His heartbeat pumped with excitement, but he still tried to calm down. Although she was single, she still didn’t want to date him.

  “I’m divorced, too.”

  Her gaze jumped up and met his. “How long have you been divorced?”

  “Gads, I’d lost count of the months. It’s been a few years.” He paused and then asked, “How long has it been for you?”

  “One month.”

  That single phrase dampened his spirits.

  One month was too soon for someone to start dating again. From her expression, he could tell she still had some feelings for her ex. Now Aedan wondered if the man died. Was that why she still held onto the ring?

  “What does your ex-husband do?” he asked, trying to get her to open up.

  She took a deep breath before slowly releasing it. “I’d rather not talk about my husband right now. All right?”

  Sadness filled her eyes, wrenching his heart. “Is he the reason you were crying the other night?”

  “Aedan, I really don’t want to discuss him, so just drop it, okay?” Her voice was harsher this time.

  “Okay.”

  She took in a deep breath slowly. “Why don’t you tell me about yourself? How come a successful, good looking man like yourself, is single and showing off for his friend’s girl friend?”

  Aedan laughed. “I guess you could say I have a bad habit of picking women who aren’t available.”

  “I wonder why you’re like that?” She tilted her head. “Are you worried about finding the right woman and having a normal relationship with her?”

  “That’s a good question, doc. My first wife cheated on me, and I know I definitely don’t want to go through that again. Then, not too long ago, I thought I’d found the right woman, but she was still hung up on her ex-boyfriend.”

  “I’m sorry.” Christine frowned. “You need to find a woman who can repair your heart.”

  He folded his arms across his chest and grinned. “I thought I had found a healer, but she doesn’t want to date me because I’m her patient.”

  Christine’s cheeks brightened and she glanced at her timer again. “You’re not funny, Aedan.”

  “Really? I thought I was pretty darn humorous at times.” He touched her knee again, and she looked at him. “I mean, I’ve had you laughing before.”

  “Yes, but this time is different.”

  “I guess,” he said, “I should have inherited my brother’s looks and charm. Some women have said he was the best thing that ever happened to them.”

  Christina smiled. “Who is your brother?”

  “Drew Donovan.”

  “Oh,” she gasped, sitting up straighter. “I’ve heard of him.”

  “You’ve probably heard about him from your female patients.”

  “Yes, probably.” She shrugged. “But I’ve seen him, and I don’t think he’s the best thing that’s out there.”

  Rolling his eyes, he laid back and relaxed. “You can’t tell me you haven’t taken a second glance when he walked by.”

  She laughed. “Your brother is quite good looking and most definitely charming, but I met him through my husband and have only seen him a couple of times since then. But even if I hadn’t been married at the time, I don’t think Drew is my type at all.”

  “Really?” Aedan’s voice deepened. “And what exactly is your type?”

  After he asked the question, he realized he’d spoken out of turn again. But he liked to flirt, and seeing her cheeks grow pink and the twinkling in her eyes just made him want to make her happy. But now, he wondered how she’d answer. He’d love to know what her type of man was, because darn it all... he wanted to be that man.

  SEVEN

  The urge to flirt was strong with Christine – especially with this man. He was a charmer, and she liked the way she felt around him. But that scared her. After all, he was her patient, and look what happened with the last man she’d been overly friendly with.

  It was comical that Aedan would ask her what type of man she liked. The man she pictured would take care of his body and be strong, not only in mind but physically. This man would have dark brown hair and enchanting green eyes. He would have a smile that melted her heart, and a personality that kept her laughing.

  Shock washed over her, realizing the man who fit this description was... Aedan.

  Christine mentally shook away her thoughts and glanced down at her timer. “Oh, look. It’s time to remove these packs.”

  She didn’t dare meet Aedan’s eyes, mainly because her face still heated from imagining the man of her dreams – who was right before her. He was a smart man and he’d figure out by just looking at her face what had been on her mind.

  Without saying anything, they walked together to the mats. She helped him down to lie on his back.

  “Okay, relax.” She slipped off his rugged men’s sandals that looked remarkably well on his feet. “I’m going to stretch your legs again. Let me know if it hurts too much, all right?”

  He nodded, but didn’t say anything. She felt his gaze on her as she tried concentrating on stretching each leg. A few times he hitched a breath, but nothing more.

  “How are you doing?” She glanced his way.

  “So far, so good.”

  She lifted his leg in her hand and started massaging him. It was hard not to think of Adonis and thinking Aedan was just like him. But when his face popped into her head, she tried mentally shaking him out. It frustrated her that nothing was working.

  On his right leg were a few scars that looked like he’d been burned. He hadn’t said anything about his military life, but she’d bet the scars were from that. She wouldn’t ask him about them, only because she worried about bringing up such bad memories.

  Moving her gaze to his face, she hoped he wouldn’t be watching her. Thankfully, he wasn’t. His eyes were closed, allowing her more time to study him. He was really one magnificently built man. His eyes were perfect, just like his nose was. His tempting lips made her think of things she should never imagine. Underneath his trimmed whiskers, there was a scar, no bigger than a fingernail. Had he received this when he was with the Military Police?

  There were so many questions swimming in her head that she wanted to ask him, but then listening to his answers about his experiences in the military would mean she cared... and caring would mean she had feelings for him... and having feelings for him would affect her heart and only make things worse.

  A few times his face tightened when she massaged a certain muscle that hurt him, so she eased up on the pressure she gave his legs. As soon as his expression relaxed, she smiled. Why did he have to be so gorgeous? And why couldn’t she stop thinking about him this way? It was hard when he was such a sweet man.

  Suddenly an idea entered her mind. Why couldn’t she go out with him? Clearly, he wasn’t anything like Stuart – the insane man who attacked her over a year ago. The man who ruined her marriage, and her trust in men.

  Taking a deep breath to cleanse out those negative thoughts, she worked on Aedan’s other leg. She’d been to her own kind of therapy session for several months after her attack, and she’d learned how to wipe away those thoughts and think of things she was grateful for.

  I’m grateful for loving parents who support me. I’m grateful for my home and my car. I’m grateful for... She took a deeper breath. I’m grateful for my job and wonderful patients like Mary... and Aedan.

  But most of all, she was grateful that she wasn’t still stuck in a loveless marriage to a drunk who blamed her for something that was out of her control.

  Her timer went off, and she sighed with relief. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy helping Aedan, but maybe she enjoyed it too much.

  “Well, that’s all for today’s session,” she told him as she helped him stand.

  He tested his legs before walking two steps. “Dang, woman. You did it again. You definitely have a touch from Heaven. Now you know why I think of you as an angel.”

  She stiffened, knowing she was far from that... And yet, he was referring to her healing touch, so maybe she shouldn’t take offense this time. “Thank you, Aedan.” She smiled. “Your words warm my heart.”

  His face softened as his gaze dropped to her mouth. Immediately, her heart flipped excitedly and her breath caught in her throat.

  “You’re the best, Christine, and don’t let anyone tell you differently.”

  A knot formed in her throat and her eyes stung with unshed tears. What was wrong with her? It was just a compliment... and yet, it was something she hadn’t heard since she’d been through therapy right after the attack.

  “I...” She cleared her throat. “I’ll see you back on Wednesday.”

  “Yes, you will, angel.”

  He winked, turned away from her and headed out the door. She clenched her hands together and bit her bottom lip. How she wanted to call him back to her just to hear his encouraging and grateful words. And of course, to see his melting smile.

  Perhaps she needed to schedule another appointment with her mental health counselor. She was beginning to crave Aedan’s company like most women to chocolate bars. He was addicting, and she couldn’t stop from wanting him around. Her ego needed him more than anything. Then again, her state of mind needed him the most.

  The rest of the day went smoothly, and surprisingly enough, she was cheerful. Lately, her cheerful attitude was fake, but today she actually felt... normal. Dare she hope that her life was finally going to let her live from day to day without feeling like a failure? At least right now she was happy, and that was enough to grasp the tail of hope and fly along with it.

  Before she knew it, the day had passed and it was almost time for her to go home. Maybe tonight, she’d find a good movie to watch in her dvd collection and spend the night enjoying a humorous romance.

  The doors to the therapy room opened and Doctor Dawson walked in. His gaze swung toward her... and stayed. Immediately, she knew something was wrong. The sorrow written on his face and the liquid building in his eyes made her stomach twist with worry.

  She pushed away from her desk and stood. “Randy? What’s wrong?”

  The forty-year-old doctor glanced around the empty room before closing the door. Her heart sank. This couldn’t be good at all.

  “Christine, I have some bad news.” He pointed to her desk. “Maybe you should sit.”

  “Randy, just tell me,” she said, stepping closer.

  “Little Mary was brought into the emergency room about an hour ago.” His voice choked with emotion, so he cleared his throat. “Her mother said Mary felt so good today that she decided to walk without her braces, and without anyone’s help.”

  Christine’s chest became tight. “But... I told her not to.”

  “I know, I know.” He cleared his throat again. “While attempting to walk, she tripped and fell into the patio’s glass door. She was severely cut up and lost a lot of blood.”

  “No!” Christine slapped a hand to her mouth as tears filled her eyes. She sank down on the corner of her desk. “No... No...”

  “She’s in critical condition right now, but she should live. It’ll be touch and go for the next twenty-four hours, but I think she’ll pull through. She’s a strong girl.”

  Randy’s face became a blur from her tears as her blood turned cold. Her mind numbed, and she wasn’t even sure what she was doing.

  Randy touched Christine’s shoulder. “You should go home.”

  “No. I want to see her.”

  “Only family are allowed to see her right now.” He patted her arm. “Do you want me to take you home?”

  “No, I’ll be fine.”

  “Maybe you should call a friend or someone to be with tonight. It’ll make you feel better.”

  “Feel better?” Her voice lifted as she stood, glaring at Randy. “How can I feel better knowing what happened while she was still under my care?”

  “Christine, there’s nothing you could have done. Please, call someone to be with you. Those are doctor’s orders.”

  All she wanted to do was curl up on her bed and cry. And pray. And then cry some more. She also didn’t want to be alone, but who could she call?

  Aedan’s handsome face appeared in her mind. Aedan with his tender smile, his infectious laugh, and his twinkling eyes. Aedan... who had the best chest to cry on.

  She licked her lips and nodded. “I’ll call a friend.”

  “Good.” Randy left the therapy room, closing the doors behind him.

  She sank on her chair and stared at the computer screen. How could she get in touch with Aedan, unless...

  She quickly looked up his file on the computer and found his phone number. Thankfully, it didn’t take long to dial. Her hand shook as she waited through two rings to hear his melting voice.

  “Hello?”

  “Aedan...” Her voice broke. Oh, how could she talk to him now?

  “Christine? Is that you?”

  Her heart accelerated. “Yes.”

  “What’s wrong?” Worry laced his voice.

  “I... need you.” She choked on a sob.

  “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  “I’ll wait at my desk until you come.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  EIGHT

  Aedan couldn’t drive fast enough. Ten minutes were too long when Christine needed him. He felt the agony in her voice, and his chest wrenched as if he could feel the same emotions.

  Cussing, he honked his horn, trying to get the slow people to move over and let him pass. “Idiot drivers!”

  As soon as he passed the man driving so slow a turtle could overtake him, Aedan pushed his foot on the gas pedal and sped around the driver, hurrying toward the hospital. He found a close parking spot and jumped out of his car. Thankfully, nobody was in his way as he darted toward the therapy room. He didn’t even care that the fast movements were giving him pain.

  The lights to the room were off, and his heart sank. He tested the door, and it opened. As he hurried inside, his gaze riveted toward her desk. It was empty.

  “Aedan.” Her sweet, but broken voice came from toward the windows.

  He swung his gaze in that direction. She sat on the edge of a small table next to a window that overlooked the parking lot. He headed straight for her. She stood, watching him. Her eyes were swollen and her cheeks were wet from her tears.

  When he was close enough, he opened his arms and she fell against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, gently rocking her.

  “Oh, Aedan... It’s Mary!”

  “Mary? The little girl with braces on her legs?”

  She nodded, not moving her head off his chest. “Mary... she tried... to... walk by herself yesterday and she fell...” She sobbed brokenly. “She was at home in the kitchen... and when she fell... she fell through their sliding glass door.”

  His heart tightened with emotion. “Oh no, Christine.” He kissed the top of her head. “How is she doing?”

  “She’s in critical condition right now.” She took ragged breaths. “The glass from the door cut her up very badly, especially her head and neck. She lost a lot of blood.”

  “Oh, no... How awful.” Aedan held Christine tighter and let her cry in his arms. The knot in his throat became painful, and he felt like crying too. It hurt him because it was hurting Christine.

  “Oh, Aedan. Why did she try to walk by herself? Why didn’t she wait for someone to help her? I told her the other day that it was too soon to walk. Why didn’t she listen to me?”

  Aedan rubbed her back and shoulders. He dropped his face to the crook of her neck and rested it there. “Shhh, don’t blame yourself, Christine. It wasn’t your fault. You can’t be with her twenty-four hours a day, so quit thinking it was your fault.”

  “I know Aedan, but it is just so sad. This didn’t need to happen.” She clutched the front of his shirt as she kept her face pressed against his chest.

  “I know, honey. I know.”

  They held onto each other like this for several minutes while Christine cried. He wouldn’t let her go. Not yet. Her body trembled, needing his comfort right now. But he could tell that she was growing weak, and soon he would need to sit, as well.

  “Christine? Can I take you home?”

  “No.”

  “Do you want to stay here?”

  “No.”

  He stroked her hair. “Where do you want to go?”

  She lifted her face and looked at him. It was hard to see her eyes swollen with tears.

  “Your place.”

  He hitched a quiet breath, shocked that she’d say that – and yet very happy that she trusted him enough to help her get through this tragic moment in her life.

  He nodded. “Let’s go.”

  As he walked her out to his car, he wrapped one arm around her shoulders, holding her against him. He took her to the passenger’s side and let her in before getting in behind the wheel. Driving like a maniac had vanished from his system, so he didn’t rush it this time. She didn’t say anything, just stared at the window and sniffed from time to time. He just prayed she wouldn’t change her mind about her destination. He’d take care of her. Just as he’d always done.

  Inwardly, he groaned. He was doing it again – being a woman’s friend instead of trying to be more. But right now, there was no other choice. Christine needed him, and he wouldn’t let her down.

  He reached his townhouse and walked her inside. He’d sped out of here so fast after she’d called, he wasn’t sure what kind of mess the place was. Thankfully, it was clean – except he’d left the television on. He picked up the remote and clicked it off.

  “Do you want me to get you a drink?” he asked.

  “No.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “No.”

  Agony wrenched his heart again. He hated seeing her like this, and he especially didn’t like feeling helpless.

  He put an arm around her and led her to the couch. They both sat together, but she turned and buried her face against his chest, once again. He didn’t mind. He liked holding her this way.

  “How... are your legs?” she asked.

 

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