

“As enticing as your offer is, Michelle, I think I’m going to have to pass tonight.” I reach into my wallet and leave a wad of cash on the table. Standing, I walk to her chair and pull it back. “Who knows? Perhaps another time?”

She scrambles to her feet. “Watch and drool.”

Hips swaying, she walks out of the restaurant. Not a drop of saliva enters my mouth. Under my breath, I mutter. “Or not.”

Chapter Eleven

My eyes spring open, greeting a day drenched in sunshine, if not heat. At least the blue skies amp up my mood. With tentative movements, I push the sheet down my body and move my legs. The pain is still there, but less pronounced.

Once my morning rituals are complete, I slide a pair of shorts up my legs and then cover them with navy blue sweats. I’ll fit right in as I’ve noticed guys at the clinic working out in shorts. I toss on an Ozzy Martinez T-shirt and sweatshirt.

The walk to the clinic takes me only three-quarters of the time today. I bet I’ll get it down to under half before I leave. Standing outside the back entrance, I call Jenna.

“Hi, Bennett. Five minutes?”

The sound of her voice causes a thrill to zip through my body. I quash that shit. “Nah. I forgot to text you, and I’m downstairs now.”

“Okay. I’ll be down right away.” She disconnects our call.

Why am I even thinking about Darren’s girl like this? If he were here, he’d whack me upside the head and tell me to get my own chick,before kissing the fuck out of her. The visual is strong when Jenna opens the door for me. I raise my hand. “Thanks.”

When we’re inside the elevator, she pulls a hair tie off her wrist and gathers her lush blonde hair together into a ponytail. Damn. I much prefer her hair down.

“Why do you always wear it in a ponytail?” The question’s out of my mouth before I realize I’ve said it aloud.

“Because it gets in the way when I’m working.” She does a ninja maneuver andvoilà, she sports a ponytail.

Once inside, I take off my sweatshirt and shoes. Jenna sucks in her breath when my hands go to my waistband, causing me to glance up. “I figured shorts might make this easier.”

“Oh, right.” She plays with her ponytail. “Very smart.”

I force myself not to smirk as I slide my sweats down my hips. “What should I do first?”

She nods. “Go ahead and do the exercises from yesterday, only add another ten seconds to each hold and do another round. When you get on the mat, I want to add something to that one.”

I nod and begin the exercises. They’re not as hard as the first day, even when I add in the additional time and reps. My thigh’s still complaining, perhaps not as loudly. I walk over to the mat.

“You did very well with those. How’s the pull feeling?”

“Around a four.”

She folds the towel and places it on the floor. “Great. You’re moving along nicely.” Jenna positions me on the mat and I put my foot onto the towel. “Now this time, after you slide out to the side, I want you to end with a squat.” She demonstrates.

Piece. Of. Cake.“I’ve done a million squats at the gym,” I boast.

“Then you should have no issue adding them to this exercise.”

I got this. My foot slides out to the side, I do a textbook squat, stand up. “Holy Hell!” My hand grabs around my thigh where the muscle throbs.

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