Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54966 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 275(@200wpm)___ 220(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
As soon as we get to the front door, I’m debating if I should knock again or not, but I don’t have to make a decision because the door swings open.
Cole is practically vibrating next to me when Holden holds his hand out to him. “Hey, Cole, I’m Holden Gray.”
Cole shakes his hand excitedly. “Hello, Mr. Gray.”
Holden stands back to let us in. “Cole, call me Holden.”
He leads us back into the living room and points at the couch. My son bounces onto the cushions, and I wince as I look between Holden and Cole. I swear teenage boys never just sit, it’s more of a bounce, thud, or dive than anything else. I look around at the sturdy furniture and think surely Cole couldn’t do too much damage in the two months we’ll be here.
“Can I get you guys something to drink?”
“We’re fine,” I tell him. “Thank you.”
“Sure.” He looks at my son. “Your mom tells me you’re a pitcher and you play first base.”
“I do. I’m on the middle school team.”
They talk baseball for a few minutes, and I let out a sigh of relief. I’m not sure what I expected, but I’m happy to see that they’re getting along. Cole is absolutely awestruck as he answers all of Holden’s questions.
“Have you guys had dinner yet?”
Shoot, I didn’t even think before I came here that it was close to dinnertime. Cole and I are used to eating later because it’s usually after his baseball practice. “No we haven’t. We’ll get out of your hair.”
Holden laughs and shakes his head. “No, I was hoping you’d stay. I can order dinner, and while we wait, I can show you and Cole around the house and where you’ll be staying.”
Cole jumps to his feet. “I can’t believe I get to stay here. Mom said you have a weight room.”
Holden looks as excited as Cole. “I do. I didn’t get to show your mom the other day, but in the backyard, I have a bullpen set up, the infield of a baseball field, and a batting cage.”
Cole’s mouth drops, and for the first time ever, he’s stunned into silence. When he pulls himself together, he’s incredulous. “You have a bullpen, batting cage, and an infield… in your backyard?”
Holden laughs and points in that direction. “Do you want to see it?”
“Do I?” Cole asks as he bounces up and down. I’m so used to him trying to act cool all the time that I love seeing him like this. Happiness is radiating off him as he follows Holden through the house and out the back door.
I'm amazed at everything he has outside. We walk to a huge outdoor kitchen, fireplace, large screen TV, and couches and tables. But Cole doesn’t even notice it because he’s running around the backyard looking at all the things Holden has set up for baseball. Holden stands next to me with a huge smile on his face as my son races through his yard.
“I think he likes it.”
I’m caught up in the moment, and my mouth betrays me. “Yeah, I think I’m going to have a hard time getting him out of here in two months.”
As soon as the words leave my mouth, I know I said the wrong thing. Is he worried we’re going to try and stay or something? Irrational thoughts go through my head, and I can’t avoid his gaze any longer. He has his head tilted to the side, watching me closely. I feel like I need to explain. “I mean, of course, we’re leaving in two months. I just meant, he’s going to love being here… while we’re here… I mean, while I’m here to do therapy on your shoulder.”
I wish I knew what he’s thinking. He’s just watching me, no smile on his face, no frown, just looking at me. He’s quiet for so long that I ask him, “What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?”
He opens his mouth and then closes it, shaking his head.
I smile, but I’m nervous. “What is it?”
“I don’t think you want to hear why I’m looking at you like I am.”
I haven’t even started yet, and I’ve already made it awkward. “Look, I didn’t mean to make it awkward. I don’t want you to think I have any ulterior motives here. In two months, we’re out of here. Cole will be fine. I’ll be fine. I was just commenting on how much he’ll love being here… while he’s here.” I put my hand to my face and groan. “Oh my God, I’m making it worse. I just need to shut up.”
He grabs my wrist and pulls my hands from my face. “I’m looking at you because you’re beautiful, Cat.”
For just a tiny sliver of a moment, I want to soak in his words, but just as fast, I know I shouldn’t. What am I even thinking? I’m his physical therapist… and I’m seeing someone. I can’t get all crazy because Holden Gray thinks I’m pretty. As much as I hate to, I pull away from his gentle hold. “Thank you.”