Page 29 of The Offside Rule
“I’m not official. I’m assisting.”
“Still Dr. Davis to the rescue.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m shadowing Dr. Patel and helping with intake notes. That’s it.”
“That’s not it,” Leo said. “You’re the only person who knew where I was supposed to go.”
“Because your schedule is on the laptop,” she said, turning it slightly. “Not because I have magical powers.”
“Could’ve fooled me.” Leo shrugged.
Catherine smiled at him, and I looked at the damn floor because watching her smile at Leo was safe and still somehowirritating, which didn’t make sense. But reason had clearly left the building sometime around the pool house shower.
Catherine turned to me. “Hunter.”
“Catherine,” I said.
Her name came out lower than I meant it to.
“Um, she’s CC. Why are you calling her Catherine like that?” Max called me out.
“My name is Catherine,” she replied.
“No, I know, but Hunter was all like Catherine.” Max mimicked me, trying to make his voice extra deep. I was going to whack him upside the head.
Then she looked back at the laptop. “Leo, they’re going to start with medical history, height, weight, blood pressure, and then Dr. Patel will come in for the physical. After that, they’ll send you down for baseline concussion testing.” I was grateful she refocused everyone, but I didn’t need to be called out on why my voice had gone hoarse and my body was having an odd chemical reaction. Things like this didn’t happen to me. I’d dated actresses and models. Of course, they were one-night stands, but I was never flustered. I knew what I was doing in the bedroom. I’d had many satisfied partners.
Leo made a face. “Fun day.” He pulled me from my warring thoughts.
“Very glamorous,” Catherine said.
Dr. Patel stepped out from one of the exam areas and called Leo’s name. Catherine turned professional immediately, clicking something on the laptop.
“Okay,” she said. “You’re up.”
Leo handed her his clipboard. “Am I supposed to be nervous?”
“Only if you lied on your forms.”
“Everyone does,” he replied.
Max clapped Leo on the shoulder. “Go get checked, Baby Karlsson.”
Leo pointed at him as he walked backward. “Remember, I’m your wing. Don’t mess with me.”
Max went still. “Low blow.”
Catherine laughed softly as Leo went toward Dr. Patel. I watched her type something into the laptop, her attention already back on work. And I was standing there trying to act like the sight of her in scrubs wasn’t messing with my head.
Max leaned closer, keeping his voice low. “You good?”
“Fine.”
“You got quiet.”
“I’m watching the process.”
“Sure.”
