Page 8 of Face Off
Shit.
What are you saying, Hayley? You’re literally wondering what that feels like in a professional environment.Shaking the thoughts from my mind, I write down measurements and notes on how his injury has improved. If he’s in any pain at all, he doesn’t show it. Not flinching or wincing in pain once.
“So, what’s the damage, Doc?” Brooks says, jumping off the exam table and following me over to my desk.
I could clear him. Give him exactly what he wants, but someone as cocky as he should earn it. I know I’m being childish, but who says I can’t have a little fun torturing him a little while longer.
I release a long sigh, positioning my elbows on my desk. “Well, for starters, your injury seems to be healing well.”
“So, you’ll clear me?”
Interrupting me? Rude much.
“If you’d let me finish. It’s healing well. However, I still feel it needs some more rehabilitation.” He releases an inward groan, cutting me off again. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll clear you for participation in the youth hockey camp. Seems like it’s not too strenuous.”
“What about training camp?” he rushes out.
“I won’t clear you officially for training camp until you work with one of the team trainers for a minimum of two weeks,” I say, leaning back in my chair to watch his reaction.
“Training camp’s in two weeks,” he huffs, standing from his chair.
I inwardly smile at how much I’ve gotten under his skin. Point Hayley. “Well then, I suggest you set up an appointment with Cassidy for a trainer when you leave here today.”
He looks like he wants to say something more when my office door suddenly opens. In the doorway, my father stands with a wide smile on his face, Camden in tow shortly behind him.
“There’s my girl,” he bellows as they enter the room.
I smile as I gesture for Brooks to leave. “I’ll see you in two weeks for a follow-up, Brooks. Enjoy youth camp today though.”
He nods in frustration before walking toward the door. “Mr. Richards. Good to see you.”
“You too, Mr. Miller.” He nods back in approval. “Hayley, give you clearance for our upcoming season? I need my star player out on the ice in tiptop shape.”
He smirks as he holds the door open. “Not yet, but she will.” He winks at me before pulling the door closed behind him.
Ass.
God, he makes me fume with his cocky smirk. Muscular arms and who knows what other body parts he has that are just waiting to be licked.
Shit. Stop fantasizing, Hayley. Think about Tucker and professionalism.
I recenter myself as Cam plops himself in the chair directly in front of my desk. The same chair Brooks was justsitting in. Gosh. Stop it. He’s playing a game on his tablet as my dad looks like he’s about to lecture me.
“Clear the boy, Hayley. He’s an asset to the team,” he scolds as he types something into his phone.
“Mr. Richards. All due respect. I’m the medical professional here,” I say, rolling my eyes. “But off the record, Dad. He’ll be cleared in time. He just has to prove to me he takes injuries and recovery seriously.”
He eyes me for a moment, waiting to hear what more I have to say.
“His reports from his physical therapist say he showed to only half his appointments. So, with that said… he’ll just have to attend weekly training sessions with a trainer for two weeks straight to monitor him, then I’ll clear him.”
He nods in approval before signaling for Cam to get ready for practice. He reaches the door, holding it open for Cam before turning back to say something to me. “Just make sure he’s cleared please. Oh, and Hayley, whatever game you two are playing. End it. I don’t need you distracting my star player.”
He shuts the door, leaving me speechless. I’m not sure what he saw that told him something was going on, but I can assure you that Brooks Miller and I have nothing between us. Yes, he’s attractive—so extremely attractive, but he’s cocky and reminds me too much of Boyce. Plus, I have Tucker, so why would I ever think of anything with Brooks?
The rest of my day is filled with physicals, consultations, and paperwork. Lots of paperwork. Dr. Monroe was a shitty recordkeeper and if it weren’t for Cassidy scanning what he did keep on file into the system, I’d be fucked. I was able to make it to the rink during my lunch break to watch Camden in action. Of course, I couldn’t help but notice Brooks as he skated down theice with a puck. Controlling it in such a manner before taking a shot on goal. He’s fast, and I can’t help but notice how extremely hot he looks out there.
He’s amazing with the kids too. The way he coaches them through drills. Encourages them when they feel like they’ve failed.
