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)
“Who the fuck is Clark? What’s his last name?”
He’s so mad his whole body is tense. Every muscle in his chest is pulled tight, and I can feel the anger radiating off him. “It’s fine. Trust me, you should be worried about his foot where I stomped it. I’m fine.”
“He shouldn’t have… fuck, Cat, what did Jeremy do?”
I never expected this reaction from Holden. I’m so surprised by the anger in his voice, I answer him without even thinking. “He didn’t want me to offend Clark… he’s like vice president of the company or something. I don’t know.”
He scoots his chair back, and the loud screech fills the room. “That mother fucker… Are you kidding me right now? He didn’t kick Clark’s ass? Well, fuck it, I will. Where do Jeremy and Clark work?”
I suck in a breath and just stare at him. I’ve known Holden Gray a little over a week, and already he’s more protective of me than any man has ever been. I can feel the tears forming in my eyes, and if I blink, they’re going to run down my cheeks.
He leans forward and wraps his hand around my forearm. “Cat, where can I find this Clark? And fuck, Jeremy too, because I want to both tear their faces off.”
I cover his hand and squeeze it. “Holden, stop. It’s not your problem. I’m fine. I took care of it myself.”
He reaches his other hand up to my face, cupping my chin. “You shouldn’t have to. Do you know that, Cat? You shouldn’t have to take care of yourself. No man should be able to touch you if you don’t want them to. Your boyfriend shouldn’t let any other man touch you.”
“Holden, stop. I’m okay. I’m okay,” I keep telling him, but he doesn’t let go of me, and he doesn’t seem to calm down any. He scoots his chair toward me and he pulls me to him until our foreheads are resting against each other.
He’s taking deep breaths, and I pull back. “Holden, you’re too upset about this… it’s not a big deal.”
He grabs my hands and holds on to them. “It’s a huge deal, Cat. Don’t you get it? You deserve to be treated with respect, and if this Clark… this Jeremy… doesn’t get that, then someone needs to explain it to them.”
A tear rolls down my cheek because I can’t hold it back any longer. I’ve never had someone make me feel the way Holden does. It feels good to have someone on my side. I tighten my hold on his hand. “I won’t see Clark again, so I don’t need to worry about him… plus that was handled. As for Jeremy, I’ll take care of it.” He starts to say something, and I stop him. “And if I need your help, I’ll tell you.”
He doesn’t like it. He wants to argue with me about it, but he doesn’t do it. “Okay, Holden. I’m fine, I promise. Please just forget this… I appreciate you… I really do, but I’m okay.”
He’s looking at me, searching my face, and when he focuses on my lips, I wonder if he’s going to kiss me. For just a second, I’m about to lean in, and then I catch myself. I’m his physical therapist, and no matter how nice he is, he’s a player. Absolutely nothing will come of this. I can’t let it.
13
HOLDEN
One month down, one to go.
The last four weeks went by so fast. I really wish time would slow down. In less than a month, I'll be back on the field, and Cat and Cole will be gone.
I just finished my stretching, and Cat walks into the therapy room, smiling ear to ear and clapping her hands together. “Are you ready to start throwing?”
I suck in a breath but nod my head. My arm feels good. Hell, it feels better than it’s ever felt, but I’m still nervous.
Cat doesn’t seem nervous at all. She’s worked me hard this past month, and she feels confident in my abilities. She sticks her thumb up and points at the door. “Come with me.”
But I don’t follow her. “What? Right now? We’re throwing now?”
She shakes her head and smiles. “No, I want to show you something first.”
She doesn’t wait for me. She turns on her heel with a bounce and then practically skips out of the room. I follow behind her, trying to ignore the way she looks in her leggings and tank top. I made a point to keep my distance from her, especially after everything with Clark. I don’t want her to be worried that I’m going to expect anything from her even though I want her more every day.
As I follow her into the living room, she turns on the television. “I’ve been watching tape.”
I look between her and the TV. “You’ve been watching tape?”