by SJ Molloy
Hopefully, business will be striving for our Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Practice here at the new clinic. We have our current patients, the extensive member base in the club and the added National Health Service referrals also.
Mental note – Mark is going to have to look at taking extra help on in the clinic.
Unraveling the large wall posters from elastic bands, I lay them flat across the desk and deliberate which walls to put them on. I sit on a large Swiss ball and stare around me, taking it all in. It is quite exciting, this new venture.
I hear my mobile buzzing, so I try to reach my blazer on the floor, but roll right off the Swiss ball and land on my ass.
“Ouch!”
That hurt. I fumble around the empty crates on the floor and finally find it stuffed in my blazer pocket.
Hazel – Bring some choc in 4 tea. I’ve got my fuckin period n look like a mammal in a bikini fuck! Ted Carlin is going off on one about the mutt. R U taking hair straighteners? xxx
This makes me giggle. Hazel will be frantic about going on holiday with her period, and she’ll hate herself tomorrow for gorging on chocolate tonight. I’ll text her when I stop for lunch, then call Jessica about returning my wardrobe, and call Cameron to ask what he wants for dinner. It is concerning that my older brother still can’t make a decent proper meal.
Mental note: I will not be cooking for him every night as always when I return from my cooking vacation in Tuscany.
I glimpse at my phone and check the time. 2.30pm. I gather up my bag, purse and phone and head out of the clinic just as Jane comes shuffling back through the corridor.
“Are you going for lunch? I’ll join you. I could eat a horse...or three.”
“Jane, are you holding out on me? Are you pregnant or just starving?”
The angst-ridden look on Jane’s face could sink a ship, and she looks as though she is going to cry. I immediately wrap my arms around her and kiss her forehead.
“Jane, it’s okay. I didn’t mean that. I was being rude and trying to be funny. Just ignore me.”
She cuddles me as she sobs into my neck. I hate that I’ve caused her this distress.
“Actually…I am pregnant. I was in the bathroom vomiting just before, and now I’m starving. My emotions and appetite are all over the place.”
I grip her tightly for an extra cuddle and smile. “Well, missy, congratulations! I’m so happy for you. That’s lovely news. How far along are you?”
She sighs. “I’m only ten weeks or so, and don’t want to tell anyone yet, you know…with it still being in the early days.”
“Well, I promise I won’t mention it to anyone until you’re ready. Come on, let’s get you fed.”
We head for the bar downstairs behind reception, and slouch into a dark espresso colored chesterfield plush sofa. I love that the gym looks more like a hotel; it is quite relaxing if you’re here to enjoy the facilities. I order a king prawn salad sandwich on wholemeal bread with a small minestrone soup and bottle of water. Jane thinks twice about ordering fish, so she opts for a chicken and bacon panini with chunky chips, coleslaw and a side salad.
“You better not tell Hazel I’m eating like this. You know she’ll frown upon it. Oh good God, she is going to want me to go to preggie yoga.”
“Don’t fret, Janie. Hazel can’t teach yoga, so you’re off the hook. Although, she might drag you and your bump to Body Balance.” Jane places her hand on her tummy and looks down at the table. “I don’t think it’s good for you to be worrying about things, Jane. Just roll with it. I’m sure everything is going to be fine, and don’t worry about your job. We’ll manage.”
“Nice try, Lexi, but you’re a worrier too, and I know you’d be the same if it were you.”
She’s right, of course, but it won't ever be me.
I stare at her tummy and hold her hand. Deep down, I feel a little pain knowing that I will never be in her situation. I’ll never let that happen.
“Actually, Lexi, if you’re okay with it, would you mind if I go home? I’m feeling like crap.”
“Of course, you go home. I’ll be fine here on my own. Well, I’m not exactly on my own, I have a club full of people.” I gesture my hand out towards all the busy socialites sitting around the bar with their sports gear on, or work attire freshly showered after their intense lunchtime workout.
“Okay, have an amazing time on holiday, and tell Hazel to keep away from all those hunky Italians. She’s getting married soon. And you, please try to find some romance. You’re going to end up old, lonely and miserable.”
“No, I won’t. I’ve got lots of friends and family to fill my life, and just the way I’d like to keep it, and I’m not having any relationship complicating my thoughts and my life, no way. I will, however, look forward to the glorious food and sightseeing.”
I give her a huge cuddle and kiss on the cheek before heading back up stairs.
Chapter 2
Chemistry
I feel my phone vibrating in my blazer pocket as I unlock the clinic door. Shit, Hazel will be going frantic at no incommunicado. I fling my blazer over the chair and retrieve my phone. Ten missed calls from the girls and eight text messages.
Hazel – What the fuck are you doing? Txt me pronto. No kiss…
I wish Hazel would calm down, I think I’m rubbing off on her with my paranoia.
Me – Breathe, Hazel. I’m alive. There will be no chocolate, but I’ll bring wine home.
Cameron – Don’t make me dinner, I’ll grab something at Rachel’s. She has promised me all night loving.x
It’s just wrong knowing about your brother’s love life, but glad I’ve got a night off from cooking for him.
Me – Fine, but be back for 8.30am tomorrow to take me to the airport and NO details, please.X
Mark – Everything going ok with unpacking? Course is dire, boring as. Mind leave notes and reports. Have a safe flight tomorrow and enjoy.
Mark sounds bored shitless, so he’ll be in a stomping mood. I better have everything in order for him.
Me – I’ll email you. Jane has a stomach bug, ironically.
Carrie – I’m working back shift at the hospital, will be there a little late 2nite. X
Carrie’s chat will be positively draining after a long shift in the ER, and I’m not in the frame of mind to be listening about drunken antics and accidents of the lovely Scottish public hospital.
Me – Have a good shift. See you when you get to my house.X
Lucy – Tried calling, I have your hair straighteners. I’ll bring them 2nite. X
Good girl, Lucy. She better not forget the hair straighteners or missy Hazel will have a stroke.
Me – Thank you, Lucy. Don’t forget my hair straighteners.X
Samantha – Having a fucking nightmare at work. I’m on the wine 2nite. Fuck the coffee. Talk the girls into vino. I’m freaking out here with an asshole of a manager. Cu at 8 bells x
I smile at Samantha’s attempt to get us on the wine on a school night. Samantha always has a ‘fucking nightmare’ at work. She needs a new job.
Me – Samantha, there will be wine (much to Hazel’s distaste). Get a new job!
Jessica – What time you want us over for coffee club 2nite? x
I give Jess a call about the holiday clothes. As lovely as she is, she explains she has my maxi dress, wedges and short sparkly skirt that she borrowed and will bring some of her outfits over so I can pick what I want to take. She really is a great friend, so loyal and down to earth.
Granny – Tried calling, your mother has not heard from you, can you please call Grandpa and I. We worry and we need to chat. I need to make sure you’re ok with the recent news. We love you darling. Xx Granny xxx
As if on demand, my breathing becomes more erratic and fast, and I feel a sharp pain to my chest. My fingers tighten like pins and needles, and my head begins to pound. I know it’s the start of an anxiety attack, and I’m in flipping work of all places. I can’t think about this just now, and
I’m not calling her back from work. I place my hand over my throat and chest, feeling heat radiate through them, knowing I must be red and blotchy, unable to hold back the tears prickling at my eyes.
This isn’t going to get to me before I go on vacation!
I wonder if I’ll get away with ignoring Granny until I get back, but chances are slim. Granny Elizabeth is persistent and on the ball, plus I hate upsetting her. There’s no way she managed that text on her own; she must have had help because she is incompetent with technology. Oh dear God, please don’t let it be mouthy Mags from the post office. I perish the thought of everyone in Morayshire knowing my business, and she’s the gossip of the Scottish Highlands and knows everybody’s ins and outs, especially in Grantown–On-Spey. The thought makes me nauseous, and I’m feeling a little light headed.
I wonder if Cameron knows the news. If he does, he’s deliberately not telling me, knowing how I will react. I don’t even know the details, yet I’ve already freaked myself out. I’m a flipping basket case, and I need to breathe.
“Breathe. Just breathe, you daft idiot.”
“Hey, is everything okay? Are you alright?”
I hear a faint tap at the doorway, and a deep husky voice enriched with Italian accent asks me again if I’m okay.
Embarrassed, and startled by the intrusion, I jump up slam my phone on the desk next to my anatomy posters. I use the pad of my thumb to rub the tears away from my eyes, hoping mascara isn’t making its way down my cheeks. I can’t bring myself to turn around; I’m so breathless and ashamed of my little episode.
“Yes, I’m fine. I just had a moment, that’s all.” I’ve found the strength to talk, although my voice is broken and strained.
“Can I help you? I’m sorry, it’s rude of me not to turn around, but I’m looking awful at the moment. If you can give me a minute, please.”
The mysterious male walks around my side so that he is now facing me. I’m immediately uncomfortable with his presence in such close proximity to me, and my freaked out state is not helping.
“Hey, look up. It can’t be that bad, can it? I don’t bite. I’m worried, though. You don’t seem okay.”
I take a small step backwards, aware he is now invading my space, but I still don’t make eye contact. Just as I’m about to tell him I’m fine, he reaches out and places his large smooth hand under my chin, then lifts my head up to meet his eye gaze. It feels warm and kind of nice.
He intriguingly stares at me. I feel his eyes burn into me, studying me. Is he undressing me? Is this what this look is?
“There, that’s better. Here, let me.”
He reaches the thumb of his other hand over my cheek to wipe away a few tear stragglers that are dripping down.
I’m mesmerized by this stranger.
His warm, soft, yet deep voice ... his beautiful bright eyes ... round, large and crystal blue ... like marine azure blue ... his black wavy soft hair, fairly long and styled in a sexy shaggy way ...his jet-black eyebrows and extra-long matching eyelashes ... his perfect smile, a kind, sexy dimple smile ... amazing white teeth ... beautiful deep olive skin ... a square jaw line which is freshly shaven ... broad shoulders...
As I trace his physique with my eyes, I’m drawn to bulging biceps and triceps, evident through his tight running tee. I can’t stop staring at his defined pecs sprawling from one shoulder to the other, and nicely framing shapely chest muscles that go right down to his waist, all rippled like little rolls of tight perfection across his abdomen.
Sheesh, I reckon that’s an eight pack under that taut Lycra! Hazel would combust with eight multiple orgasms here and now if she witnessed this.
I’ve never felt like this, or even had the inclination to look at a patient like this before. He might be an Italian God, or a prince, or an Italian son of a God, or a male model.
Fuck!
File under N for Never. Never to have these thoughts again.
What the hell!
I give myself a shake and pull my head away, then turn my face down at an angle to hide my embarrassment and fury for allowing a stranger to break the boundaries and touch me. I can’t believe I broke my most important rule. Flipping hell! He’s distracting and gorgeous and smells divine ... I know this scent. My brother wears the same aftershave, but it’s more appealing on this man ... sort of sexier.
Fuck!
File under D for Ditch. Ditch Cameron’s aftershave because he can’t wear it now.
“I’m sorry, miss. I didn’t want to intimidate you in any way. I was just concerned.”
His English is perfect, but with Italian flavor coming through. He has a familiar local Scottish accent and it sounds sexy as hell.
Fuck!
File under N for Never. Never again.
I fidget with a curl of my hair in restlessness, hold the back of my hand to my mouth, and wiggle my fingers about, cracking my knuckles with nervousness.
“Thank you for your concern, but really, I will be okay. Now, is there anything I can help you with?” I sharply reply.
I’m such a bitch. Here the male model is being overly nice, yet I have stranger danger radar on.
“I actually came in the hope you could give me the once over.” He smiles.
“WHAT!”
He laughs, then smirks and flashes his beautiful long lashes up and down. A cheeky dimple appears.
“I’m sorry, that came out wrong. I mean, I’ve done my back in, and the lumbar area is killing me. I hope it’s not my discs. Anyway, I knew the clinic was being set up and hoped that I could get an assessment. I have never had this back pain before.”
“Oh, I thought you meant something else. Well, never mind what I thought.”
He grins…sexy…playful…daring.
I’m on the verge of firing up another panic attack at the prospect, but he doesn’t need to know this.
“Are you sure we haven’t met before? You seem awfully familiar,” he asks.
“No, I don’t think so. Perhaps you have seen me in the gym or something.”
I bite the inside of my lip, then unknowingly moisten my lips with my tongue. His mystifying eyes widen on me as if entranced. His eyes are very captivating, and I know I’m impressed by what I see. He is now smiling sexy as hell, sultry and picture perfect. This is the utmost mind blowing smile I have ever witnessed. My heart is pounding, racing, and I think my blood pressure is sharply increasing. But on a plus note, the chest pain is dissipating with the distraction, but flaring up with something else entirely.
I’m attracted to this man.
“I’m very sorry. I’m not seeing patients today. I’m unpacking as you can see, my colleague has had to go home sick, and my partner is on a course today.” I’m relieved as I pass over my excuses. The thought of having to have contact with him, even for assessment purposes, is making my heartbeat accelerate and my breathing speed up again.
“I’m sorry to disturb you. You do seem preoccupied, and in the middle of something, so maybe I could make an appointment to come in and see you?”
Persistent.
But then again, he is holding his hand on his lower back and seems to be shifting side to side. I think he is suffering some sort of discomfort. Now I feel guilty and unprofessional.
“Unfortunately, I leave on holiday tomorrow for two weeks, but my partner Mark is here. I can recommend him. He’s very good, especially with spinal care.”
A frown appears on his brow, and he lifts up his hand and pinches his forehead, using his thumb to rub along his eyebrows as if he is fractious.
“It sounds as though you’re passing me over because you don’t want to care for me. I’m sorry for the intrusion, and I hope I did not offend you in any way.” Now his voice sounds hurt with a little less enthusiasm than before.
That stings.
I can’t stand to see people struggle in pain, so I agree to assess him.
Folded once again!
“Okay, I have a bed in the middle partitioned area. I can assess your
injury, then refer you over to Mark and he can treat you while I’m away.”
I don’t look him in the eyes when I say this. I know I’m a pushover, but he looks ecstatic that I’m cooperating. I feel as though I’m losing control. How will I manage this without being affected?
Fuck!
File under W for Weak. You weak idiot, get a grip!
He grabs the side of my face with both hands, then leans over and plants a soft kiss on both my cheeks. Oh my God...
A shock sparks through me at this mere touch. I step back again, feeling flustered ... hot and blushing ... tingly, nice tingly ... hmm...
“Grazie bellissimo, lei è molto gentile e sarà veramente mi aiutano.”
I go weak at the knees.
Jello.
Jesus, that is so sexy. That had a direct line sparking to my sex, and I’m immediately hot and damp there.
Already? Really?
“I’m sorry. I don’t understand what you said, but I will assume you’re thanking me.”
That sounds so lame. I’m mortified!
“Well, in that case, Voi siete la più bella donna intrigante che abbia mai conosciuto.”
Oh, please stop with the sexy words, my libido was just fine without this intrusion.
“Okay, I’m going to pretend that you told me your back is sore.”
I give him a quirky smirk and raise my eyebrows, not knowing what he really said. The stranger smiles and laughs, then lifts up his lip on the left side and winks at me.
Fuck!
File under T for Translate. Translate these words later.
And file under B for Betray. My mind and body are betraying me.
I must stay professional and stick by my rules...and what the hell? Is he flirting with me?
I ask him to take a seat while I clear some things off the desk. All the while he is watching me attentively. I search through a filing cabinet which I placed earlier against the side wall for registration forms and patient report logs. I advise him that I’m going to ask a series of questions and fill in his forms before assessing his back.