Free Cowboy for Keeps by Debra Clopton Page B

saw the river—it was as restless looking as she felt as it swept by in a swirling mass. At the base of the steps she found a large rock that jutted out over the water. She went to the rock and stared down at the turbulent water.
    Though the water swirled and rolled, it was a peaceful place. And it was absolutely beautiful. Huge oak trees lined the banks behind her. In front of her, the rock she stood on connected to a long formation that caused the river to narrow. It was a great place. She moved down the wide rock and found a place to sit. Surely she could think here.
    She’d allowed herself to cross that line, thinking about Jonathan. He’d realized there was so much more out there that he could have without her. How could she blame him when even she knew he was right? Sucking in a shaky breath, she felt a tear roll down her cheek and brushed it aside. Dear Lord, help me get through this. The prayer came to her, a plea more than a prayer. And all she could do was hope God would answer her.
     
     
    Wyatt was on the phone when Amanda poked her head through the door the next morning. She still couldn’t believe she’d told him about Jonathan. She knew Wyatt probably hadn’t missed how upset she’d been. Or that she hadn’t turned her light off much that night…he hadn’t turned his off until early morning.
    She needed work today—not conversation. One look at his face told her he was in extreme pain.
    “Looks like you really need me today.” She felt for him as she headed toward the therapy room. “Let’s get you on the table and after we ease up some of that agony you’re in, we’ll work on the ligature of that hip. Then, if you’re up to it, we’ll get started on your arm.”
    “Give me a minute,” he said, distracted. “I need to make another call.” He was already dialing the number when she turned back to glare at him from the doorway.
    He looked worn out on top of being in pain, and she was in no mood to let things slide. “You’re hurting and you need to relax. Period.”
    His expression darkened. “I said I’ll hang up in a minute. This is important.”
    Amanda slammed her fists to her hips. “Right now your well-being is the most important thing in your life. And the only thing I’m interested in. This work you’re doing isn’t my priority. How many cases are you working on, anyway? You can’t tell me all these phone calls and all that paperwork is just one case.”
    He didn’t answer, just stared at her like she’d lost it. Maybe she had, because she just kept right on going. “Are you consulting on the cases of the entire law firm? Don’t these people know you need time off to heal?”
    He looked perplexed. “I’m working because I want to. And because these are my cases that have had to be borne on someone else’s shoulders. I need to see them through.”
    “Well, I need to see your therapy through. So hang that phone up right now.”
    He was in shock. His expression was one she’d seen on her teenage patients when she’d threatened to take away their phones. It was a combination of disbelief and irritation. “I’m not joking, Wyatt. As your physical therapist I’m telling you that you need to put your health first and get in here on this table.”
    Not looking happy at all, he set the phone down and drove his wheelchair past her into the PT room.
    Amanda prayed for patience as she followed him. She never expected this to be easy, and in reality she’d had far worse rebellion from some kids who took their pain and loss out on her. She’d eventually helped them and she would do the same with Wyatt. Yesterday she’d let him see her get emotional, personal. That had been a mistake.
    She waited as he removed his shirt and got settled on the table. His muscles rippled as he did so, drawing her attention. The man was something—even with the fresh scars on his back. He didn’t say a word and she was fine with that. She needed to keep this strictly business. Her mind