"What triggered this questioning?" He pressed when she didn't answer.
"I find you—" She stopped herself and seemed to weigh her words carefully. "I'm trying to figure out if you're really as nice of a guy as you seem."
A spark of warmth lit in his chest. "You think I'm a nice guy?" He did his best to keep his voice neutral as he tamped down the thrill of excitement that shot through him.
"You're good at your job." She ticked things off on her fingers. "You're great with your patients. You're humorous and fun to be around." She pinned him with a piercing gaze before continuing. "I'm trying to figure out if you're hiding something that makes you someone other than who you claim to be."
Hiding something?
"I haven't claimed to be anything other than a physical therapist."
"I know." She propped her hands on her hips and let out another huff. "I'm just afraid I'm not a good judge of character anymore, so I need to know…" Her words trailed off.
He bit back a smile at her expressive behavior. "What do you need to know?"
"Nothing. Never mind." She shook her head, but the motion was jerky and sharp.
"I would never cheat on a woman, Paige." He pressed a hand to his chest as he met her gaze. "I’m sorry about what happened with your ex, but not all men are unfaithful." He squared his shoulders. "We don't deserve to be labeled as such just because you had a bad experience with one man."
A twisting sensation hit his gut. Hadn't he done the same thing with women after Harper cheated on him? There was a reason he was still single six years later. After being burned so badly, it was hard to go near the fire again.
"You're right. I'm sorry." A look of contrition filled her face. "I never should have accused or doubted you."
"Why are you concerned about my character?"
A rosy tint colored her cheeks as she cupped water in her hands. "No reason."
He was tempted to press her for an answer, but if she felt even a fraction of the desire he did a few minutes ago—and he suspected she did—it was best to leave it alone. He'd already flirted with danger once today when it came to Paige Young and nearly jeopardized his job.
Once was enough.
CHAPTER 8
"Are you mad at me?"
Gabe pulled his gaze away from Sam who shuffled sideways with Luke's help and looked at Paige. "No, why do you ask?"
"You've hardly talked to me since last Wednesday at the pool. I'm sorry if I offended you when I asked?—"
"You didn't offend me."
It was easy to overhear others' conversations in the small gym, and Gabe didn't need everyone wondering why Paige asked him if he'd ever cheated on a woman. He was still trying to figure it out himself, but every time he thought about the events leading up to her questioning, he decided it was best to let it go.
Yes, he'd kept his distance on Friday—and again today—until it was time to help her stretch and massage her. It seemed like the best way to keep his attraction to her in check. It didn’t seem to be working though.
"I'm relieved to hear that. I had no right to question you like that, and I'm sorry for assuming you would ever?—"
"So, how does it feel to be able to bear full weight on your left leg?"
His phone vibrated on his small desk by his computer for the second time as he changed the subject. Whoever it was would have towait, because he didn’t answer personal calls and texts while he worked with patients.
"It feels good,” Paige said. "I've been waiting for this day forever, but I'm leery of ditching the crutches altogether. I still feel unstable sometimes."
"Understandable. It might help you adjust if you use only one. Like this…" He grabbed one of her crutches from where they leaned against the wall and demonstrated. "It will give you support until you learn to trust yourself again."
"Learn to trust myself." Paige made a scoffing sound then gave a small grin. "Do they make crutches for life?"
He replaced the crutch and resumed rubbing her shoulder. "They're called therapists."
