"Okay, so you start at the knee. The magnesium oil goes on first, then the castor oil. The vitamin E is good for healing. After you rub it in you can wrap a heating pad over it. Use a hand towel or an old t-shirt under it. See?"

I watched as the physical therapist moved his fingers on Gabe's bare leg. His thigh was still muscular, with creamy skin that was edged in pink ridges where his wound had been. I ignored the fluttery feelings I got from looking at his naked flesh and focused.

I could see that the scar tissue was getting thicker. That was good. He was getting better.

Now he just had to strengthen the muscles without jarring the tendons or ligaments. He could walk again, though he'd probably need a cane. At least, I hoped he would.

"Here are some diagrams with the exercises in case you need reminders."

I took them numbly, feeling like a jerk. It felt wrong to pretend I was sticking around. I wasn't going to be the one helping Gabe with any of this. He needed me and I was about to bail on him.

I was a coward. I knew it. But I was also a pragmatist.

And I needed to protect myself from him.

From all of this.

"Okay, that's it. Good job, man."

"Thanks Danny."

The therapist smiled at me.

"I'll see you both next week."

I grabbed my coat and bag, not bothering to correct him. Hopefully by next week they'd have a new aid. Maybe a real nurse.

Not a dropout like me.

"Where are you going?"

I stared at Gabe.

"To catch the bus."

"Don't be ridiculous. I drove here."

I shifted my bag on my shoulder. I didn't want to be in a long car ride with Gabe. It would be impossible to avoid him.

"I thought your mom was here."

He grinned.

"I can drive. It's my left leg that's messed up, remember? I just need help getting the chair in and out."

I bit my lip. He was being friendly. He hadn't seemed all that happy to see me when I walked in late.

"Come on, Tabby. I'm not taking no for an answer."

I followed him down the hallway to the elevator. We rode down in silence. I had to be at Garrity's in an hour and a half. I really didn't have time to catch the bus.

I sighed and helped him put the chair in the back of the car.

"How did you manage when you got here?"

"Danny knew to come out and get me set up."

"Your mom is really amazing."

I meant that. She was a really cool lady. She'd always been nice to me. And she was taking amazing care of Gabe.

Of course, it wasn't just his mother. Any woman alive would bend over backwards to help him. He was so charming and handsome and manly and...

Shut up Tabby.

I stared straight ahead while Gabe tried to make small talk. I gave him one word answers and checked my phone. I didn't want to be rude, but I did want to discourage him.

Plus, I knew he would be annoyed when I told him what I'd done. Not just annoyed. Pissed off. Being a coward, I waited until he pulled into town and drove right to my street.

Which was pretty weird considering I'd never told him where I lived.

"Sorry if Danny was overly friendly."

I gave him a startled look. I hadn't realized he'd noticed. The PT guy had been flirting with me the whole time.

"I'll tell him to chill for next week."

"Don't bother." I bit my lip. "You are just going to have to teach someone else anyway."

Gabe gave me a sharp look. The SUV wasn't small, but suddenly I felt like there was no air in the space. He was a big guy and he felt close.

Too close.

"What?"

I exhaled, hoping he wouldn't freak.

"I put in my notice."

His eyes got wide and he cursed.

"Why Tabby?"

I looked away, not answering him. He grabbed my shoulders and turned me towards him. His eyes searched my face.

"Because I kissed you? That's fucking bullshit."

I pulled back and shook my head.

"I don't have time for this- for any of this."

His eyes narrowed and he reached for me again, taking my hands.

"Don't. I have to go... I have to go to work. I'm going to pick up some extra shifts."

He stared at me, a muscle ticking in his jaw. He didn't let go of my hands though. He squeezed them. Hard.

"You'd rather sling drinks and wings for guys who would treat you like a piece of meat?"

My mouth opened but no words came out.

"I wouldn't do that to you, Tabby. I fucking respect you."

He looked furious. I didn't know what to say. I shook my head as if to clear it. I realized he was squeezing my hands so hard the fingertips were turning white.

"I'll stay on until they find someone new. It's not like I was going to be here much longer anyway."

He didn't say anything for a long minute. Eventually he let go of my hands. I opened the door and gave him one last look.

"Gabe..."

His head jerked towards me. He looked like he was in pain. I felt my stomach twist at the look in his eyes.

"I'm sorry."