Page 13 of What About Us

I’m fucking impressed.

Two hours later, I’ve been stretched, tested, and trained until I’m sweating and practically ready to beg for mercy. Ivy knows what the fuck she’s doing.

She’s damn good.

She absolutely should be working full time with a pro team. Her talent is wasted here in this tiny town. I’m sure she’s appreciated in her current position, but if this is what she wants, she absolutely has the chops for it.

“You did well today,” she says calmly as she types into her computer. She’s sitting on the floor, crisscross with her laptop on her legs. I don’t like her sitting on the floor. “Your range of motion is almost back, which means you’re just about ready to start running again and we can work on your strength and endurance.”

“When can we start that?”

She glances my way and keeps typing.

“Next week at the latest, I think. I want you to ice several times today. You might be a little sore this evening.”

“I’ll be okay.”

“Hmm.” She continues to type, her fingers flying over the keyboard, and I find it fascinating.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

“I’m going to leave you my number,” she continues. “You’re welcome to text or call with any concerns. I may be slow to respond in the evenings, but I’ll get back to you.”

Who are you with in the evenings, Ivy?

I want to ask. It’s absolutely none of my business and out of line because she’s my therapist, not my friend, but I still want to know.

“Did you end up adopting that cat?”

Her gaze whips up to mine in surprise.

“I remember that night at the bar,” I continue, “when Darby talked you into one of the barn kittens. Did you take it?”

“Yeah, I did.” She looks flustered for a heartbeat and then closes her computer. I can see that she’s going to gather her things and go, and I’m not ready for her to leave yet.

Which is stupid. I have shit to do. I’m going out to the ranch to help out for a while. I’m sure she has a life too.

But I like hearing her voice.

“What did you name it?” I ask, wanting to keep her talking.

“Cally,” she says. “Her name is Cally the Calico. She’s pretty cute and gives me company. Okay, I think I’m all done here for today.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

I see that she drives an older model truck, which is not what I would have expected, but I’m learning that seems to be the case with this woman.

She intrigues me.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. Does this timing work for you?” she asks.

“Yeah, it works for me.”

She sets her bag in her truck and nods. “Good. Have a good day, Xander.”

“You too, Ivy.”

CHAPTER FOUR