I stared at the sliver of ocean that was visible through the sliding glass doors. It must have been nice to grow up in a house like this. The rec room alone was nicer than anything at Gran's place.

"So you went to nursing school... after college?"

I nodded, trying not to look at him.

"Yes. I got an associates degree. I didn't want to do the whole four years and then get my license."

"That's smart. You're well-rounded."

He was smiling at me, with a self-satisfied look on his face. I didn't even look, but I could feel his grin. I hated this. I hated being poked and prodded. I'd told him to keep away for a reason the one night he'd spoken to me.

The night he'd basically asked me to bang.

I sighed, rubbing my arms. I looked at his impossibly handsome face, realizing he'd think it was bizarre if I ignored him completely. Even with everything he'd been through, he looked gorgeous. His dark hair and chiseled face... those eyes that were kind and mischievous at the same time.

The damn things twinkled for God's sake. And his lashes were longer than a girls! And his lips were soft and manly at the same time. The man was perfectly formed from head to toe, even with his injury.

It just was not fair how some people got dealt the best hands.

Just objectively, he was too good-looking for his own good. Or mine.

Not that I cared about things like that.

"Did you want something more to eat?"

He gave me a pointed look.

"You didn't answer my questions."

"Yes, I did."

"No, I asked how you've been. What you've been up to. You didn't even tell me if you had a boyfriend or-"

I stood up abruptly.

"I've been fine. I should check the bathroom, to see if you have enough leverage. Did you install safety equipment yet? I can help with that."

I realized I was babbling and snapped my mouth shut. Gabe was staring at me like I was a bug under a microscope. Some sort of strange creature.

I'm sure to him, I was.

I sighed and took the coward’s way out.

"Why don't you take a nap?"

He stared at me, looking annoyed. Then he smiled. I wanted to tell him to stop being so charming dammit.

"But I'm not tired."

"I'll rub your back for you. Actually, I'm supposed to massage your legs but I want to check in with your physical therapist first."

He actually looked shocked.

"You're going to- rub my legs?"

"Yes. Medical massage. It speeds healing, increases blood flow, etc."

His face was pale. I think I actually saw him gulp.

I smiled grimly, determined to get him into that bed and resting until it was time to eat again. If I didn't have to look at him, or talk to him, I'd be fine.

I could maintain my hard outer shell, and my equilibrium.

"Come on, I'll just do your back for now. It will knock you right out, I promise."

He nodded and pulled himself into the chair. I watched carefully, not offering to help unless he really needed it. I knew already that wouldn't go down well.

He was stubborn as a mule. And proud. And, well, strong enough to manage most moves, as long as he stayed off his leg. His upper body was almost ridiculously thick with muscles. He wheeled himself towards his bedroom so fast I was left behind.

I noticed he had brought his magazine with him, carefully placing it on his lap.

That's weird.

I grabbed the magnesium oil I'd brought with me and followed him into his bedroom. He was already facedown on the bed when I came in. He looked over his shoulder at me.

"Shirt on or off?"

"Off is better but it's up to you."

He gave me an odd smile and pulled his shirt up and over his head. I stared, the spray bottle forgotten in my hand. He was... perfect.

His broad back was wide and carved with defined muscles. He had scars too- which only made him look more manly I thought. He wasn't a gym rat. This was a soldier's body.

Gabe was a lean, mean, fighting machine. My hands literally were itching to reach out and touch that perfection. Feel his soft looking skin, touch his meaty shoulders... his back... maybe the top of his absolutely perfect ass which was almost visible where his jeans had slipped a bit.

Pervert.

This was wrong. So, so wrong. He was a patient! The man was injured and he needed my care. I should not be ogling him.

Even though he seemed to just love ogling me.

I pulled myself together and sat on the edge of the bed. I poured the oil onto my hands and exhaled deeply. Be professional T. You can do it.

I rested my hands on his shoulders, shocked at the thrill that went through me at the feel of his skin.

When was the last time I had touched anyone? Or hugged them? I still talked to Jackie and Den, but they were both far away. Jackie lived in Paris of all places, and Dennis was in Jacksonville. Gran and I had hugged plenty, but she was gone.

I was completely alone, and had been for a while now.

If I wondered from time to time if I was starved for human affection.. well, this proved it. I was. This was a simple backrub. It was no reason to get all... goosebumpy about it.

I closed my eyes and pretended he was an old man. No- an old woman. Anyone but Gabe Jackson, spread out in front of me like a man buffet.

Focus Tabby.

Just... rub.