Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Fuck! I could give in, but I want her here with me. But if my requirement means she won’t come, then I’m willing to give in. Before I can tell Chrissy that, she continues. “She’s working on it. I’m pretty sure the hospital has approved all her clients to be moved to other caseloads, and the last I heard, she was going to work things out with her family and everything.”
I interrupt her. “So you won’t give me her number?”
She laughs out loud. “It’s against the rules, Holden. Look, if you don’t hear from her tomorrow, I’ll give her a call. It’s a lot. She’s having to move her schedule for the next two months, she’s having to figure things out with her kid and her boyfriend. All these things to make this work, so you have to give her a few days.”
I’m probably wasting my time, but I don’t know when to shut up. “Have you met her boyfriend?”
The longer Chrissy is silent, the more I realize I’ve fucked up. I don’t know why it’s so important to me, but it is. Chrissy lets out a little gasp. “Holden Gray, are you for real right now? Do you like her?”
“What’s not to like? She’s smart, she’s beautiful, caring, and passionate about her job. I offered her a lot of money, and she had to think about it when most people would say yes on the spot while telling me they care about more than just money.”
“Awwwwww, Holden,” she sings-songs. “That’s so sweet… but I know Catherine, she is by the book. She’s not going to take the job if she thinks you’re interested in her.”
I groan and push my hand through the scruff on my chin. Every part of me wants to tell Cat that I like her, but there are so many things going against us already. She’s going to be my physical therapist, she has a son—this can’t be a fling or something, and she has a boyfriend. Nope, even though I’m attracted to her, I need to keep focused. I can be professional. But just as fast as I think it, I know I’m lying because there’s no resisting Cat Maples. “You know I could just call Cat at the hospital, right?”
“Bub, listen to me. Catherine is not like the other women you date. She’s down to earth, her kid comes first, she’s the best mom I’ve ever met. She doesn’t do flings.”
I put my hand to my chest. I try to laugh it off, but her words hit a little hard. “Really, is that what you think of me, sis? I’m not—”
“You haven’t had a serious relationship that I know of. Every picture online of you has a different woman draped on your arm, so forgive me if I think you’re up to no good. Look, you need to focus on your health and getting better. Then you can worry about finding you a date for your next big event.”
“It’s not like that…” I start to refuse but then trail off. Maybe I’m being ridiculous. I’m going all crazy over some woman I met for an hour. I need to chill the fuck out. Maybe it’s all the time I have on my hands, or maybe I’m just not thinking straight. Whatever it is, I need to get my shit together. “You know what, you’re right. I’m being crazy. I’ll give her until tomorrow. If she can’t do it, then I’ll need to find someone else. Thanks for talking me down, Chrissy.”
She stutters, and her voice raises an octave. “What? No. I’m not saying you need to give up or anything, and I’m not saying that Catherine wouldn’t be lucky to be with you. I’m just saying don’t play with her. If you like her, then be right with her. She has a son… just don’t hurt her.”
As soon as she says it, she groans. “Darn, I’m not saying you’ll hurt her, you’re a good guy, but—”
“Chrissy, stop. You don’t have to keep tiptoeing around me. I got it. I know what you’re saying. Now can you get back to being the bossy little sister that gives me shit all the time instead of worrying you’re going to hurt my feelings. You’re right too. I need to focus on getting better.”
“You’re right. Okay, so get your shit together, Gray. If you don’t hear from Chrissy tomorrow, I’ll see what the holdup is, and I’ll let you know.”
“Okay, love you, sis.”
“Love you, too.”
I walk through my house and back downstairs. Instead of doing my band workout, I jump on the treadmill. I have some frustrations I need to take out, and I might as well do that with a brisk run. I won't think about those big blue eyes, the coconut smell, or how my body reacted when Cat touched me. Nope, I’m going to completely forget about the woman that has consumed my every thought since yesterday.