Free The Art of Appreciation by Autumn Markus Page A

front of her and studied the injury, looking for signs of infection. Resting one hand lightly on the hip opposite the wound, to help with balance, he raised his other hand and looked up again for permission. Getting a nod, he pressed the periphery of the scabbed area gently, watching for any weeping. He couldn’t resist letting the backs of his fingers trail over her unblemished skin as he lowered his hand. It was as soft as he’d suspected, and Matt stood back up so he wouldn’t be tempted to stroke it again with the pads of his fingers. He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck before he answered, giving him a chance to swallow and lubricate his dry throat. “Looks okay to me. Normal for a nasty scrape. Have you seen a doctor?”
    Pretty rolled her eyes. “That’s where you come in, right?”
    Matt stared at her. “I’m not getting you, Pretty,” he said, starting to walk again.
    “Hold up.” Her voice was strident, and Matt turned to look at her. “You’re Doctor…whatever-the-Hell-Your-Last Name-is, right?”
    He started to laugh. “Nope. Not a doctor. I’ve just seen a lot of injuries over the years from surfing. Concussions, water inhalation…” He pulled up the back of his shirt and twisted around to look at the scar along his lower back. “I’ve even had a scrape like yours, but I guess you’d call it coral rash. I was surfing off Maui, and—”
    “You ass!” Pretty burst out, and Matt looked around to see that her face was completely red.
    He dropped his shirt and held up his hands. “Hey, I didn’t say anything to make you think I was a doc. I’m past making up stories to impress a girl. I told you that Scotty had me check your head—”
    “Because surfers know about head injuries.” She snickered and shook her head. “No wonder you looked so startled when I asked you to look at my hip. I’m sorry.”
    “I’m not,” Matt replied, and she smacked him on the arm.
    “Well, then, Matt—that is your real name, isn’t it?”
    Matt grinned and nodded, and they started walking back toward her house.
    “Well, then, Matt-who-isn’t-a-doctor, what do you do besides walk around looking hot in board shorts?”
    “Remind me to keep you around; you’re good for my ego.” Matt nudged her, and she laughed. “I’ll tell you if you tell me your name.”
    “Pretty works,” she teased. “Give me a hint.”
    “Mmm…I know a lot about anatomy. Professionally and personally.” He traced the soft lines of her body with his eyes. “Yours is very nice, by the way.”
    They had reached the beach at the back of Pretty’s house, so she stopped. “Talk about ego boosts. Thank you so much, sir.” They stood looking at each other for a minute before she laid a hand on Matt’s arm. “Hey, would you like to come in for coffee? Sarah is still in her alco-coma, but I promise that I don’t bite. Much.”
    In extending his elbow to her, he caught sight of his watch.
    He dropped his arm. “I forgot that I have a meeting this morning. I should be back in the studio, showered and dressed, in about five minutes, in fact. Can I have a raincheck?”
    Her smile faded. “Sure. I’ll see you around. I’m supposed to meet Jason for lunch anyway. I should get cleaned up.” She smiled. “Thanks for checking out my hip, Not-a-Doctor.”
    “Anytime. I like your hips.” Matt started backing away. “I intend on inviting myself over, you realize. The boy toy needs a little competition to keep him on his toes. Or maybe we can get rid of him altogether?”
    “Maybe. He’s awfully cute, though…” Pretty backed toward the stairs, shaking her head doubtfully. She smiled at Matt’s mock-stricken face. “You’re now officially late for your meeting.”
    He grinned at her, watching the ends of her hair flutter in the slight breeze off the water. “Worth it. He can wait.”
    “Well, my shower can’t. I’ll see you.” She smiled again and gently closed the door, leaving Matt with an image