“I hate jogging, and didn’t you just go yesterday?” Claire groaned as she tied her shoes, while Sophia jogged in place at their front door.
“Come on. It’s good for you. And then you can swing by the restaurant for dinner. Stuffed shells will be waiting for you,” Sophia said, wiggling her eyebrows at her best friend.
Claire rolled her eyes. “They’re always on the menu whether I jog with you or not. And maybe I have plans tonight?”
“Hot date? Please tell me it’s someone new. That last guy,” she broke off, shaking her head.
“What? He was hot and really good in bed,” Claire said as she stood up.
“Yeah, that’s great for you, but I didn’t need to see him walking around our apartment naked the next morning. I think he sat on the couch, and he was really hairy, like everywhere,” she said, then shuddered.
“Checking out my dates, are you? I know it’s been a while for you. The guys that have gotten past the first date have been so boring. Didn’t you say you made grocery lists in your head during sex with the last one? And you can’t even cook,” Claire teased.
“Oh, shut up,” Sophia grumbled, still traumatized. Maybe she hadn’t dated in a while, and the men she’d dated were tame, but she had her reasons, and Claire knew that. Claire was the only one who knew that.
“I’m not prepared for naked men before I’ve had my coffee.”
“That is sad on so many levels, Soph.”
“Are we jogging or not?”
“You’re the one holding us up, talking about checking out Martin before coffee.”
“Just keep him clothed when he’s on our couch,” she said, placing her sunglasses on top of her head and snagging her keys.
“Don’t worry. Martin won’t be walking around the living room naked anymore. At least not in this apartment. While he was a good time, having a real conversation with the guy was not on my list of things to do. His tongue was put to better use in other areas.”
Sophia chuckled. “You’re awful.”
“Nope. Just honest. When is your next night off, from both jobs? We’re going out.”
“Ugh. I’m so tired after both jobs.”
“You could quit one. You know, the one that feeds us. They won’t turn away family when you finally leave.”
“I’m working on it.” Sophia was tired of this subject, but it was her own fault. She liked to think she was strong in every other aspect of her life, but putting her foot down with her family—telling them how she really felt about everything—was something she still couldn’t manage.
“Work faster. But you know, not tonight. I’m so getting those shells after this run. I wonder if Nicky’s working.”
“No. You cannot hook up with my cousin. It was a disaster last time.”
“We were sixteen. And stupid. I’d like to think we’re adults now.”
“Says the woman letting Mr. Good-with-his-tongue lounge around in his birthday suit on our couch.”
“I vacuumed it after he left. That was totally adulting,” Claire said with a grin.
“So gross.” Sophia shook her head and held the front door open. “We are going to have to jog an extra mile just to get that image out of my head.”
“Or you could just find something or someone to replace it with. How’s Finn doing?” Claire asked, shutting the door behind her and taking off down the steps and chuckling, while Sophia stood there and tried not to think of Finn in her apartment in his birthday suit.
Oh hell.
“I think I need a new roommate,” she called out when she caught up with Claire just outside their building.
“A new roomie that looks like Thor?”
“You are the worst friend, and I never should’ve told you that he’s a patient,” Sophia replied, and jogged next to Claire. She’d finally confessed to Claire that she was helping him rehab last week. Sophia could still hear Claire’s shrieking in her ear, and then her immediately asking if she could swing by for lunch. Not happening.
“How’s that going, by the way? We never get to talk about it. You know, because of all the working.”
“Stop guilt-tripping me. I get enough of that from my father.”
“You could just—”
Sophia cut her off. “I know.”
“How’s the hockey god doing?”
“He’s not a hockey god.”
“Looks like Thor and plays hockey. Sounds like a hockey god to me. Did you tell him you have his jersey?”
“No.” That was a conversation they would never have. Things were awkward enough. She was still trying to figure out how to read him. Yesterday he’d been fun and charming, almost sweet. The complete opposite of the grouchy man who sat on her exam table three times a week. She understood his frustration, but he was recovering at a good pace, and she’d made that clear. But if the man she’d been wrapped up with yesterday showed up in her office—well, her willpower was only so strong.
Claire tutted. “So disappointing.”
Sophia ignored her friend’s line of questioning. She didn’t want to talk about Finn in the office. Which was ridiculous since she was jogging along the same path as yesterday, her eyes darting around to see if she could spot Finn with Bash. She should turn around. Run in the complete opposite direction, but she couldn’t stop her forward momentum.
He’d mentioned taking Bash to the park every day. She’d brought Claire along as a buffer so she had an excuse if she did run into him and he commented on seeing her two days in a row. She was a mess. He was her patient, and as hard as she tried to remember that, the feel of his body pressed against hers yesterday pushed out all thoughts of how wrong it was to desire him.
Sure, she’d lusted after him for years. As a hockey fan. A fan that was never going to meet her stupid crush, but here she was, scoping out a dog park in the hopes of running into him, knowing full well that she’d have her hands on him tomorrow.
For medical reasons only, of course. She wondered how many times she’d have to tell herself that for it to sink in.
“Why are you so quiet? Is the job not going well? I thought you loved it,” Claire said, pulling Sophia from her inappropriate thoughts.
“What? Oh, I do love it, and I’m learning so much. The staff is great and the patients are nice.” The answer sounded wooden in her ears.
Claire grabbed her arm, pulling Sophia to a stop.
“Want to try that again?”
“What?”
“Don’t what me. We’ve been friends since we were kids. I know when you’re bullshitting me. I thought you liked your new job.”
“I do. I’m just tired. But, I swear, I love working with Dr. Anders.”
“You’re tired, so we’re jogging?” Claire eyed her.
“Yep. It feels good to get out of the apartment.”
“That you’re never in because you’re always working.”
“Fine. I ran into Finn and his adorable dog yesterday coming out of the park. Like literally ran into him and the leash got tangled around us and it was awkward. I like him. And I can’t like him. He’s a patient. And now I’m dragging you to the dog park because Finn said they go there every day. And what the hell is wrong with me? We don’t even have a dog. Yeah. This is wrong. He’s a patient. I’m supposed to help him heal, not try to get into his pants. But holy hell, his thighs pressed against me yesterday. And his arms wound around me. They’re bigger than my head. This is ridiculous. We should just go. Sorry for dragging you out here.” She paused and took in a deep breath.
Claire gaped at her. Sophia wished she could’ve reined in the crazy that had just spewed from her mouth.
“Wow. Umm. Okay. Wait, what’s bigger than your head? His arms or thighs?”
Sophia snorted. “That’s what you got out of all of that?”
“No. Seriously. Arms or thighs?”
She shook her head. “Both.”
“Both,” Claire echoed.
“Could we focus on something besides his body?” Not that she’d been successful in that endeavor.
“We could, but why should we?” Claire said, and then laughed.
“Not funny. He’s my patient. And yes, he’s one of my favorite players, and he’s cute. But I can’t. This is my life. My future. And I have to be professional. I can finally have the career I’ve wanted for so many years and I’m going in the right direction. I can’t be the PT assistant that hooks up with her patients. Who would hire me? Trust me?”
Claire led her over to a bench, and Sophia plopped down, turning to face her friend. She hadn’t intended to tell Claire everything, but if she couldn’t tell her best friend, then who could she tell?
“Okay. Yes, I get it. You shouldn’t hook up with a patient, but don’t beat yourself up for being attracted to him. And he’s not going to be your patient forever.”
“True, but it’s still not a good idea, even after his treatment is over. Dr. Anders does a lot of work with the Strikers. Not that he asked me out or anything. Why am I making such a big deal out of this?”
“Because it’s been a while and you’re up close and personal with a guy you’re attracted to. And you look,” Claire paused, “happy. Like, happier than I’ve seen you in longer than we want to admit. Yes, focus on your job and being professional, but don’t throw something away that could be amazing once he’s no longer a patient. Some risks are good. Isn’t that what your therapist used to say?”
Sophia smiled at her best friend. “Yes, she did.” After Tony, Claire had convinced Sophia to see a therapist. Sophia had dug in her heels at first, but Dr. Lee had helped her get back on track and back into school.
“Then you should listen to her. Now, tell me more about yesterday,” Claire said, unable to hide her grin. “You were wrapped up in a leash in his arms. Sounds kinky.”
Sophia groaned. “Of course you had to go there. It was a freak accident. His dog was chasing a chipmunk, and he ran right into me, and then the leash got wrapped around us. I may have squirmed against him trying to get free.”
“Squirmed, huh? How’d that feel?”
“Oh my god, stop. I wasn’t even thinking that way.”
“You’re a big fat liar, Sophia Marie Lanzi.”
“Don’t you middle name me,” she grumbled. “I’m not lying.”
Shit. She was totally lying.
“Do you have to shift your body weight to stay balanced?” Harty called out as Finn pedaled on the bike Wednesday afternoon. He was making a concentrated effort not to lean forward.
“What are you talking about, Harty?” Finn called out to his teammate, Ethan Hartnell, known to everyone as Harty.
“You know, because one of your legs shrunk from you vegging out for the last three months.”
“Did Cheesy tell you to say that? I swear, that guy has no other chirps,” Finn barked out across the gym, ignoring their captain’s shout of outrage. “Just calling it like I see it, Cheesy.”
They were working out at the gym in Finn’s building since a few of the guys lived here and it was mostly empty in the middle of a weekday. They could throw cheap shots at each other while they worked out, and then head out for a beer.
“And you,” Finn called out to Harty. “You better double your workout. How much pasta did you eat on your trip? Beady will rip you a new one if you aren’t in fighting shape by training camp,” Finn said, referring to the team’s conditioning coach. Nicknames were usually based on a player’s last name, but their conditioning coach had earned the name Beady because of his eyes. Always darting around, taking everything in, watching every move they made during training and workouts. It was nerve-wracking.
Harty lifted up his shirt and grinned. “I’m in perfect shape. I burned off all the pasta.”
Finn laughed. He was happy for the guy. Harty had just gotten back from a month-long trip around Europe with his girlfriend, ending in Italy, where they’d originally met in a story that Finn still didn’t have all the details on.
“I can’t believe you got her to go away for that long. Amanda is still shocked,” Cheesy said.
“You’re telling me,” Harty said, his love for his girlfriend clear on his face.
“Ugh. Harty has that look on his face. It’s sickeningly sweet,” Sully said, walking into the gym, the door swinging shut behind him.
“There’s nothing wrong with being in love,” Cheesy said.
“There’s nothing right with it, either,” Sully grumbled.
“How is Sara doing, anyway?” Harty asked, taunting his linemate.
“This has nothing to do with her. You’re just turning into a sap,” Sully stated, then jumped on the treadmill two spots down from Harty.
“She’s still dating someone else, and Sully is cranky,” Finn said, ignoring his friend’s glare. The man was getting ridiculous.
“Sorry, man,” Harty said.
“How’s PT going?” Sully asked, ignoring Harty.
“Not bad. Getting my strength back. Not ready for the ice yet, but it’s only been two weeks, so hopefully in another three weeks, I’ll be able to at least put my skates on.”
“That’s great, man,” Harty said, slowing the treadmill to a stop and heading over to the weights next to Cheesy.
“I’m still waiting to hear about the hot PT assistant at Dr. Anders’ office that Boosh mentioned. He didn’t get to experience her hands-on care because she’d just started, and he was done with rehab,” Sully said.
Finn bit back the red that glazed his eyes. “Leave it.”
“What? I heard she’s curvy and gorgeous as hell,” Sully continued.
“You’re really turning into an asshole, Sully,” Cheesy said.
“And she’s related, well, almost related to your friend, Adam.”
“No way?”
Finn took a calming breath. “The new PT assistant is Sophia Lanzi. I’m really sure Adam would love to hear you talk about his girlfriend’s cousin like that.”
“Sophia Lanzi, huh?” Sully asked.
“No. Stay away from her,” Finn said. He instantly regretted mentioning her by name and warning Sully away as he caught Sully’s narrowed, and way too inquisitive, expression.
“Why, because you want her?” Sully asked.
“What? No. She’s helping me rehab. And she’s nice. And you are not right now.”
“Well this is interesting,” Harty said, resting his arm on the treadmill next to Sully.
“Nothing’s interesting. He’s just being an asshole and she’s related to our friend.” Not that Finn knew Adam all that well, but Sully had played in the AHL with the guy and Adam’s bar was the Strikers’ unofficial hangout.
And now he was thinking about her. Not that he wasn’t thinking about her more often than not. He’d even thought that he’d spotted her on Sunday near the park, the day after he’d collided with her thanks to Bash. But he couldn’t be sure, and by the time he’d left the dog park, she was gone.
Shit. Now he was seeing her everywhere. He hadn’t even brought it up at their appointment on Monday. He hadn’t known how to bring it up without it sounding weird, like he was looking for her. He’d ignored the sparks that shot through his body when she touched his ankle. They rivaled the electromagnetic pulses that the therapy machine set off in him. He ordered himself to only focus on his recovery—the only thing that truly mattered right now.
And he was making progress, no longer holding onto walls while on the stability ball. He’d even added in weights while he balanced. His ankle still wobbled, but he was getting stronger. But even with the progress, he was still frustrated. He wanted to get back on the ice. To make sure his skating was even better than before his injury, and to make sure his body was ready for training camp next month.
Thankfully he hadn’t done any additional damage after crashing into her last weekend. He’d elevated his leg whenever he’d had the chance, and by Monday all the swelling was gone.
“He’s right about that,” Cheesy said, and Finn focused on his teammates. Thinking about Sophia wouldn’t get him anywhere.
“Fine,” Sully grumbled and ramped up the speed on his treadmill.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date I can’t miss,” Finn said, wiping his brow with his towel.
“I knew you were hooking up with Sophia. Tut. Tut. You’re her patient,” Sully said, waving his finger. Finn glared at his teammate, secretly hoping the man would lose his balance and sail off the treadmill.
“Shut up. It’s with Molly. FaceTime dinner date every week since I can’t head home this summer.”
“That’s adorable. You should tell Sophia about your date with your niece. Women love that shit,” Sully said, still unfortunately upright on the treadmill.
“Ignore him. He’s a grumpy douche these days,” Cheesy said, ignoring Sully’s indignation.
Finn chuckled. “Maybe I’ll tell Sara about my dates. Bet she’d want to join us for dinner one night. We could exchange recipes.”
Sully muttered a string of expletives as he gripped the handrails, almost faceplanting on the machine.
“My work here is done,” Finn said, heading for the door as Sully cursed him, and Harty and Cheesy laughed.
***
“Uncle Ewic, you’re late,” Molly’s voice came through Finn’s phone right before her face popped up on the screen. Her pale blue eyes were serious, her blonde curls bouncing as she scolded him.
“I’m sorry, peanut, the chicken took longer to cook than I thought it would,” he said, tilting his phone to show her his plate.”
“Too gween,” she said, and he chuckled as she shuddered.
“Veggies are good for you,” his sister Grace said, crouching into the shot. “Hey big brother, when are you coming home?”
“Yes, when?” Molly echoed.
“I’m still getting better and then I’m hoping to see you before I start hockey again. Maybe sometime in August or early September.”
“We miss you, Uncle Ewic,” Molly said.
“I miss you guys, too.” He’d spent every summer in Calgary after he’d been drafted. It was weird to go this long without seeing them. “It looks like you started eating without me,” he said, grinning as Molly pursed her sauce-covered lips.
“You took so long. I was hungwy.”
He couldn’t stop his laugh. “That’s okay. What did you do today?” he asked, cutting his chicken and popping a bite into his mouth. A little dry. A touch too much salt. He’d tweak the timing next time. It was a new recipe. Skillet chicken with asparagus and heirloom tomatoes in a sherry wine sauce. He’d paired it with couscous and a dry white wine to offset the sweet sherry and tomatoes. He loved trying new recipes. It was only slightly depressing that he was only cooking for one, but sometimes the guys stopped by to act as taste testers.
“We went to the park with Grandma and Grandpa.” Molly’s voice cut through Finn’s perusal of his plate.
“Really? Grandpa?” His eyes darted toward his sister, a brow raised in question.
“Yes. But he didn’t want to stay that long,” Molly continued, oblivious to the tension that held her mother and uncle frozen.
“Yes. He’s been back for a few months. This is the first time Molly’s seen him,” his sister said. The chicken tasted like sawdust in his mouth.
Why the hell was his father back and what did he want this time?
“He gave me an otter. Do you think Grandma told him they’re my favorite?” Molly asked, muting some of Finn’s anger as he turned his attention back to his niece.
“Did he?”
She grinned at him. “Yep.”
Twenty minutes later, after a full account of her visit with her grandparents, a play-by-play of her puppy, also known as Bash’s sister, eating her mom’s favorite shoes, and showing off her new fuzzy unicorn slippers, she started to fade. And as much as he wanted to keep talking to his favorite person in the world, he needed some answers that his sister wouldn’t give him with Molly still on the phone.
“Looks like someone is ready for bed,” he said.
“I’m not tired,” she said, with a pout. Damn, he missed them.
“Yes, you are. Say good night to Uncle,” Grace said.
After a few grumbles, Molly finally said good night and blew him a kiss.
“I’ll be up to see you soon, peanut.”
“You better.” She flashed him one last smile, then disappeared from the screen, and Finn realized that Grace had hung up on him.
He quickly fired off a text.
Eric: Call me as soon as she’s in bed.
Grace: It’s fine, Eric. I’ve got everything handled.
Eric: Call me.
Grace: Fine.
Eric: I’ll call you in an hour if you haven’t called me.
Grace: Stop being a bully. I’ll call.
He spent the next forty-five minutes cleaning up the mess he’d made in the kitchen and stewing. Why was his father back? What did he want after all these years? And why the hell hadn’t anyone told him as soon as Jack Finnegan stepped one foot back in Calgary?
***
Fifty-eight minutes later his phone rang.
“Cutting it close, aren’t you?” he asked.
“Don’t be an ass. Molly wanted me to read three stories to her,” his sister shot back.
“How long has he been back?”
“Three months.”
“Three. Three months? And I had to find out from Molly? What the hell, Grace.”
“Don’t you dare yell at me. I knew you’d freak, and it was fine. Molly hadn’t met him, and I saw him maybe twice since he got back. Mom showed up at the park with him today. He’d been asking to meet Molly. What were we supposed to do?”
“Call me so I can come up there.”
“You are rehabbing and you can’t fix everything. We’re big girls and we can handle him.”
“Can you?”
“Eric…” she trailed off, warning in her voice.
“I know. It’s just…”
She sighed. “I know. And part of me wishes you were here, and not just because of him. But, you need to stay there. He’ll bail soon. He always does.”
“And what if he sticks around longer? He’s not a good influence for Molly to be around.”
“I know how to raise my kid, Eric,” she bit back.
“I know you do, Grace. I just don’t want Molly to get hurt. And I know how Mom is when he leaves.”
“We’ll figure it out. And hopefully his visit will be short.”
“It’s already been three months.”
“Yeah, so maybe he’ll be gone soon.”
“I want to know why the hell he’s back to begin with.”
“Me too,” she said, softly. “And don’t you dare get on a plane.”
“Keep me updated. And I mean real updates. I don’t want to hear things from Molly.”
“I promise.”
A few minutes later he hung up the phone and debated booking a flight immediately, but he didn’t. And then the guilt ramped back up. If he rehabbed faster, he should be able to get up there sooner rather than later. His father being home was never a good thing, and he didn’t want to pick up the pieces again when that asshole bailed on his family.