The Hardest Hit (8 page)

Chelsea checked her watch. For the past two weeks Trevor had been early for his checkup and routine scans. Usually she was the one apologizing for being late, but not today. Her staff was closing up the office, as usual. Trevor was Chelsea's last appointment of the day. Maybe he was stuck in traffic? One quick glance at the clock told her it was rush hour after all.

She sat back in her chair and studied Trevor's file. His results looked good, and she could tell he was following her advice. A knock sounded on her office door. She turned her head and there he was.

He flashed that magnetic smile and instantly her heart lifted.

“Hey stranger,” he said, pushing through the doorway. “It's been a whole five days since I've seen you.”

She returned his smile. “I've been crazy busy. Have a seat.” She gestured to the chair across from her desk.

“We're not going to an exam room. This must be serious.” He sauntered to his chair.

“Oh yes.” She gave him the firmest stare she could muster, “It's extremely serious.”

A look of concern washed over him, and he sat.

Unable to keep up the rouse, she smiled as she leaned forward across her desk. “Everything about you looks really, really good.”

“Tell me something I don't know, Doc.” He grinned flirtatiously.

“The results of your latest scan look so good, in fact, I'm willing to release you for light training.”

His smile brightened. “Seriously?”

She nodded. “Now, I know that's the kind of news I could've delivered by phone, but I wanted to tell you personally.”

“I'm glad you did.”

She lifted a hand, interrupting. “I wanted to see you just so you know that light training means light training. I'm going to call Daniella and tell her what type of activities are authorized and which ones are not.”

“I'll do whatever you say.”

“Good.”

He sat back in his seat. “Are you free this Sunday? I was thinking about taking a drive out to Lake Mead. There are some awesome hiking trails, and the weather is supposed to be good.” He paused, and then he looked around the room. “If hiking is on the approved activities list.”

She felt her eyebrows rise. “I'm impressed.” Maybe she was getting somewhere with improving his reckless attitude. He'd stopped and considered his health before wildly charging off into Lake Mead.

“Either that or we could go for a motorcycle ride out into the desert?” He lifted a brow.

“Ah, no.” Her face hardened. Just as she thought she was getting somewhere, he went back to square one. She let out a small sigh. “Hiking, yes. You can work on increasing your heart rate. The fresh air will do you some good, too. Your intracranial swelling has all but subsided, so I think you're good to go with more rigorous activities. But, nothing reckless, okay? No motorcycle rides, no heavy sparring without protective headgear, and please no more bodyguard shifts at The Gentlemen's Club.”

He looked as if he considered her words. “You don't have to worry about that. I quit the club—or rather, they quit me.”

“I don't understand.” Her jawline hardened.

“My hospitalization kept me out of work for too long. I guess they couldn't wait for my recovery so they found someone else to take my shifts.”

Tension built in her shoulders. “But you took hits for them. You were in the hospital because of your job.”

He lifted a brow. “Club management didn't see it that way. I wasn't available. They found someone else. Strip clubs aren't exactly the most warm and fuzzy businesses.”

She breathed out heavily. “I'm sorry you lost your job, but there's no way I can clear you to go back. At least not now.”

He shrugged. “A month ago news like that would've given me serious heartburn. I thought of those girls like family. They're not. I don't have any family.”

A jolt of shock struck her in the chest. “No one?”

“Well, I have the crew at Stamina. They care. Shakes is like a grandfather to me. But, the club, well, easy come, easy go.”

She remembered the first time one of the dancers showed up in his hospital room. For an instant she thought the woman was Trevor's girlfriend. She saw firsthand what he went through to protect them, and as far as she knew, he didn't receive a thank you. Her heart broke for him.

Being around him taught her how she'd taken her family for granted. There was comfort in knowing they'd always be there, and always have her back. Despite the many conflicts they'd had over their high expectations, she knew they loved her.

She couldn't imagine being alone like he was. But then again, he looked like he handled the solitude pretty well. She admired his confidence. If there was something he wanted to do, he did it. She wished she could have the same amount of guts.

“So, what do you say about Sunday? You, me, Lake Mead? Maybe I'll teach you how to fish?”

“While as appealing as spending the day killing fish sounds, I already have plans.” She crossed her legs under her desk.

He frowned. “Oh?”

“Yes. The clinic in North Las Vegas is in need of a physician this weekend. Their usual doctor is sick. I'm filling in.”

He stopped and considered her words. “Can I help?”

She laughed. “You're a doctor, now?”

He snickered. “No, but there's got to be something I can do.”

“What about the hiking trip?” she asked.

“That can wait.”

A warm sensation rolled through her belly and she smiled at him. God, if he ever found out the things he did to her she'd have to throw her medical license away. Every glance he shot her sent her heart racing. Every touch teased her more and more. Declining his invitation to spend the day at Lake Mead hurt her soul. She liked his company, and his energy. She couldn't but wonder what if he was
the one
? They'd spent time together, time she couldn't imagine spending with anyone else. However, she knew seeing Trevor outside a clinical environment walked a line, one she didn't dare cross.

“It's work. There are privacy laws, stuff like that. I don't have to tell you the complexities of healthcare,” she said. “But how about this? After I'm done for the day, I'll stop by the gym and make sure you're following my instructions for a light workout.”

He leaned forward in his seat and flashed a wide, toothy smile. “Sounds like a plan.”

Chelsea finished up at the clinic earlier than expected. It gave her time to run through the drive-thru at the smoothie place and order one of her favorites, the Avacolada, made with avocado, pineapple, spinach, kale, coconut, and lime. The pea green–colored concoction felt cool on her tongue, and she drank it with gusto. It had been hours since she'd eaten.

If being around Trevor had taught her anything it was that she needed to take better care of herself. She couldn't imagine someone telling her she could no longer do what she loved. On the road to Stamina, she wondered what Trevor really thought about her. Sure, he flirted. He was a huge flirt. But in reality she was the woman who had the power to decide if he would ever box again. What if his scans didn't improve? One day she might have to tell him his boxing career was over, but could she?

She parked her white BMW outside Stamina Gym, grabbed her smoothie, and as she started to walk inside her phone beeped. Stopping to read a text message from her father, she let out a long sigh.
MediPharma. Meeting tomorrow 7pm.

She stared at the phone. He was pushing her, always forcing her down a road she didn't want to go. She didn't need to call him. She knew what the text was about. MediPharma was her father's newest obsession. The drug company was paving the way to make medicines more readily available and affordable to low-income families. They were the king of generics. He'd told her a position on the board of directors was in her future. She guessed this was it.

Removing the text message from her mind, she walked into Stamina. She was greeted by the sound of athletic shoes squeaking against concrete, and the rhythmic sounds of someone hitting the speed bag. She squinted into the semi-darkness attempting to find Trevor, but the gym was filled to full capacity.

Pressing farther into the room, she stopped outside Daniella's office door. Poking her head past the doorframe, she caught her old friend mulling over paperwork.

“Knock, knock,” Chelsea said in a light voice.

Daniella glanced up from her desk and smiled. “Hey there, you. What are you doing here?”

“I came by to check on my patient. I assume he told you that I cleared him for light workouts.”

Daniella's smile brightened. “Yes. He did. I guess he's making good progress.”

By law, Chelsea knew she couldn't say. “I like his attitude. He doesn't give up. Any idea where our champion in training is at the moment?”

“Sparring in the ring with Domenic.” Daniella lifted her hand, stopping Chelsea from speaking. “Don't worry. Light sparring. Defensive moves only. No headshots.”

“Perfect.”

“It's good to see you,” Daniella said. “I can tell you're doing a lot of good for Trevor.”

Chelsea's heart filled with emotions. “He's doing a lot of good for me, too.”

Daniella raised her brow and gave a tiny smile. Chelsea laughed. She didn't want to give Daniella any idea that her relationship with Trevor was anything other than professional. She returned Daniella's smile as Daniella lowered her gaze back to her paperwork.

Chelsea backed out of the doorframe. Sparring was always done in the ring, so she made her way to the big wooden structure near the back of the gym. And there he was.

Shirtless. Muscles bulging. Sweat pouring down his back, Trevor Redding was the most handsome, fit, athletic, and drop-dead gorgeous man she'd ever laid eyes on. Though she'd seen him a thousand times, it had never been like this. In his element. Doing what he loved to do.

He danced around the ring, throwing one obliterating punch after another to his opponent. His sparring partner's goal was to block Trevor's shots and not hit back. Trevor ate up the space between himself and Domenic. His muscles flexed and released with every extension of his arm. Oh, those amazing biceps. She could almost imagine how his arms would feel wrapped around her.

She allowed her gaze to slide down his back. She focused on his fine, round ass. So taut. So perfect. God, if she were anyone else besides his doctor she would have already given in and indulged herself with a little squeeze.

As his partner worked to defend himself, they pivoted toward her. The front of his body came into clear view. His chest was ripped and he didn't know how badly she wanted to run her hands across him. But her attraction was more than that. He was more than just a body. He was an athlete. Despite his mouthpiece, he wore a light smile on his face. In an instant she knew how much he loved what he was doing. He loved the sport. Boxing was who he was, not what he did.

She caught his attention and his eyes brightened. Then, he winked at her. Her heartbeat kicked up a notch. She witnessed right then, right there, that Trevor was in his element. He boxed not because it was something he had to do, but because he wanted to. His motivation to keep fighting came from someplace deep within because he belonged at Stamina.

She'd fooled herself all this time, after all these years of doing what her family expected. Asking him to quit boxing was like her father asking her to sit on a board of directors. It wasn't what she wanted. She wouldn't be happy there. Watching Trevor spar she saw what satisfaction looked like. She wanted something or someone to make her as happy as he was when he boxed.

Chelsea turned her attention back to the ring. The old man, who she believed was named Shakes, called time, and Trevor and his opponent broke apart. With a puff of air from his cheeks, Trevor's mouthpiece flew out of his mouth, landing on the canvas with a splat.

“Man, it's good to be back.” He cast his eyes down on her.

“You're looking good in there. No question about it,” Chelsea responded. “How do you feel?”

“Top notch, Doc. Top notch.” He climbed out from between the ropes and met her ringside.

Even his sweat smelled enticing. It was becoming harder and harder to resist touching him, especially when she had no reason to. Her heart lifted over hearing how good he felt. Isn't that what all doctors wanted for their patients? But, at the same time, if his condition improved, he'd no longer need her. A wave of emptiness poured through her. There was something about Trevor. He'd claimed a piece of her heart without her even knowing it. Soon a day would come when she wouldn't see him regularly. The thought sent a wave of grief through her stomach.

And she knew what she had to do.

Taking her phone from her purse, she opened her text messages. She skipped over the message from her father. She'd get back to him later. The board could wait. She pressed the contact listing for Ben Evans, her ex, and started a new message.

Meet me in the doctor's lounge in thirty minutes
, she typed.
This can't wait.

“I can't stay,” she said, “I have a meeting. It's important. But I'd like to drop by your house later tonight, if that's okay.”

His face pulled down. He looked shocked, maybe even confused. “Uh, sure, Doc, whatever you want. Is something wrong?”

She shook her head. “Quite the contrary. Everything is going to be just fine.”

***

Thirty minutes later Chelsea stood in the doctors' lounge waiting on Ben Evans. There'd been a time, not so long ago, when butterflies jumped in her stomach at the sight of him walking through the door. Then she got to know him, and the sight of him sickened her. Not that he was bad looking; he wasn't. The problem with Ben was that he was everything her father wanted for her. Smart. Professional. A doctor, with high aspirations of moving up the hospital administration's political ladder. He was not, in any way, shape, or form, the right man for her.

The problem? He'd never believe it.

Ben walked through the lounge door with his nose buried in his phone. “I have a department meeting in ten minutes, Chelsea. I told you where I hid the key when you're ready to move back in, so what's so important?”

Chelsea wet her lips. “I need you to take a case.”

Ben looked up from his phone. “Which one? I'm kind of overloaded at the moment.”

“Trevor Redding. He was yours from the beginning. I need to give his case back.”

His eyes lifted to the ceiling as if he were trying remember which case it was.

“The boxer? With the head injury?” she prompted.

He grimaced. “Oh. That. Why don't you release him and let the beast go back to killing himself.”

“Just agree to take it. And do a good job for him. He's a nice guy.”

The expression on Ben's face read as if he'd smelled something bad. “See, Chelsea, that's your whole problem with medicine. You're too relationshippy. All this warm and fuzzy stuff slows you down. Sure. I'll take him. No problem. Have your office call mine and transfer the files.”

A feeling of heaviness settled in her chest. She had considered it a privilege being Trevor's doctor. His case, so complex and unique, that being able to not only study his condition but aid in his healing were the reasons why she decided to make a career in medicine. And here she was, pushing his case over to Ben for the sake of her own libido.

The thought gave her pause. She drew in a deep breath and considered the real reason why she'd reached out to Ben.

Trevor was more than just sex. He was the kind of guy she'd dreamed of, but thought she'd never find. Sexy? Sure. Great personality? Yes. He was playful and kind. He didn't take life too seriously. And to someone like her who worked in life-or-death situations every day, a guy like Trevor was just what a doctor would order. He wasn't weighed down by family obligations or restrictions. Trevor was his own man, and she respected him for it. She knew she could learn a lot from a guy like him.

Asking Ben to take Trevor's case didn't come lightly, but now she saw the other side. She could do a lot to improve Trevor's life. That was certain. But he could do a lot to improve hers.

Deep in her heart, she knew that Ben would do his best with Trevor's case. He'd write the articles. He'd get the glory for advancing studies in head trauma. However, if she allowed herself to follow her heart, she'd get so much more. Suddenly, Ben's face dropped toward his phone. Then, as if a wave of realization rolled through him, he looked up and stared her in the eyes. “It isn't like you to pass off a case. What's wrong?”

“Nothing.” She gnawed her lower lip.

“A few months ago you wanted this case so badly you begged for it. Now, you're passing it off like a hot potato.”

She gave no response.

His eyes narrowed. “It's too hard for you, isn't it? I always knew neurology wasn't your thing. You probably should've gone into obstetrics like your sister. Women need to concentrate on women's matters and leave the complex cases up to us guys.”

Six months ago a comment like that from Ben would've crushed her, but now she knew better. Once an asshole, always an asshole. She expected nothing less.

“So, we're good?” She needed confirmation. No way was she leaving Trevor's case hanging.

“Yeah, the office girls will set him up with an appointment,” he replied.

A jolt of excitement shot through her body. As he turned to leave, she called out to him, “Hey, Ben! One more thing. That key you hid in the planter next to the back door.”

“Yeah?” He shot her a hopeful glance.

“You can take it inside. I won't need it.” And with that she brushed past him and exited the doctor's lounge to walk into a brand-new life.