Spring tried to burst forth, but the forsythia blooms sparkled with snow, and the buds on the trees remained tightly closed. When he got out of the car, the wind took his breath away and the air felt like knives in his lungs. Rubbing his hands together, he jogged up the stairs, eager to get inside and warm.

His knee ached, and not in a good way. As he sat down on the rented couch, he massaged the limb, fighting the fear that threatened to consume him. It was from the exercise, he reminded himself; Jessica had said to expect that. She’d been gentle with him, just had him do a few minor moves while she gauged his flexibility. She’d warned him he might be sore later, and if that happened to take an anti-inflammatory and apply ice.

He skipped the pill, opting for a beer instead, but he got an ice pack out of the freezer and applied it to his knee. Not one to indulge in self-pity, he decided to do something positive.

He picked up the phone and called his girlfriend.

“Hi, Kris.”

“Hi! I wasn’t expecting you!” There was an awkward pause, and for a second he wondered who she’d thought was calling. But she continued brightly. “So how are you doing? How is it out there?”

“Cold,” he admitted, resting the leg on the coffee table. “There was frost this morning. I’m going to have to get some warmer clothes.”

“Wow. Is that normal?”

“No one seems to care.” Except me, he amended. “I met most of the team today. They are a bunch of characters. I heard the Sonics were known as pranksters; got to experience that firsthand.” Briefly he told her about the pranks.

“Oh, no,” she said, but he could tell she was distracted, as if looking at her texts. “So do you like them? The players, I mean.”

“Yes,” he said, taking another sip of the beer. “They seem to be great guys. The clubhouse and ballpark aren’t as nice as Dodger Stadium, but apparently they have a loyal fan base. I was surprised to see how many people showed up in this weather. All in all, it’s okay.”

“So how are you feeling?”

“Good. I started physical therapy today. I’m sure in a couple of weeks I’ll be right back in the swing of things.”

His knee throbbed at the lie, but he didn’t want to tell her what he really thought, didn’t want to whine. He felt it was important to appear successful to her, no matter what.

“Is the trainer as good as the guy you had here?”

“It’s a woman. Her name is Jessica, and yeah, she does seem very competent.”

There was a pregnant pause. “A female? Do I need to be concerned?”

“C’mon.” He laughed. “You know better. She’s there to help me with the exercises, to get back into the game. It’s a working relationship. That’s all.”

“Okay, if you say so. I just don’t like the idea of another woman’s hands all over you.” He could see her pout. “Listen, got to go. I’ll call you later!”

“Sure.”

She hung up the phone before he could say he loved her, and it occurred to him that she had stopped offering endearments some time ago. Frowning, he remembered when they would talk for hours. Now, she always seemed rushed, as if she had something better to do…

He shook his head and told himself he was being ridiculous. She was just busy. Kristin was experiencing increasing success as a model, and she loved clothes, shopping, and fashion. Yet as her picture faded, an odd thought flickered through his brain.

Jessica Hart was her own person. She had a job that she was good at, helped other people, contributed. A purpose-driven life.

Grabbing another beer, he propped his aching knee up one more time and turned on the TV. Checking the weather Doppler, he saw that another frost was predicted that night.

California dreamin’ indeed.

Chapter 3

“How are you doing today?”

Gavin looked up as Jessica appeared beside him on the table. One of the assistants had already wrapped his leg with the heating pad and had stuffed a couple of pillows beneath the limb.

“Restless,” he admitted, staring at the knee in frustration. “I am not used to hanging around.”

Thankfully, he noticed she had her cap on, her hair stuffed beneath the red canvas. A few recalcitrant curls popped out beneath the brim, framing her face, and he thought of that moment last night when she had taken off her hat and that hair had spilled out everywhere…

“I hear that,” she continued, and he could see the amused sparkle in her green eyes as she surveyed him. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

She began to unwrap the bandage, examining the wound. “It looks pretty good. Are you doing the Epsom salts bath at night?”

“Yeah. Not sure why, but I thought it worked better than the meds.”

That was the truth. When she had suggested the baths as part of his regimen, he’d thought she was crazy, that this was some girl thing. But he’d had to stop at the drugstore anyway to pick up his prescription, and while he was waiting in line he saw the carton sitting on a nearby shelf. He’d tossed it in his cart, along with a box of tissues and other things he needed for the townhouse.

After he’d gotten home and completed his call to Kristin, the knee was hurting. He’d tried a couple of pillows, the ice, and finally the meds. While it wasn’t killing him, the ache was substantial enough to keep him awake. So he’d finally given in, filled the tub with salts and hot water, wrapped the knee in plastic, and soaked. By the time he got out, he’d been surprised to find the pain almost gone.

“It’s the magnesium,” Jessica said as if reading his thoughts. “It has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps with inflammation. Even the little bit we did yesterday was probably enough to irritate the nerves around the knee. There are also vascular benefits from the salts, and the bath helps to detox the body.”

“I had to admit I didn’t think it would do anything, but it got rid of the pain and I could sleep.”

“Good. So let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into today. We’ll start with some quad sets. I’ll show you how to do the exercise, but if you feel any pain or irritation, I need to know right away. We can put a towel under your knee for support if necessary.” Those green eyes met his and he saw that her lashes were the same copper as her hair. “No acting the tough guy,” she said. “If you do, you will set us both back. I can see some things by watching how the muscles react, but I need you to tell me how you’re feeling.”

“All right,” he reluctantly agreed. He didn’t want to admit that he hurt. But he understood what she was saying.

“Tighten the muscles on top of the knee,” she said, bending over him. “Like this.” She prompted him to press the leg toward the cot. “Any pain?”

“Nope.”

“Good. Hold for six seconds, then rest. Do ten of these to start, and if you feel as much as a twinge, I need to know.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he said, but he grinned as Jessica narrowed her eyes, and then went on to do the exercise as she had instructed. At first it seemed ridiculously easy, but after a few repetitions he began to experience discomfort. Before he could even put up his hand, she was beside him.

“Starting to bother you?” When he nodded, wondering if she was psychic, she didn’t seem at all surprised. “Take a breather. We’ll try again in a couple of minutes.” She gave him an understanding smile when she saw his expression. “You’re doing fine. Better to go slow than to create another injury.”

When he attempted the movement again, it was easier. “Not so bad now,” he admitted.

“You’re just a little rusty,” she observed. “That’s to be expected. When you’re done with that set, take a break. Trust me, we have all the time in the world.”