“Of course! And I’m serious, if at any point you want to switch to someone else, just tell me. If I didn’t already have a plan in place for you that I think you’ll really benefit from, I’d bow out myself.”
They were in a small room with a desk, computer, two chairs, and a massage table rather than a hospital bed. Teddy could not stop looking at the table. He’d already thought about getting a massage after the appointment, and now he was with Finn.
Those two things did not need to marry in his head right now.
“I’m sorry, I tend to ignore names until I’ve met someone,” Finn continued. “I just focus more on the injury and what’s needed of me while making a treatment plan; then once I meet the person, I’d never forget a name, especially with someone as memorable as you.”
Teddy’s eyes snapped to Finn’s glittering teal, and Finn blanched when he realized what he’d said.
“Sorry. Wow. Okay, fresh start? I really can be professional and help you through your recovery, I promise.”
“Finn,” Teddy said evenly, “it’s fine. Really. Let’s get started.”
With an obvious sigh of relief, Finn went through the usual questions Teddy expected from a doctor’s visit, making sure what they had on record was accurate and that there had been no changes.
“And don’t worry, we won’t go through this every time, since you’ll have frequent appointments. Just the question about any changes. All we’re going to do today is go over your plan, hit the gym for a quick recap of the exercises you should be doing regularly, and prepare ourselves for the weeks ahead. Sound good?”
Finnwasprofessional and knew what he was talking about. Teddy nodded.
“Great! Here’s the list you were given after surgery. Look familiar?”
The paper Finn handed him showed various simple exercises with descriptions and diagrams. Teddy thought maybe he had glanced at it before.
Once.
“Have you been doing your exercises at home?”
“Mostly.”
“Teddy,” Finn said like a scolding teacher.
“Not all or as often as I should,” Teddy admitted.
“I know this goes without saying, but ignoring your daily routine, especially now, so soon after surgery, will only set you back, increase risk of infection—”
“I’m aware.”
“Then you’ll be sure to be better while following my plan, right?” Finn smiled that dangerous sort of authoritative smile that skilled parents and dictators managed so flawlessly.
It did nothing to dilute how handsome he looked, even in scrubs.
“I get the impression you’re not going to let me get away with otherwise,” Teddy said.
“Well, I am the best at what I do.”
“Because you’re the pushiest?”
“That is one of my charms, yes.”
Teddy laughed, and when Finn joined him, the tension between them finally dissipated. Teddy could do this. Finn was all too easy to be around.
Once the formalities were out of the way, Finn led him from the exam room to the gym. There were various machines, mats along the floor, a walking station with standing parallel bars for people to hang on to while they did their exercises, as well as a bar along the wall in front of a long mirror like in a ballet studio.
An elderly woman was being helped through the walking station by a lovely young redhead in seafoam green scrubs like Finn’s. Finn smiled at them in greeting before turning to Teddy.
“As a reminder, most of these exercises can be done in bed if it’s easier than getting on the floor, but for today, I’ll help you. The trick is to avoid rotating your hip. So first, slowly, get down on your knees.”
Maybe Teddy had jumped the gun, because hearing Finn saythatin a soft, tender voice made his heart stammer, especially when warm hands gripped his elbows to assist.
