He didn’t move. His look was hard as he stared at Sky for no less than three seconds before speaking again. “I see you’re still angry.” Noah turned his attention to Remington. “Women. They certainly can hold a grudge unlike us. We can separate the differences between personal and professional. Anyway, I’ve put the messiness of that meeting behind me.”
Remington remained silent and watched the interaction between them. The tension was thick. They apparently had more than just a professional relationship. He wasn’t interested in getting into the middle of a couple’s squabble.
Sky refused to allow Noah to get a rise out of her. “Grudges are for people who hurt you. I don’t think about you—at all—as in never.”
Noah’s jaw clenched. His anger was building, but he wasn’t as good at hiding it. “Bringing non-personnel individuals into the gym is against hospital policy.”
“As a matter of fact, I do believe sleeping with nurses in your office is too. And trust me, I have the receipts to prove it. So, you really don’t want to go there.” This time, Sky pushed past him. “Again, please excuse us.”
Pissed and embarrassed, Noah attempted to grab her by the arm. “I’m not—”
He didn’t get to finish his sentence. “No. You don’t get to do that.” Remington growled as he caught Noah’s hand in mid-air. He held it in an iron grip causing Noah to wince in pain. “What you are not going to do is get physically aggressive with Dr. Kirby. Surgeon’s hands are essential, and I would hate to crush yours. She has asked you nicely to keep it moving. So, I suggest you do that before this situation spirals out of control real fast.” Remington hadn’t wanted to get involved, but the asshole left him with no choice. When it appeared that Noah got the message, Remington released him.
Noah’s face was completely red as he stepped away from Sky. He glared at her. “We’ll talk later.” Angrily, he marched past them and out of the gym.
Sky turned apologetic eyes to Remington. “Sorry about that.”
Remington wanted to release a bit of tension, but fighting wasn’t how he wanted to do it. “You okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Something about the guy has always bothered me.”
“Let’s just say he’s a much better physician than he is a person.” If Remington only knew the whole of it, he would want to do a lot more than just hit him. He’d probably want to kill him. “Anyway . . .” Sky pointed. “You can change your clothes in the men’s locker room over there.”
Remington nodded as they moved in opposite directions.
*****
For the better part of an hour, Remington and Sky ran side by side on the treadmill in silence. Since they were alone, the only sound in the gym was the hum of the machines and their feet making a steady beat when they connected with the tread.
Out of the blue, Remington spoke. “What was that earlier with Dr. Bridges?”
“A mistake I wish I’d never made.”
“Ah. An ex. One reason why I’ve given up romantic relationships.”
“You too? Considering I have serious trust issues, a track record of picking the absolute worst men, and my insane work schedule, I’ve absolutely decided to give up romantic relationships.”
Remington chuckled. “You might have to do some work convincing Dr. Bridges of that.”
“You know what’s really insane about the entire thing?” Sky couldn’t believe Remington was so easy to talk to.
“What?”
“He doesn’t even really want me. I’ve never understood the male ego.”
“It’s not just the male ego. I would venture to say it is just egos in general. Bella’s was a doozy. When I asked for a divorce, she lost her shit. Not because she loved me, but because she wasn’t sure how to spin it to the press.”
Sky was shocked. She had read about their divorce in the tabloids. It was messy. “I thought she asked for the divorce?”
“Nah. It was me. I didn’t care how the machine spent it. I just wanted out. I was miserable, she was miserable, and I was tired of pretending for the cameras.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, what went wrong?”
“Bella is an actress on and off the screen. She can turn into anyone and be whoever she needs to be to get what she wants. I met her at a charity event. She blew me away. I fell hard and fast. The woman had me thinking she really cared about finding a cure for Alzheimer's. A disease that affects my mother.”
“I-I’m really sorry to hear that.” Sky’s heart went out to him.
“Yeah, me too. Long story short. She was more interested in my pockets and my influence than me as a man. Found out shortly after we were married that she could care less about the disease and lacked even a hint of compassion for my mother. After the third movie and third affair with her co-star, I was done.”
“It took three times for you to be done? You have a high tolerance for pain and forgiveness.”
“I would do anything for Charlie. Including forgiving her mother.”
Sky had never met anyone who was willing to sacrifice for someone other than themselves. “Were you close to your parents?”
“Yes. Very. My parents are still alive. I don’t know how my father does it, but he has stayed devoted to my mother for 52 years. Her disease has progressed to the point that she doesn’t remember us, but he still visits her every day and brings along a single red rose.”
A lump formed in Sky’s throat. “That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard. It
