Page 86 of Opening Strain

“Yeah, even Jenna hinted I’ll be ready. I’m not going to lie; I won’t be able to perform the same way. No running around the stage. Absolutely no quick turns. I’m sure if I take it slow at first, it’ll be fine. Thanks for working with PR to keep this a secret. I don’t need my rehab publicized by the media.” Even if Jenna thinks I should come clean to the public, it’s one headache I don’t want.

“You’ve made it easy, B. Have to admit, playing like you’re interested in Aroostook real estate was genius.”

I glance around the enormous primary suite, then steal a look at the ocean view. This place calls to me, and not simply as a refuge from the paparazzi. “It might not be a lie.”

“What? Has the rolling stone decided to gather moss somewhere?” He chuckles. “Say it isn’t so.”

“I didn’t start out looking for a place, for sure. But this property is really nice. And it’s secluded. None of the vultures can get to me here.”

“Welcome to the next level, B.”

“Guess it happens to the best of us, Luke.”

“I can’t wait to see this magical place.” I hear rustling of papers. “I do want to remind you, though, about your follow-up doctor’s appointment tomorrow. Should I schedule another helicopter?”

I consider the trip for a second. I’d like company on the ride. “I’msure the doc will agree with Jenna’s assessment and clear me to perform. I’d like for her to be there.”

He clears his throat. “So, how are things going between you two? Should I prepare the band to see her again?”

Damn if I don’t want to wrap her up and keep her in my pocket all the time. I smirk, thinking of all the rehab she could do from my pocket. My morning wood agrees.

“Jenna and I have a professional relationship.” No way am I throwing her under the bus. Besides, after last night, I’m not positive where we stand. “She’s damn good at what she does.” In and out of PT.

Luke exhales. “Good. I couldn’t imagine how that conversation would go down. Especially with 007.”

Darren’s best friend. Another reason not to have friends. They die. Abandon you like everyone else.

As my silence lingers, Luke repeats, “Are you sure there’s nothing going on between you two?”

I don’t want to lie, but the truth is I don’t know what’s going on with Jenna. “She’s my physical therapist, nothing more.”

A noise from the doorway makes me turn my head, and she stands at the threshold, holding a tray laden with breakfast. Shit. Did she hear me?

“Text me the details for tomorrow, all right?” I rush UC’s manager off the phone. “That was Luke,” I explain to the woman approaching the bed with goodies, grey eyes staring down at the tray. I’d offer to help her, but I’m naked under the covers. Instead, I rearrange the blanket over my lower half.

“I bet he’s worried about you.” With jerky movements, she lowers the tray onto the bed. Several feet away, she remains standing.

“He wants to be sure I’ll be ready to perform. I told him you think I’ll be ready to take the stage.” I drizzle syrup on the waffles I swear Jenna made with her own two hands. “I’d like for you to come with me to the doctor’s tomorrow.” My breath fills my lungs and stops. Everything stops.

“Oh, I think I’d be in the way.” She takes a step back. “I’m only your physical therapist, after all.”

I lean forward and grab her wrist. “Jenna.”

Her eyes remain trained on the hardwood floor.

Dropping her wrist, I tip her chin upward. “I hope you know you mean much more to me than only physical therapy. I was only trying to throw UC’s manager off our scent.”

Her eyes close. “Offmyscent?”

I drop my arm. “He was sniffing around, trying to find out what’s going on between us.” I whinge. “Hell if I know.”

Through pink-stained cheeks, she replies, “Last night was a mistake. There, there can be nothing—you’re my patient.” Her shoulders square. “I’m the administrator of two physical therapy clinics. As a matter of fact, I asked Austin to come in and help with your PT today.”

Ouch. I try not to flinch. “Austin,” drops out of my mouth.

“Yes. He’s a good therapist.”

“Why?”

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