Chapter 3

Vivian squirmed in her seat as the reality of what she’d just agreed to do sank in. While she was in fairly good shape, she definitely wasn’t a sports buff. Unlike some of her family members, she’d never participated in a competition.

River, her younger brother, lived for sports. Her cousin Evan was an Olympic ski racing champion, and a cousin by marriage, Chase Paxton, was a professional kite surfer.

She was none of those things and usually participated in sports or athletics of any kind in small doses. Why the hell had she offered to run a triathlon for a stranger? It couldn’t be simple guilt, it must have to do with the way his virile presence clouded her mind. The way she wanted to take his pain away and make him smile. His awesome panty-melting smile, that had her all giddy.

How dumb can I get? A triathlon and me? That’s asking for trouble. She didn’t even know what exactly was involved in a triathlon. Sure, running, biking, swimming. But how far? One mile, ten miles or –  God forbid – one hundred miles?

No. No. No. She had to get out of that disaster waiting to happen.

The taxi arrived at the hospital’s emergency entrance and Vivian was jolted back to the present as the vehicle braked hard to a stop underneath the awning marked “Emergency.” 

Before she could venture inside to secure some help, a scrub-clad nurse came out with a wheelchair. “Dr. Steele over at the urgent care facility called ahead. They’re ready for you in x-ray.”

Vivian was stunned at how efficiently things were working, as she’d had other bad experiences in the past that included bad coffee and screaming, snotty kids in ER waiting rooms. She followed along as they were ushered into the building and into an elevator.

They exited the elevator on the second floor and were told to sit in the small waiting area in front of the closed doors to the x-ray department. Another first.

Rock tried to put on a brave face, while he leaned his head against the wall. But she could tell from his pursed lips and the pained look in his eyes, that his ankle was hurting.

Vivian was so fixated on him and her guilt that she didn’t notice several hospital employees approaching them whispering.

“Rock Martens. I’m such a fan. May I take a picture with you?” The nurse produced a cell phone and held it out.

“Sure,” Rock said, nodding and his face transformed from pained into a carefully practiced smile.

Vivian admired the way in which he interacted with everyone. He smiled and made small talk, posed for pictures and gave autographs. But when he wrapped his arms around two pretty nurses, one on each side, and smiled into the camera, a stab of pain slashed through Vivian’s body. Why couldn’t he just do the pics without holding them tight?

She scowled and moved to the other side of the hallway, but nobody noticed her. That arrogant playboy! Who does he think he is? When there was a break in interruptions from his ever-growing fan club, she asked, “Are you some kind of celebrity I’ve missed?”

Rock grinned at her, his brown eyes sparkling with mischief. “Not that I know of; just a normal guy running a triathlon once in a while.”

“He’s anything but a normal guy,” a young blonde doctor said. “Rock Martens has won the Hawaii Iron Man competition more times than anyone else and he still holds the world record.”

Vivian gasped and then inwardly groaned. Iron Man Winner? And I just offered to run a triathlon in this man’s place? God, how stupid can I be?

“Rock,” the blonde doctor said in a honeyed voice while she all but shoved her boobs into his face. “I’ll take you to the x-rays.”

Vivian grabbed his wheelchair, but the doctor gave her a stern glance and pointed at the warning sign on the door. “I’m afraid you have to wait outside. Restricted area.”

Off course, now that DD-woman would swoon over Rock, keeping her breasts firmly in his view. Should he have fun with his groupie, Vivian was outta here. That brazen woman could run in his place.

“Vivian. Don’t run away, okay?” Rocks deep voice thwarted her plan to bail.

“Okay.” She was trapped. It was her responsibility that his ankle was broken.

Fifteen minutes later Rock was wheeled back by the same blonde doctor and the sound of her honeyed voice had the bile rising in Vivian’s throat.

“I just love that latest campaign you have running. And the way you’re so willing to help those men is adorable.”

“And women,” Rock reminded her softly. He cast Vivian a seeking glance and she had the impression that he wasn’t very impressed by his newest fan. Or maybe that was wishful thinking.

“Oh! Of course…women. But it’s those men…I just tear up every time I see pictures of them and think about how strong and manly they used to be…”

Rock shook his head. “Every one of them is still very strong and manly. Losing a limb as a result of being in a war or some terrible accident doesn’t diminish one’s manliness or ability to contribute to society.”

Vivian hid her smirk as the doctor appeared to be taken aback by his impassioned speech. It was clear that she was mainly interested in Rock’s delightfully sexy appearance and couldn’t give a damn about his cause – something that seemed to light a fire within him.

His face lit up when he talked about his foundation and that made him even sexier. Vivian caught herself ogling him again. But there was much more to the man than his attractive physique. His passion. His drive. His purpose.

His arrogance. She grimaced at the memory of how he’d brushed her off repeatedly since they’d crashed into each other. Hot and cold. Caring and arrogant. She had no idea what to make of him.

The doctor told them to wait for the results and tottered off.

Oh yes. The Race. Vivian cleared her throat. “Rock, I’ve been thinking…about the race…”

“Don’t even think about backing out.” Rock said in a commanding voice and his expression hardened.

“Well, actually, I do. There’s no way I can run in your place…”

“Sure you can.”

“No, you don’t understand, it was a silly idea. I would make a complete fool of myself.” Her palms became sweaty.

“What makes you think so?” he asked with a voice so soft, she wanted to caress it. Her heart beat faster at the genuine concern he showed.

“Do you even have to ask? You’re an Ironman winner and I can’t remember the last time I ran.” And I offered only because I felt guilty for your broken ankle and your presence makes me babble.

“You can do it.” Rock cast his signature mega-watt grin and the spot between her thighs tightened. She hadn’t been worked up like this by a guy in – forever.

“I’m sorry, but there’s no way I can run that triathlon. I can’t do this.”

“So, you aren’t a woman of your word?” Rock raised his thick eyebrows and his tone was pure arrogant disgust.

Vivian sputtered and shook her head. “Off course I am. But…” She paused, controlling her urge to continue arguing with him.

“Well, then I guess that’s that. You can’t run a triathlon. Got it.”

Instantly, Vivian’s hackles rose. Who does he think he is, telling me what I can and can’t do? I could run a triathlon, if I wanted to. He thinks he’s so superior… “I can do anything I want to…”

His complacent smile told her she’d been had. She wouldn’t be able to get out now. She scowled at him, but he laughed it off.

“I’ll train you. You’ve two months.” Rock’s offer was promise and menace at once.

“Two months?” Vivian questioned him, her defenses broken.

Rock nodded. “More than enough time to get ready.”

Another physician came in before she could respond and she was left to ponder while Rock was wheeled away.

When he came back, he boasted an air cast, brand-new crutches and a devastating grin. “All set.”

Vivian pulled out her cell phone and called a taxi for him. The she escorted him out of the hospital and helped him get into the taxi.

“I’m really sorry about this,” she said, trying to ignore the heat caused by the intense gaze he raked over her body.

“Don’t be sorry.” Rock was back to being Mr. Charming and lulled her into believing he might be a nice person. “I’ll make a training schedule. You must follow it to the T to be in perfect shape for the race.”

Vivian nodded and shut the taxi door. Nice person? No way. Just another arrogant self-centered jerk trying to boss her around. She sighed and then waved down another taxi, returning to the urgent care to fetch her bike.

Back at home, she took a shower, washed her hair and tried to get the most sexy – and most arrogant – man in the world out of her mind. She wasn’t looking for a boyfriend, but if she were, theoretically speaking, she’d look for a nice, romantic man who bent over backwards to make her happy.

If I want to be bossed around, I can have that with any of my five brothers. Thank you very much.