Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 72715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72715 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 364(@200wpm)___ 291(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Although he had no idea how much money Rina was paying Brianne for her services, for her sacrifice—moving in and devoting her nights—he had no doubt she was being well compensated. And though Brianne’s reasons for needing money were altruistic and good, it didn’t mean that once she’d finished caring for her brother she wouldn’t desire more in life than she’d had before. And “more” demanded money, something a cop would never have in abundance.
“Would you believe I’m apartment-and dog-sitting for the summer?”
“Of course. You’ve been set up, just like me.” He didn’t miss the bitterness in her tone.
Obviously her anger at Rina hadn’t dissipated, and he couldn’t say he blamed her.
“Speaking of dog-sitting and setups, we need to keep him out of here so neither of us trip.”
Jake nodded, and because Norton had curled up in his crate while they ate, he was able to shut the gym door without creating a scene.
“Is there a sink in here?” Brianne asked next.
He nodded. “There’s a full bathroom back that way.” He gestured to the closed door across the room.
“How about a…”
“There’s a massage area in the corner,” he said, reading her mind. “Trust me, there’s nothing you’ll need that you won’t find here.”
She shook her head, her auburn ponytail falling over one shoulder. “Amazing.”
He clenched his fists to avoid giving in to the impulse to twirl her hair around his fingers…and feel the silken strands brushing over other aware body parts. Instead he focused on their surroundings and her reaction to them. “It’s called wealth, so enjoy it while it’s at your disposal.”
“If you say so.” Her smile was wary.
She grabbed the bag he’d deposited at his feet and headed for the bathroom. Soon the sound of running water reached his ears. His vision of wet heat involved slick bodies—hers and his—in the shower, out of the shower…He didn’t care as long as they were creating that moist, intense heat.
Friction and pleasure, he thought, and his body shook in reaction. He had to get himself in check. He couldn’t plan strategy or figure out how to keep her in the dark about his ability to move well until he got a feel for what she had in store. Jake had no idea what Brianne’s idea of therapy entailed, but he was about to find out.
* * *
Brianne closed herself in the bathroom and breathed deeply. She splashed cold water on her face before setting up her equipment for Jake. She re-entered the room, hoping she was more in control of her physical reactions to him. But she took one look at him fully clothed, realized she hadn’t told him to undress for therapy, and accepted that, given their situation, she’d rarely be in control.
She sighed, bracing herself for the inevitable. “If we’re going to do this right, you need to take off your shirt.”
As he reached for the hem of his ragged sweatshirt with one hand, Jake’s eyes sparkled with mischief. He looked like a man who was about to be given his fondest wish, or rather a man who thought he was about to give her her fondest wish, by stripping down in her presence.
“Get a grip, Don Juan. It’s a purely professional request. I can’t very well heat your shoulder if you’re wearing heavy cotton.”
He laughed, obviously not the least bit offended. “Are you saying you don’t want to see my bare chest?”
“I’ve seen enough bare-chested men in my career. I’m sure yours is no different from the rest.” She averted her gaze before he could see the lie in her eyes. His bare chest was spectacular.
“You wound me.”
This time she laughed, but at the sound of his groan—definitely one of pain—she pivoted back toward him in time to see him grimace as he began to remove his shirt with his good hand, with more help than she’d expected from his injured side.
She wondered what was going on. “You said you haven’t been in therapy.”
He averted his eyes. “I never actually said that. I have a friend in physical therapy who gave me some exercises and checks in once in a while. I’ve been working the shoulder some.”
She wasn’t yet sure how much exercise he had or hadn’t been doing, but after a session with him, she would. “Some exercise isn’t enough.”
He treated her to a sexy wink. “That’s why I have you.”
“I’m only as good as your willingness to follow through, and you haven’t guaranteed me anything yet.”
“I’m not worried.”
“Well, I am.” She stepped forward, intending to get past the word games and get started on the therapy. “If I’m so good, then let me help you get that shirt off.”
He narrowed his eyes, and Brianne could see the war going on inside him. She’d seen it many times before. Allow help and look weak or continue the struggle alone. Normally she’d let the internal struggle go on until the patient gave in, but she sensed Jake wasn’t one to cave easily. She now understood the reason for the cutoff sweatshirts. They allowed him wide sleeve room, easier movement.