“I have a great therapist.” He glanced from the doctor to Hannah. “I take it you two know each other?”
She hesitated for a moment. “We do.”
“What Hannah’s trying hard not to say is we used to date. She politely backed off when I…well, never mind. Rotate your arm slowly. Excellent.”
Hannah stayed quiet until Lewis finished his exam and turned to face her. When she was forced to speak, she kept it professional. “Any specific recommendations for therapy at this point?”
“What you’re doing seems to be working very well. You might want to focus more on strengthening exercises from here on out. I’ll write a script for insurance purposes.” He glanced back at his patient. “As long as it doesn’t involve heavy lifting, I’d say you’ll be ready to resume routine activity in a couple of weeks. Make sure you keep up the therapy after that, though, to continue progressing toward a full recovery. Unless you have unexpected pain, I don’t see a reason for another checkup.”
“Two more weeks?” Tripp glanced up from buttoning his shirt and frowned. “Damn, I’d hoped—”
“You’ve had a remarkably quick rehabilitation. You should be pleased. In another week, you can safely start using your shoulder more normally…without overstressing it to the point of aggravation. In other words, no skiing off cliffs just yet.”
Tripp rolled his eyes when the doctor turned away.
Hannah suppressed a grin then searched for something neutral to say when Lewis hovered in the open doorway. “I ran into Monica a while back, actually the day of the avalanche.”
“She contacted me.” He blew out a breath. “The nightmare that never ends.”
“Oh? What happened?”
“Nothing new. Just the usual push for more alimony as a side attraction while she’s in town making someone else’s life miserable over a new development project. I think I settled the matter once and for all.” He pressed his lips tight then stepped out into the hallway. “See you around, Hannah.”
“Bye, Lewis.” When he shut the door behind him with a thud, she let out a breath.
“What did you do to the poor bastard?” Tripp slipped down from the table. “The doc looked miserable.”
“Lewis always wears that hangdog expression, and I didn’t do anything to him. Can we discuss this after you check out at the front counter—or, better yet, not discuss it at all?”
“Not an option. Your affair with the good doctor sounds way too juicy to let go that easily, but I can put my curiosity on hold for a few minutes.” He flashed that killer grin of his. “If you insist.”
She scowled. “Believe me, our brief relationship was not the stuff hospital soap operas are made of.”
The smile remained. “Why am I not surprised?”
Five minutes later, Tripp pulled out of the parking lot and turned toward home. “Okay, let’s hear all about you and the doc. Isn’t he a little—make that a lot—old for you? The guy has to be well past forty.”
“He looks older than he is, which is fifteen years older than me. I’d known Lewis for quite a while in a strictly professional capacity. The man is smart and dedicated to his career, and he was looking for a stable relationship. When he asked me out, I accepted.”
Tripp glanced away from the road. “Smart, dedicated, stable…sounds boring.”
She sighed. “Everyone’s life isn’t as exciting as yours. Most people I know don’t want the kind of excitement you live for. There’s something to be said for comfortable.”
“Another boring word.”
She gritted her teeth. “This is why I’m not going to date you no matter how many times you ask.”
“Hey, you have to admit that kiss last night was pretty damn spectacular. Nothing boring about it. I’m dead certain I wasn’t the only one feeling the heat.”
She’d felt it, all right. Sparks lighting her up from her head to her toes and everywhere in between. Especially the places in between. Kissing Tripp had only led to a sleepless night as old memories of a completely one-sided crush resurfaced. Every vacation she’d spent at the Wilde ranch with Eden had been both pleasure and torture, mooning over Tripp. Who hadn’t even noticed she was there. She didn’t need that sort of aggravation and heartbreak at this point in her life…when she was smart enough to know not to get involved with a man like him.
“I caved in to the moon and the stars and a mellow mood fostered by two glasses of excellent wine. Doesn’t mean I intend to make more of the moment than it was. The kiss was…nice.”
He snorted. “Nice?’ I bet Dr. Hamilton didn’t kiss you like that.”
“What do you want me to say? You’re a hell of a kisser? I’m pretty sure that’s not a news flash. Practice makes perfect, right?”
Tripp gave her a long, steady look. Longer than he should have, considering he was driving. He returned his attention to the road. “Fine, we’ll shelve the discussion for a future time. If the doctor was so perfect for you, why’d you dump him?”
“After a month of dating, he wanted to take our relationship to the next level. I…couldn’t bring myself to go there.”
“See, you don’t want stable and comfortable, not really. This conversation reminds me of that Eagles song. The doc is the old dude with hands as cold as ice, but you’re too classy to wind up on the cheating side of town.” He smiled. “My faith in you is restored.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You just hate losing, and I represent a challenge. Anyway, I’m still looking for stable and comfortable, just not with Lewis. When I found out he’d been married to Monica…”
“The barracuda who was friends with your mother?”
“Not barracuda, praying mantis, but yes. When I learned she was his ex-wife, dating him seemed just a little too creepy.”
“Definitely. Fifteen years is way too old for you, like I said. Good decision, ditching him.”
She cut him a sidelong glance. “Thanks for the sage advice.”
“You’re welcome.” He seemed to ignore her sarcasm. “You can deduct counseling services from my bill.”
“Funny.” She turned to stare out the window as trees flashed by on the winding river road between Truckee and Tahoe City. “I’m not sure I can put up with your warped humor for two more weeks.”
Not to mention his repeated cajoling in a thinly veiled attempt to get her into bed. At least she assumed that was his ultimate goal since she couldn’t imagine he was interested in anything more serious. Problem was, if he caught her at a weak moment, she might just give in and say yes. The attraction she’d felt for Tripp all those years ago had grown into something she was afraid she couldn’t control.
“Sure you can. Keeps us both from stagnating.” He slowed as they neared town. “What’s on the agenda for today? PT session now or later?”
“We don’t have time before lunch. Drop me at my house, and I’ll come over around four, if that works for you. It’s a beautiful day, and I’d like to head into the woods for a little snowshoeing with my dog after I eat.”
“Can I come, too?”
“No.”
“That was abrupt.” He turned down the West Shore. “Why not?”
She let out a slow breath. “We’ve been spending way too much time together lately. I think we could both use a break. Surely you have other local friends…”
“They all ski when they aren’t working. I suppose I could hit the slopes—”
“Don’t try to blackmail me into agreeing.”
“Worth a shot.” He slumped back in the seat, one hand on the wheel. “You don’t seem to realize how hard this is for me. I’m not a hang-around-the-house-and-do-nothing kind of guy. Right now, I want to smash something just thinking about another day of inactivity.”
“Believe it or not, nearly every one of my patients feels exactly the same way. I completely understand your frustration. You heard Lewis. One more week before you can ease into a somewhat regular routine without risk of a setback.”
“Snowshoeing isn’t going to strain my shoulder, but going alone isn’t much fun. At least you have your dog to keep you company.”
She threw up her hands. “Fine, come with us. God, you’re persistent.”
His smile held a hint of smug satisfaction. “Great. I’ll swing by my house to change and grab my snowshoes. Wait, lunch…”
She sighed. “I’ll feed you a sandwich before we go.”
He cast a long, thoughtful look in her direction. “Is hanging out with me really such a chore?”
“Of course not, but—”
“No buts. I won’t even nag you about going out with me again.”
“Well, isn’t that a relief?”
Hannah brooded in the truck while he ran into the house to change clothes and get his equipment. Why would he need to nag about dating her when they seemed to spend all their leisure time together on a regular basis? For her peace of mind, two weeks couldn’t come soon enough. Still, she had a sneaking suspicion walking away from Tripp wouldn’t be as easy to do as leaving her other jobs. Despite a valiant effort on her part to keep them unaffected, her emotions were already engaged.
“Damn. Damn. Damn.”
Her ringing cell provided a welcome distraction. She fished it out of her purse and glanced at the display before hitting the connect button. “Hi, Eden.”
“Hi, yourself. How’s life? We haven’t talked in a while.”
“Life’s good.” Hannah let out a breath. “Business as usual.”
“With my brother around?” Her friend’s voice held a hint of humor. “Tripp must be losing his touch.”
She grinned. “Okay, maybe not exactly like usual.”
“Especially since you don’t usually date clients.”
Her brows lowered. “I’m not dating Tripp.”
“Not what he said when I called to wish him a happy birthday yesterday. Did you stand him up for dinner?”
She leaned farther back in the seat and rubbed her forehead. “Of course I didn’t, but it wasn’t a date.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m not dating him!”
“If you say so. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” Eden’s voice took on an edge. “You already wasted enough time on my brother. I’m pretty certain the reason you never dated in college was because you were hung up on him.”
“Or maybe because I was shy and awkward and fat and nobody asked me out.”
“You weren’t fat!”
“Okay, unpleasantly plump. I happen to be a whole lot smarter now than I was back then.” She curled her lip. “And not nearly as socially awkward.”
Eden’s low-pitched laugh came through the phone. “True. Still, looking out for each other is a hard habit for me to break.”
“Well, in this case, I don’t need you to play protective mom.”
“Since yours can’t be bothered…”
Hannah rolled her eyes. “Isn’t that the truth? However, I can take care of myself.”
Tripp opened the door. “Told you I’d be quick.” He glanced over then grimaced. “Oops, I didn’t realize you were on the phone. Sorry. Shall I…” He cocked his head back toward the house.
“No, get in.” She turned to face the window and pressed her cell closer. “Hey, I have to go. Can I call you back later?”
“Was that Tripp?” Eden’s voice rose.
Her brother climbed into the cab and shut the door with a sharp click before he started the engine.
“Yes.”
“Therapy session?”
Hannah let out a breath. “Actually, we’re going snowshoeing first.”
“Sounds very un-date-like.” Irony laced her friend’s tone.
Hannah pursed her lips. “Exactly. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Sure. Tell Tripp he’d better remember what I told him yesterday. Bye, Hannah.”
“Bye.” She dropped the phone back in her purse.
He glanced over then reversed out of the driveway. “Anyone I know?”
“Your sister. I’m supposed to tell you not to forget what she told you yesterday.” She let out a huff of breath. “Good God, I sound like I’m in grade school. Next time, I’ll just pass a note under the desk.”
His brows pleated. “Eden’s fault, but I know what she’s getting at. Damn bossy woman.”
“Me or her?”
He grinned. “Her. You’re far too subtle to be bossy.”
“I would hope so.” Hannah held on to the armrest as he took the corners down the steep road the way he did everything…fast and hard. When they reached the bottom, she eased up on her death grip. “You’re anything but.”
“Huh?”
“Subtle. For example, your driving reflects your mood.”
“What? Oh, sorry.” He took his foot off the gas. “Eden irritates me sometimes. I don’t know why she thinks I’d…never mind.” He gave her a guileless smile. “I’m looking forward to getting out in the woods for a little fresh air and exercise.”
Suspicion stirred as she regarded him across the center console. “Oh, my God! She said something to you…about me!”
“My sister apparently believes I’m a total jerk, and—”
She clenched her hands in her lap as she imagined closing them around Eden’s neck. “I’m going to kill her.”
“I’d be down with helping you.”
“Something we agree on. Perfect. Or, I could simply die of embarrassment and end this whole conversation now.”
“Why should you be embarrassed? I’m the idiot who apparently broke your heart.” He turned off the main road to head up the street leading into her neighborhood.
Hannah didn’t respond until they were parked in her driveway. “My heart wasn’t broken. It was just a stupid crush. Completely safe because I knew you’d never be interested in a girl like me who was quiet and smart and fat.”
He jerked on the parking brake. “You weren’t fat.”
“So everyone keeps saying. I felt fat. I had self-confidence issues. I don’t anymore.”
“Why would you? You’re smart—that hasn’t changed—successful and hot. I, on the other hand, am apparently still an asshole.”
“You may be a player, but you don’t lead women on. You’re upfront about what you want. So, in that sense, not a total ass.”
He grinned. “I don’t know why Eden is worried about you. You’re certainly able to put me in my place. Are we still going snowshoeing?”
“Why not? Lunch first.” She got out of his truck and slammed the door.
He followed her up the path to the front porch then waited while she let Winnie out. Her dog danced in circles, emitting shrill yelps of joy, apparently thrilled to have company.
“Come on inside. She’ll stop in a minute.”
Tripp bent to stroke her excited pet, scratching her behind the ears until she moaned and flopped over on his feet. “I don’t blame her for being fired up. We’ve already established that hanging out at home alone isn’t much fun. Winnie and I must be soulmates.”
“I’m happy you’re bonding.” She headed through the sitting area to the kitchen and flipped on a light. “Make yourself at home.”
“I like your cabin. Cozy.” He pulled up a barstool and sat at the counter.
“The place is small, but then Winnie and I don’t need a lot of space. Turkey or tuna?”
“Turkey.”
She pulled out a loaf of wheat bread and set to work assembling the sandwiches.
“I’d offer to help, but it looks like I’d just be in the way.”
“Probably, since there’s barely room to turn around in here, but you can get yourself something to drink, if you’d like. There’s juice in the fridge or water in the tap. I’m afraid I don’t have beer to offer you. Glasses are in the cupboard by the sink.”
“Water is fine.” He slid off the stool then brushed up against her as he took two glasses from the cabinet, filled one a
t the sink then raised a brow.
“Yes, water.” Her hand stilled over the tomato she was slicing as he squeezed by her to set the glasses on the counter. Ignoring the sizzle of energy his body contact produced, she added lettuce to the sandwiches, plated them, then pulled a bag of grapes out of the refrigerator. “There you go. Lunch in under five minutes.”
“Successful, smart, hot and efficient.”
She slid onto the stool next to him. “I’m simply amazing. The eighth wonder of the world.”
“Hannah?”
She paused with her sandwich halfway to her mouth. “Hmm?”
“I was a complete idiot back when you were in college. If I had half a brain, I would have been smart enough to ask you out all those years ago. Everything you say makes me smile.” He popped a grape into his mouth. “Your dry sense of humor is a huge turn-on.”
“Good to know, but I’m still not going to date you.”
“We’ll see about that. I’m afraid you’ve ruined me for lesser women. Every time a girl hits on me, I’m going to judge her by my new Hannah-meter.”
She choked on her sandwich. Her eyes watered as he pounded her on the back until she stopped coughing.
A concerned green gaze met hers. “You okay?”
“Yes.” She let out a long breath. “I don’t know where to begin…with the Hannah-meter or the girls hitting on you part of that statement.”
He shrugged. “What? Am I supposed to pretend like they don’t?”
“No wonder Eden was in a tizzy when she found out we had dinner together. The women apparently line up to sleep with you.”
He grinned. “Not an actual line. Too much pushing and shoving for that.”
She smiled back. “Tripp?”
“Yes?”
“You make me laugh, too, even if you do have an incredibly inflated ego.” She pulled a grape off the bunch and twirled it between her fingers. “A Hannah-meter, huh? I don’t want to brag, but if an IQ test is part of the process, you might as well go join a monastery because you’re not going to be getting much action.”
Wilde Thing Page 7