Page 20 of Opening Strain

“Outside the band and Jenna, no.” I’m sure the doctor doesn’t even remember Jenna’s name.

“Didn’t you have a big movie opening recently?”

Damn. I’m not getting a good feeling. Better flirt and try to rile her up rather than use logic. I lean my arm against the table and drop my voice to a sultry tenor. “We did. Too bad I didn’t know you then, or you could’ve been my plus one.” If nothing else, she would’ve looked hot on my arm.

“I like the sound of that.” She giggles and pushes her tits toward me. “Untamed Coaster’s music is amazing.”

I let my gaze drop down to appreciate her assets. Seen better, seen worse. “Appreciate it.” Where is King? He should be back by now.

Our server approaches, causing Michelle to jump to the side. While he’s clearing the table, King finally reappears. I address the woman ogling me. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Michelle. Maybe I’ll see you around town while I’m here.” Please don’t rat me out to the media.

“I’d like it.” Her hand drops to my forearm. “How long are you in town?”

I school my features to appear disappointed. “Only a couple of weeks.”

“Could be enough time for what I have in mind.”

Not with my injury.

King steps into our conversation. “Michelle, he’s here to lay low and concentrate on rehab. I’m sure he’ll get in touch once he’s in better shape.”

I nod. “Give me your phone number and I’ll give you a call.”

I pass her my phone and she types. “I’m under Michelle in Aroostook.”

Retrieving my phone, I smile. “Thanks.”

She walks away, and I allow myself to admire her ass for a moment. My gaze returns to King. “No way was I giving her my digits.”

King chuckles. “Smart man.”

Our server comes back and drops off the tab, which I insist on paying. After I sign the credit card slip, I note, “Your Michelle was a bit pushy.”

“First of all, she’snot‘my’ anything. Second, from where I sat, she seemed pretty interested in you and your situation.” King takes a deep breath. “Third, but most important, please don’t tell Angie I was talking with her.”

“It’s like that, is it?”

“She’s nice enough, but Angie has a definite opinion about her.” He chuckles. “I, for one, don’t want to cross my wife.”

“Your secret’s safe with me.” I stretch my leg, ignoring the ripple of pain. “I better get back to the house and ice this again.”

When we’re outside, I sag against the wall, getting my breathing back under control. Hard to believe such an easy task causes me to pant now. Sucks.

King waits next to me. “My advice, man? Steer clear of all women, especially Michelle, and focus on your rehab.”

“Without a doubt.”

Chapter Seven

The next morning I report to At Your Service PT at eight on the dot, my head full of steam. I’m ready to get to work and put this injury behind me. Jenna better fix me. Fast.

No one is in the waiting area, so I enter the main physical therapy room. Machines, equipment, weights, exam tables, and much more await. No stranger to hard work in the gym, a small thrill ripples at the prospect of working on new muscle groups.

Jenna walks out of a corner office carrying a clipboard. Unlike at the movie premiere, she’s wearing a pair of dark navy scrubs. Her hair’s pulled back into another ponytail.

“Glad to see you’re punctual.” Bet she wasn’t used to that with Darren, who always ran at least fifteen minutes late. On a good day.

I mumble, “It’s one of my talents.”

---