Avery winced. “Gee, thanks. But your ill will toward him may be a problem for me. Despite his mistakes, I love him. And I’ve got professional ethics to abide by. Taking you on as a patient is a conflict of interest.”
Grey scrubbed his hand over his face. “You didn’t cause the accident. What’s the conflict?”
“The conflict is that your recovery will affect your claim. Working with you would put me smack in the middle of a messy situation with my brother, especially if you don’t achieve the results you desire.”
Not achieve the results he desired? The mere idea pissed him off, but he wouldn’t alienate her by letting his anger bubble to the surface.
“Well then, I’ve got a problem since the only other ortho PT in this little town isn’t even in Colorado right now.” He could see her struggling with the decision, so he applied more pressure. “From what I’ve been told, the sooner I start therapy, the better my chances of recovery. On top of that, I’ve been told you’re the best. If that’s true, then you should want me to work with you instead of some lesser PT. Aren’t you my best chance at getting back on the mountain ASAP? Won’t a speedy recovery mean less trouble for your brother? So the way I see it, it’s in both our interests to work together. No conflict there.”
One of her brows shot up. “Subtle.”
“I can’t really afford to play nice, so I’m respecting you enough to play it straight. I don’t think that’s unfair unless, somehow, you blame me for this mess.” He watched her withdraw, which was not the result he wanted. His ham-handed approach was proving her fears right. Time to change tactics. “By the way, thanks for the get-well card.”
The fight in her eyes dimmed, but her arms remained crossed.
“I wasn’t sure about the etiquette, but it seemed like the right thing to do. I’m sorry about your injuries.” Her voice had dropped to just above a whisper. Misery and disgrace washed over her features. “And I don’t blame you.”
When despair shone through the cracks in her tough shell, he yearned to offer the comfort of his arms.
Hell. Maybe she was right. Maybe they couldn’t work together without creating bigger problems. But he wanted to work with her, and deep down he knew it wasn’t only because she was the best PT around.
His body came alive around her. Every little thing she did or said stirred him. Therapy would put her in his orbit a few times each week, a positive outcome of an otherwise dire situation.
“Avery, despite my current mood, I am sorry your brother got hurt. I’m sure his troubles are at least as big as mine right now, and I’m sorry about how it all affects you.” He meant it, too.
“Thank you.” She glanced up, misty-eyed, petal-pink lips parted, eyes lit with appreciation. “I would’ve assumed you’d be glad to see the book thrown at him.”
God, his heart was already pumping hard and they hadn’t even begun therapy. Her obvious gratitude temporarily robbed him of speech.
Avery’s particular blend of bluntness and reluctant vulnerability made him want to jump off the table and kiss her. Of course, he did think her brother should be convicted, but watching Bambi—another innocent victim—struggle with the consequences of the accident made his desire for vengeance seem petty.
Suddenly, in spite of his tough talk with Trip, his need to pressure her to be his therapist took a backseat. Maybe he could find another option that wasn’t too inconvenient. “Look, I’m not trying to cause you more trouble. If you can’t legally treat me, or even if you’re too uncomfortable with the idea, I’ll figure something out.”
“You’re full of surprises.” She tilted her head and studied him for several seconds. He held his breath, wondering what she would decide, and whether he inspired any of the same animal attraction in her. “Despite the impression I’ve given so far, I can be professional. I’m assuming even if this butts against the ethics line, the hardship factor of Richard Donner’s absence can probably clear the way as long as you sign whatever waivers or such that need to be signed.”
Thank you, God! “Well okay, A-ver-ee, ’cause I need to get my knee in top shape ASAP. It’s critical I be back on the slopes by November.”
Her expression turned doubtful. “Nine months isn’t ideal. As you well know, skiing is especially demanding on the knees because of constant impact and side-to-side motion. Best practice would be to wait a full year. I’m sure it sounds like forever, but your long-term results will be greatly improved if you’re patient.”