An awkwardness settled between them.
Sky needed to back away from the edge of insanity before she crossed a line. She quickly changed the subject. “I need a shower, and my legs are not only on fire but feel like jelly.” She attempted a joke, and her laughter came out forced. “Remind me not to try and keep up with you.”
The mention of her legs sent Remington’s eyes directly to them. They were shapely and toned just like the rest of her. He wondered how they would feel wrapped around his waist. What the hell man? She’s Charlie’s doctor. He had to keep reminding himself of that. He cleared his throat and glanced away. “I should probably hit the shower too and get back.”
Sky nodded.
Quietly, they walked towards the locker room. Remington thanked her. “I appreciate the workout and the pep talk.”
Sky finally smiled, a real one, as she gazed into his eyes. “Anytime.”
Chapter 11
He spotted Sky sitting at a corner table in the cafeteria with her head bowed low reading whatever papers that were sprawled out in front of her. Remington’s first instinct was to grab a quick bite to eat and then high-tail it back to Charlie. Then he thought better of it, considering his mood had been altered for the better since Sky invited him to work-out the day before. It couldn’t hurt to say a quick hello.
He moseyed over. “Do you ever take a break? I bet your soup is cold.”
Sky looked up. “I guess it’s a good thing that I love what I do.” She spread her arm in a semi-circle directing him to the empty chair across from her. “Please, have a seat.”
Remington looked indecisive. “I should probably get back. They took Charlie to get some tests about a half-an-hour ago and I’m not sure when they’ll bring her back.”
“Mr. Kneeland, Charlie is going to be gone for at least another half-an-hour. A little distraction and some lunch will do you good.”
He started to decline, but Sky wouldn’t let him.
“Doctor’s orders.”
“If it is doctor’s orders, I guess I don’t really have a choice. And, after yesterday, please call me Remington.”
“Remington.” It sounded good rolling off her tongue. “Then please call me Sky. Unfortunately, for you, you don’t have a choice because it’s definitely doctor’s orders.” Sky whispered conspiratorially. “If I’m honest, I could use a bit of a distraction too.”
Remington took a seat. “Thanks again for yesterday. I really appreciated it.”
Sky tilted her head slightly. “It was really no problem. I enjoyed the company.”
“Listening to me go on and on about my problems couldn’t be much fun.”
Sky leaned back in her chair. “Actually, it was refreshing. It’s not every day that people put down their armor and have an honest conversation. You know? There is always some imaginary wall preventing it.”
Remington took a bite of his sandwich. “True. Not sure I would have had the same conversation outside of this situation.”
Sky agreed. “Me either. There are very few people who I have ever told about my parents.”
He nodded. “Same about Charlie.”
“You have to admit, it was way less awkward than those first date conversations. The ones that start off like ‘tell me something about yourself?’ Then, the person says, ‘I’m insert some fancy-smancy job title’ and name drops someone that is supposed to impress you. When what you really want to know is who they are, not what they do, and definitely not who they know.”
Remington laughed. “Or, how about I like long romantic walks on the beach. How corny is that? Not that I’ve been out on that many dates since my divorce, in-part because the conversations were always so tedious.”
“Right! Who has time for walks on the beach? Although cuddling on the couch with a glass of red wine after a long day, sounds amazing. Or rub my feet. They hurt.” Sky laughed. “I’m a show me don’t tell me kind of woman.”
Remington grew serious. “If I’ve learned anything from this experience, is that you’ve got to take some time to enjoy the things that make you happy and the people you love. Life can change in a heartbeat, and you might not get the chance. Sometimes, you have just got to take that walk on the beach.”
Sky didn’t even realize she had placed her hand over his in an attempt to sooth him. “That’s great advice.” The familiar feeling of butterflies appeared in her stomach. That was not supposed to happen.
It was just for a split second, but at the feel of Sky’s hand, Remington’s eyes held hers. Once he realized it, he turned his attention elsewhere.
Sky quickly removed her hand.
He cleared his throat. “You know? I should probably get back.”
“Right. Me too. I have a lot of paperwork to review.” Sky started to gather her things.
Remington picked up his trash as he waited for her. “Don’t forget what I said. You work too hard.”
Sky attempted to lighten the mood. “Go to the beach and get a hobby.” He was right. It was too bad she had been so consumed with work over the years, and her circle of friends was very small. There wasn’t really anything Sky was passionate about outside of being a neurosurgeon because after looking at Remington’s lips move while he was talking, Sky was in desperate need of a distraction.
Chapter 12
The workout Remington had with Sky helped to release some of the tension he had been carrying around. But, if he were honest, he could use another
