Page 62 of Nailing Heat

“That works for me,” I tell, grinning at her. She stares at me for a second and then laughs nervously. “What’s up?”

“You keep on staring at me. It’s freaking me out.”

“Sorry,” I say, holding my hands up. “I didn’t mean to freak you out.”

We eat in silence for a bit and then she says, “I like it, though. That you’re so excited or enthusiastic, whatever is the non-creepy stalker way to say that.”

I shrug, feeling slightly embarrassed. The rest of breakfast without incident. I hover outside of her bedroom door while she’s getting dressed. She’ll need help getting the massive brace on her knee. Ameila isn’t used to all the straps yet, so she has to let me help.

“I hate this thing,” she says, with a roll of her eyes. “How long, do I have to be in it?”

The comment causes me to roll my eyes, “For as long as I say.”

“You’re the boss,” she teases me.

My hands still on her leg for a moment before tightening the last strap. “I’m the trainer.” I reminds her.

“Physician’s assistant,” she shoots back.

“Let’s get you moving” is all I say.

Getting out of the apartment has its challenges. We’re on the second floor, so I have to carry her down the steps. She feels she could have hobbled but carrying her is so much easier. She scoots across the parking lot on her crutches, and I help her get into thecar. She fumbles a bit while scooting along, but I patiently wait for her. I don’t want to rush her. It won’t help. We’re packed up in the car and headed to the fields.

I walk slowly at her side as she maneuvers through the hallways that lead to my training room.

“The girls will be here shortly. But you can hang out in here with me until everyone arrives. And then I think that Watts wants you to come out and watch practice with the girls. He said something about having you help coach,” I explain.

“Yeah, I know. You mentioned that.” She pauses and turns towards me. “You don’t have to hover. I am okay. I’m slowly accepting all of this and it’s going to be fine.”

“Good, good. I wanted to make sure that we had a plan for you today You’re welcome to stay here with me as long as you would like.” I wiggle my eyebrows at her. “I mean, I have to look over Carrie but then we can make out in here or whatever.”

She laughs loudly.

“Wow, I didn’t realize that would cause you to laugh so much! I must say I’m a little hurt.” I place my hand over my chest for fake comfort.

“Oh, please, you’re fine,” she teases me right back. Something I really like about her. She doesn’t just let me go; seems like she’s going to call me on my bullshit. Something that I need someone other than August to do.

I hold the door that leads to my office open, and she slowly makes her way in.

“Your lights are supposed to come on when I enter, right? Aren’t they on a motion sensor or something?” she turns and asks me.

I flip up the switch and call out, “Surprise!”

There stand Mac, Cassie, Hendrix, holding up balloons and flowers.

“I could have left them on, but this would have spoiled their surprise,” I inform her. “Ladies,” I say, nodding to them.

The girls all come over and engulf her in hugs. It makes me happy to see her smiling so brightly at them. I can tell she’s happy to see them.

“I know that everyone is going to be seeing you later, but we wanted some time with our girl. We wanted to make sure that we got some time with you before the masses took over you,” Mac explains as she helps her over to the couch in my training area.

“Guys, I’m not that popular on the team. I wouldn’t have been surrounded by the masses,” she tells them.

“She is being too modest,” I call out.

“Yeah, listen to your nurse,” Cassie says with a giggle.

“I think she might have a better nurse than I would,” Hendrix says, shaking her head.