Jensen steps toward me, his jaw ticking and nostrils flaring. “Maybe because you’re way too fucking good for him and because he’ll nevereverdeserve you.”
I part my lips to tell him off, but Jensen storms away before I can, crashing through the door beside me.
Cam clears his throat, and I meet his stare. “Look, it’s none of my business, I know. But rumors or concerns you’ve heard about Wilder”—he pauses, his voice softening—“assume every one of them is true.”
He walks away without another word, and I suddenly feel like I want to curl up in a ball and cry. My emotions have been so out of whack since coming to this city, and today is no exception.
My eyes well up as I process his words, a gnawing sensation eating away at my stomach.
Could they actually be right about him? Do they just hate him and want to see him suffer by getting me to break up with him?
I hate that I’m even questioning Cole when I’ve never seen proof that he’s cheated on me. Sure, there was that girl on the phone in the background, but he was at a bar; that’s obviously going to happen in public.
Until I see it for myself, I can’t take their word for it. I can’t throw away this long relationship because of someone’s warning. It’s not fair to Cole, and it’s definitely not fair to me.
A few people enter the skywalk from the parking garage, and I immediately spin around and push through the door.
My mind is spinning as I make my way to the staff lounge and drop my personal belongings in my locker before heading to meet up with Helena for Jensen’s appointment.
Kill me now.
“Good morning, Lainey,” Helena greets me as I round the hallway to meet her outside of the exam room.
“Good morning.” I smile at her, my heartbeat still faster than I’d like.
“You’re running point this morning. I’m simply observing, and I’m only there if you have any questions,” she informs me, and suddenly, my nerves start eating me alive.
I know I can do my job. I know I’m well trained, confident in my skills, but why does my first test drive have to be with Jensen as my patient?
“Okay, perfect.” I smile, my cheek twitching as I knock twice on the door and wait for him to respond.
“Come in,” he calls out to us.
“Hi, Jensen.” I greet him with a warm tone and smile, even though that’s the furthest thing from how I’m actually feeling. “How’re you doing this morning?”
Jensen leans back on the treatment table, resting his hands behind his head, an arrogant look on his face as he enjoys this little game. “Doinggreat. You?”
Oh, this asshole is going to get it.
I take a pump of sanitizer from the dispenser and rub my hands together while walking over to him, a menacing gleam in my stare.Two can play this game, Jensen.
“Lainey will be in charge today. I’m just here as a safety net,” Helena tells him as she sits down in the chair at the desk.
“Good. I might need some saving with this one,” he teases, leaning back completely on the table, his legs dangling over the edge.
“Yeah, yeah,” I say jokingly, playing up the professional tone. “I think you’ll be just fine.”
I decide to start with his good leg, working through the motions and checking for any inconsistencies, but it’s strong and healthy, which is impressive, given that it’s having to overcompensate for the other one.
Walking around the table, I grab his left leg and bend his knee to a ninety-degree angle, my hand on his knee feeling for movement that shouldn’t be happening. I can’t help but admire the array of slutty thigh tattoos on his quad.
Helena clears her throat behind me. “You’re a natural, Lainey. Great with the players. Great with the staff.”
“Thank you,” I say sweetly while flashing a mean smile down at Jensen, knowing she can’t see it behind me.
“We’re lucky to have you.” He smirks up at me.
I nearly jump out of my skin as his finger grazes the front of my thigh, leggings and my hatred being the only barrier between us.
