through what my mother went through. So I went back to school. I actually studied under Hutch. And the rest, as they say, is history.”
“How long do you think I’ll have to be here?”
“That all depends on how well you do during the rehab and the extent of your injury. We’ll work with the ankle and the whole body. You’ll be put on a specific exercise regime along with a diet.”
Her heart thumped. “Diet?”
“Absolutely. We want to make sure your body has everything it needs to rebuild and become as strong as it can be. The instructions are easy to follow.”
Diet. Instructions. She hadn’t figured on that.
Chapter 10
Alex walked alongside David, guiding him down the busy corridor with a lift of his chin or a pointed finger toward their destination. He definitely wanted to keep what he intended to say away from prying ears.
Once inside the doctor’s lounge, Alex did a quick visual to ensure they were alone before closing the door.
They were about the same height and weight, Alex calculated. He’d take him standing up.
Alex clasped his hands in front of him. “You seem to have a problem, Mr. Livingston. You want to tell me what it is?”
David clenched his jaw and took a step toward Alex who almost laughed at the veiled challenge.
“My only interest is Kelly’s well-being. I want her to get the best care possible. And since I’m footing the bill, I want to be informed of every iota of her treatment.”
“I see.” Alex lowered his gaze for an instant before moving toward David. “You brought her here because of the level of treatment I can provide, the reputation of this hospital and the results of our patients. The reason why all of that works, Dave, is because we have the complete confidence of the patient. This is impossible to accomplish if we have someone hovering around and second-guessing everything we do.” He walked around David, forcing him to turn. “Now if you have a problem with that then as much as it pains me to say this, I suggest you take Ms. Maxwell to another facility.”
Alex glared at him, weighed his options. They were limited.
“I expect to be updated weekly.”
“That’s fair enough. I’m sure Kelly will be able to keep you up to speed.” He paused. “You’re aware that by law, I’m not required to tell you anything. So if Kelly agrees in writing—then we will keep you in the loop—to a point. However, the final decisions have to be hers. She’s my patient, not you and not the Gold Medal club.”
David took a gulp of pride. It burned on the way down. Hutchinson was the best in the country. He didn’t have to like Hutchinson for him to do a good job. If they left and went back to Atlanta, the press wouldn’t leave her alone. And he had too much going on for the press to be all over them like gnats.
“Fine. Whatever it takes for Kelly to be well.”
Alex folded his arms. “How long have you been her coach?”
“A little more than ten years.” A faint smile played around the deep corners of his mouth. “Spotted her in her freshman year of high school. Was able to wrangle an athletic scholarship, got her out of that dump of a school and into a private high school.”
“Commendable. What did you get out of it?”
The pleasant smile disappeared. “What makes you think I was out to get anything?”
“Altruism isn’t a popular human trait. Everyone does what they do for a reason—to get something out of it, even if it’s no more than to feel good.”
“Is that your excuse—for the white coat and the arrogance?”
Alex laughed from deep in his gut and lounged against the door frame. “Yeah. Pretty much. There’s nothing like a man in uniform with a little power to wow the ladies.”
“A doctor with an inflated sense of humor and ego. Just what we need more of.”
“The world would be a better place. But, enough about me, back to you. That’s a pretty long time to be in someone’s life. You must be close—like family.”
“Very.”
It was a challenge that Alex felt like taking. “Maybe it’s more—”
The knock on the door cut him off in midsentence. He stepped back from the door and opened it.
Ruby wrinkled her nose and sniffed. “Is that testosterone I smell in here?” she asked in a stage whisper.
“Not funny.”
“Your patient is ready.” She tiptoed and spoke to David over Alex’s right shoulder. “It will be at least an hour, maybe more, Mr. Livingston. If you want to go and come back…” She let her sentence drift off.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll wait.”
Alex turned to him. “Feel free to hang out in here. It’s much more comfortable than the waiting room. Anyone asks, just tell them you got the okay from me.” He grinned.
The last thing David wanted to be was in debt for a favor, even one as minor as this. He waved off Alex’s offer. “Thanks, but I’ll wait up front with everyone else. It’s not a problem.”
Alex shrugged. “See you in a few, then.” He walked out with Ruby at his side.
David stared at their backs before heading out. His eyes tightened. His jaw locked. Hutchinson was going to be a problem. The sooner Kelly got well and out of there the better.
Chapter 11
Kelly jumped when the door opened. Instinctively she pulled the hospital gown tighter around her body, a body that was rubber-band tight, stretched to the limit and had just snapped.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Ms. Maxwell,” Alex apologized.
“Where’s David?”
She sounded childlike asking for a parent or guardian—or lover. Alex crossed the room to where she was perched atop the exam table. Just how close were they? Better question: why did it matter?
“He’s in the waiting room, waiting.”
Kelly shifted. “I’d prefer if he was here with me.” She looked straight at Alex then Ruby.
Alex hesitated for a moment before saying the first thing that came to his mind, which he was prone to do. For example he really wanted to ask her what the hell she was so frightened of and if she’d ever slept with David Livingston. Both questions were inappropriate, so he kept them to himself. And was proud of his effort.
“There’s really nothing to worry about. I’m relatively harmless.” He gave her his best “I’m really charming” smile.
