Page 16 of Ice Cold Hearts

Ian clears his throat.

“Sorry, Ian. He was making mistakes that even Ian wouldn’t make.” He glances over. “Better?”

“Yes,” Ian answers petulantly.

I stifle a laugh.

Oliver turns the full force of his smile back on me. “So, we had to come to see for ourselves what had him skating in circles, as it were. Now that I can see how stunning you are for myself, I’m surprised he was even able to put his uniform on right side out.”

I blush in spite of myself.

“I didn’t come just to gawk at you.” Ian smiles. “I also had some questions about shoulder stretches and what you might recommend for preventative care.”

“But it was one of the reasons you came? Gawking, I mean.” I smile mischievously.

His face turns the same shade as his hair, and I can’t help being pleased by it.

“I tried to warn you.” Alexei shrugs. “She’s feisty.”

I turn my gaze to him. “So, you’ve been talking about me?”

“Just to them,” he admits. “I can make them leave if they’re bothering you.”

Do I want them to leave?

It would make things less complicated, but the way all three of them are looking at me makes me feel more desirable and powerful than I’ve felt in a long time.

Probably because the only sex I’ve had in the past four years or so has been with myself.

“If it doesn’t bother you, I’m fine with them staying,” I say against my better judgment.

A satisfied look passes between them so fast, I wonder if I imagined it.

I look back over at Ian. “I’d be happy to go over some stretches for you in the main area, but if you are concerned, I’d recommend scheduling your own session so we can set up a full plan for you. I don’t want to take too much time away from Alexei’s treatment session.”

“We tend to be good at sharing.” His voice is heavy with meaning. “But I’d be happy for any excuse to get to know you a bit better.”

Heat floods my center, and I have to clench my thighs together to keep from squirming.

“I suppose we’ll find out, won’t we?” I say boldly.

What is wrong with me? Am I seriously flirting with his friends right in front of him?

I glance nervously over at Alexei expecting a scowl, but I get my second surprise of the night. He’s got the same look on his face that he had right before he kissed me Monday night. And Oliver? He looks ready to bend me over my desk.

Focus, Emily. You’re on the clock.

I quickly shoo them into the main treatment area where it will be easier for me to behave myself and take Alexei’s preliminary vitals and a brief breakdown of his symptoms. While he’s warming up on the bike, I focus my attention on Ian. He gives me the rundown of his shoulder injury, most of which I already knew or had guessed, and I show him some gentle stretches he could do at home but reiterate that he really should make an appointment. To my surprise, he agrees right away and insists that I put him on my schedule as soon as possible.

We swap stories about our careers while Alexei works through his lunges and Oliver plays cheerleader. I find myself charmed by the way his eyes light up when he talks about how he, Alexei, and Oliver became friends and later, roommates, and the passion in his voice when he talks about hockey is inspiring. It makes me want to delve even further into the physical therapy scene. I might finally even take Jenna up on her offer from a few years ago and have her send me to the next conference.

It’s not just his passion for hockey that draws me to him. He asks me about my work, how I landed on physical therapy as a career, and just me in general. I’ve met my share of men who pretend to care to get me into bed, but that’s not Ian. His questions are genuine and thoughtful. He doesn’t always answer right away or throw out another pre-rehearsed question. He mulls things over and processes what I’ve said like I’m someone important.

Between Oliver’s overt flirtations, Alexei’s subtle comments, and Ian’s genuine interest, the tension is thick enough to cut with a knife by the time we make it into the hands-on treatment room. The room is quiet except for the soft moans Alexei makes as I work through the sensitive areas of his lower back. I can feel the heat of Ian and Oliver’s stares on my back. I know that if I turn to look, I won’t be able to stay professional.

The silence hangs heavily over us through the end of the appointment. My skin prickles with anticipation and anxiety as Alexei once again offers me his arm like a gentleman. I stop him as he turns toward the elevator.

I waver for a moment, but my desire to see what might happen next overrules my more rational brain.