Page 62 of Cajuns. Love. Curves.

“No you didn’t.”

“You’re right.” I sigh. “You’re perfectly delightful either way. And I’m happy for you that you’re married to that ridiculously hot man who obviously adores the ground you walk on and sexes you up on a regular basis.”

I can say this only because Callie is, in fact, a wonderful person and truly deserves a hot guy giving her all the orgasms.

She laughs. “You don’t sound happy at all.”

I roll my eyes. “Whatever. This is totally my happy face.” I manipulate her body into the right position.

“Now for the good stuff.”

“You worked hard today, you earned it,” I say. Then I begin to use my training to press into pressure points that will relieve the most tension and pain for her. All of Callie’s injuries stem from a car accident she was in as a child. “I still think you should ask your doctor about removing some of the scar tissue. I think it would alleviate a lot of the stiffness you struggle with.” Because scar tissue is a bitch.

“Have you heard who’s back in town?” she asks as I dig the ball of my hand into her muscle.

“Hmmm.” I make a non-committal noise, hoping she’ll drop it.

She doesn’t.

“Wade Guidry.”

“Is that so.”

I phrase it like a question, but inject a serious note of drop-it-if-you-know-what’s-good-for-you into my tone. Because she’s a smart woman who should be able to pick up on social cues.

“Yep. He came into the library the other day. Apparently, he’s retired.” She pauses, leaving me enough time to chime in. When I don’t, she continues. “From the SEALs. Medical discharge. Meaning he’s back. For good. Moved into that little house in back of his parents’ property. You know the one, right?”

I do know the one. The Guidry’s had it built for Emmy’s mother and she lived there until she passed four years ago. When they built it, they hired me to consult to make sure it was ADA compliant, so that she’d be comfortable. So I’m very familiar with the house. It’s small and charming and comfortable.

But I make another noncommittal noise, hoping she will just drop it. Callie is a smart woman. She should know me well enough by now to know that this topic is out of bounds.

Apparently, she isn’t as smart as I think she is. Or she doesn’t know me well enough to take a hint.

“He’s the one right?” she asks, drawing out the question like she trying to tease a response from me.

Or maybe she’s just in the mood to piss me off. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I give her leg a pat and step back. “And we’re done here.”

She sits up, groaning a little as her muscles shift and tighten. “Don’t play dumb. The one—”

“Jade can get you checked out up front. I’ll see you again next week. And this time try to actually do your at home exercises.”

She stands, giving me the side eye. “You’re really going to try to dodge the question, huh?”

I force a smile of benign ignorance. “I didn’t ignore the question. You asked if I remembered the house. And I said I did. Excellent use of adaptive elements. Nice view of the stream, too.”

Callie’s lips quirk to the side. “And no comment on Wade Guidry coming home after all these years?”

“I have no idea why I would comment on that.”

“Mmm hmmm.” Callie’s half smile blooms into a full on smirk, which makes me wish I’d made her do another ten reps with the rubber bands.

She would have had it coming.

My own tight-lipped smile gets tighter and more feral.

I plant a hand on her shoulder and try to steer her towards the reception area, without actually shoving her toward it. Because, shoving patients is frowned upon.

“Mmkay. See you later.” Suddenly, I’m rambling. Because, she walks slowly, but if I’m talking then that means she’s not asking more probing questions. “Do those exercises. Text me if you need more exercises. Jade can get you some bands to bring home if you want them. And get plenty of vitamin D.”

---