Alicia took the heating pad off and stretched Garrett. “I know. It’s amazing how much those relationships change us.”
She dug into his shoulder, watching his face for any expression of pain. She caught the wince, so she dug harder in that spot to loosen up the scar tissue.
“You do that on purpose,” he said.
“What?”
“As soon as you know an area hurts, you hit it harder to cause me more pain.”
“Would I do that?”
He gave her a look. “Hell, yes, you’d do that. I think you must get off on causing pain.”
She laughed. “Then I’m in the right profession, aren’t I?”
“Is sadism one of the job requirements?”
“Oh, definitely. I love knowing that I’m hurting you. It gets me off.”
He gave her a look. “Really?”
She rolled her eyes. “No, not really. Unfortunately, pain sometimes means progress. When I find a spot that I know is tight and I focus on that area, it means I’m working on breaking up scar tissue to loosen up your arm.”
“And here I thought you were getting some kind of sexual gratification out of all this torment.”
“Now that would be a nice perk of the job, wouldn’t it?” She gave him a wink and focused her attention on his workout.
When she finished the therapy, he was sweating and gritting his teeth. “You’re enjoying this.”
“I do love my job, but it’s not causing you pain that I enjoy, Garrett. It’s the end result that will be the most rewarding for me.” She smoothed her hands over his shoulder and shook out the tension.
“The end result being me pitching again.”
She nodded. “Of course. That’s what I want most for you. You can sit up now.”
He rolled over and rested on his elbows. “That must be the best part for you—the endgame. Being able to walk away from an athlete who’s fully rehabbed.”
“Yes. I look forward to the day I can finish your therapy and see you pitching again.”
“Then you and I will be done with each other.”
She grinned. “I’m sure you’re eager to see that day. No more torture.”
“I don’t know. I’m kind of getting used to having you around.”
She laughed. “Sure you are. You can’t wait to get rid of me.” She held her hand out to help him off the bed.
He grasped her hand, but instead of pulling up he surprised the hell out of her by jerking her down onto the bed, then rolled over next to her.
“Garrett. What are you doing?”
“I’m not sure.”
He laid his hand on her stomach, and she was sure he could feel the out-of-control banging of her heart. She should shove his hand away and leap off the bed. She was his therapist, and they shouldn’t be close like this, and she damn sure shouldn’t be lying in the middle of his bed.
But oh, the press of his warm hand on her stomach and the feel of his hip connected to hers was unbearably hot, and she just didn’t want to get up. Not when his face loomed over her and she wanted to reach up and swipe her hand over the slight stubble of beard at his jaw. There was so much of him she craved to touch, that she’d denied herself. And he’d thrown down the gauntlet.
He paused, no doubt waiting for her to protest, to push him away and jump off the bed.
But she didn’t, because being next to him like this felt too good, catered to all the fantasies she’d had about him.
And when he leaned down and brushed his lips across hers, everything in her exploded with need and desire and want. She cupped the nape of his neck to hold him there as he explored her mouth, his tongue darting out to slide across her bottom lip, opening her to him.
Oh, God, it was so good. His lips were firm, coaxing, and she floated on a sea of erotic bliss. She could get so lost in Garrett.
She was shaking. This was wrong and was going to change everything. He’d lose focus, and she could lose her job.
She pressed on his chest, and he broke the kiss.
“Stop,” she whispered, barely able to get the word out because the absolute last thing she wanted right now was for him to stop.
He hopped off the bed, and the first thing she saw was a very nice erection that she’d like nothing more than to spend the night exploring. But he grabbed her hand and pulled her off the bed, and just like that, it was over.
“Sorry,” he said, dragging his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know why I did that.”
She straightened her T-shirt over her hips. “Don’t be. You weren’t the only one on that bed. But it’s a mistake. And we both know why.” She walked to the doorway leading her to her room, then stopped, unable to face him. “Thanks for being such a good guy about it.”
She turned, and he was right there, palming the wall next to her head, his body inches from hers. Testosterone rolled off him in waves. If he stepped in just a little closer, they’d touch. If he leaned in a little, his mouth would be on hers again. She wasn’t sure at this moment if she wanted that or not.