Page 6 of Phoenix's Redemption

"On second thought, I take it back. The flirty way you talked to me before sounded much better.” As the words slipped frommy mouth, unfiltered, I had no time to catch myself. My lips clamped shut.

Too late. The brash smile was back on Liam’s face, warming my body and pussy. “I can go back to that.”

I moved my head right and left so fast my hair whipped across my chin and stuck to my lip balm. “It wasn’t an invitation.”

Liam’s scan results came in. He was clear of any breaks, just a nasty sprain. The doctor discharged him with instructions for care and follow-up appointments.

I opened an app on my phone and got a car to come pick us up. As we stepped out of the hospital, the cool night air did nothing to dissolve the heat wave I still felt as he stood close to me.

On the car ride to Liam’s place, he sat hunched in the backseat beside me, his wrist in the sling against his chest. "I know you've got all these certifications," he broke the silence, his voice a gravelly challenge. "Do you really think you can handle someone like me?"

Not this again. His eyes held a flirty glint, but the set of his jaw told me he wasn't entirely joking. The dim streetlights danced across his sharp cheekbones and strong chin.

"I’ve handled bigger." I was proud of how even I kept my tone, betraying no irritation or the faint tug of desire that his words stirred up. I wasn’t certain if he intended for them to have a double meaning or if my sex drive decided to run off the rails on its own. I focused on the passing blur of nighttime scenery to keep my composure.

"Bigger? Is that right?" He leaned in, the side of his body brushing against my arm in the cramped space of the backseat. "You don't exactly look like someone who deals with heavyweights."

I turned my head just enough to meet his gaze, our faces inches apart. His breath fanned over my skin, stirring something within me that I was determined to ignore.

"Appearances can be deceiving." I disliked how my voice betrayed me, getting quiet and whispery when I wanted it to sound firm and confident. “I've dedicated myself to understanding physical therapy and training techniques for combat sports.”

“Sounds great on a resume. I’m all about experience.”

“And I’m about strategy, resilience, and recovery. You need someone who sees the bigger picture.” Resolve filled my voice. “I'm more than capable."

"I’ll take you at your word. For now." The corner of his mouth lifting in an irritatingly attractive smirk.

When the car pulled up to his place, I felt the weight of the moment between us. Liam's hand brushed against mine while taking his ice pack the hospital gave him. "Thanks for sticking around tonight," he said, his voice softening for just an instant as he stepped out onto the curb.

"It’s part of my job," I replied, forcing a casualness I didn't feel. “Let’s go ahead and set a date for your first session with me. The doctor said you could practice again in about a week.”

"Next Wednesday, then?" Liam suggested. His voice held a note of challenge, as if he were daring me to back out.

I swallowed, feeling the heat rise up my neck. "It's fine. I still need to finish unpacking in my condo.” I hoped I sounded indifferent. The truth was, I needed the next few days not just for unpacking boxes, but also for mentally preparing myself. Training Liam O'Connor wouldn't just be about physical therapy. I had to do my job while I tended to my side project of searching for Jack Thornton.

Liam gave me another smile. The subtle curve of his upper lip hinted at sensuality. "I'll see you then, Coach."

The title felt like a taunt, a reminder that he was still sizing me up. There was something else there, too, I sensed. A glimmer of respect. It could be anticipation. It was hard to tell with him. I watched him close the door, the sound echoing like a gavel declaring the start of something I wasn't prepared to define.

Chapter Three

SOPHIE

One week later

I arrived at Warrior’s Den. Even at seven in the morning, the MMA training facility was busy with fighters and their teams training. I felt their spirit of determination as I scanned my ID badge and entered the weight room.

Liam was already loosening up on the mats. He was in the middle of a workout, every muscle in his tall, muscular frame rippling with power and precision. His dark hair was damp with sweat. As I watched, a wave of attraction bubbled up inside me, catching me off guard. It had to be a sin for a man to be this attractive.

I quickly shoved my feelings aside. I had a job to do, and the last thing I needed was a distraction, no matter how tall and tempting he might be.

"Good morning, Liam. Let's see your wrist." I motioned with a finger.

"I’m good. I’ve been doing exercises all morning," he grumbled as I took his hand gently in mine. His skin was warm, roughened from countless fights, and as I manipulated his wrist, checking for mobility, I could feel the strength coiled in his muscles.

"This isn't the first time I've sprained it." He watched me closely, his gaze tracking the movement of my hands.

My heart raced so fast I was certain he could feel my pulse through my fingertips. "Then that means you're doing something to keep injuring it. " My words came out breathier than I intended, far from the clinical detachment I aimed for.