He snorted. “Nice?’ I bet Dr. Hamilton didn’t kiss you like that.”
“What do you want me to say? You’re a hell of a kisser? I’m pretty sure that’s not a news flash. Practice makes perfect, right?”
Tripp gave her a long, steady look. Longer than he should have, considering he was driving. He returned his attention to the road. “Fine, we’ll shelve the discussion for a future time. If the doctor was so perfect for you, why’d you dump him?”
“After a month of dating, he wanted to take our relationship to the next level. I…couldn’t bring myself to go there.”
“See, you don’t want stable and comfortable, not really. This conversation reminds me of that Eagles song. The doc is the old dude with hands as cold as ice, but you’re too classy to wind up on the cheating side of town.” He smiled. “My faith in you is restored.”
Her eyes narrowed. “You just hate losing, and I represent a challenge. Anyway, I’m still looking for stable and comfortable, just not with Lewis. When I found out he’d been married to Monica…”
“The barracuda who was friends with your mother?”
“Not barracuda, praying mantis, but yes. When I learned she was his ex-wife, dating him seemed just a little too creepy.”
“Definitely. Fifteen years is way too old for you, like I said. Good decision, ditching him.”
She cut him a sidelong glance. “Thanks for the sage advice.”
“You’re welcome.” He seemed to ignore her sarcasm. “You can deduct counseling services from my bill.”
“Funny.” She turned to stare out the window as trees flashed by on the winding river road between Truckee and Tahoe City. “I’m not sure I can put up with your warped humor for two more weeks.”
Not to mention his repeated cajoling in a thinly veiled attempt to get her into bed. At least she assumed that was his ultimate goal since she couldn’t imagine he was interested in anything more serious. Problem was, if he caught her at a weak moment, she might just give in and say yes. The attraction she’d felt for Tripp all those years ago had grown into something she was afraid she couldn’t control.
“Sure you can. Keeps us both from stagnating.” He slowed as they neared town. “What’s on the agenda for today? PT session now or later?”
“We don’t have time before lunch. Drop me at my house, and I’ll come over around four, if that works for you. It’s a beautiful day, and I’d like to head into the woods for a little snowshoeing with my dog after I eat.”
“Can I come, too?”
“No.”
“That was abrupt.” He turned down the West Shore. “Why not?”
She let out a slow breath. “We’ve been spending way too much time together lately. I think we could both use a break. Surely you have other local friends…”
“They all ski when they aren’t working. I suppose I could hit the slopes—”
“Don’t try to blackmail me into agreeing.”
“Worth a shot.” He slumped back in the seat, one hand on the wheel. “You don’t seem to realize how hard this is for me. I’m not a hang-around-the-house-and-do-nothing kind of guy. Right now, I want to smash something just thinking about another day of inactivity.”
“Believe it or not, nearly every one of my patients feels exactly the same way. I completely understand your frustration. You heard Lewis. One more week before you can ease into a somewhat regular routine without risk of a setback.”
“Snowshoeing isn’t going to strain my shoulder, but going alone isn’t much fun. At least you have your dog to keep you company.”
She threw up her hands. “Fine, come with us. God, you’re persistent.”
His smile held a hint of smug satisfaction. “Great. I’ll swing by my house to change and grab my snowshoes. Wait, lunch…”
She sighed. “I’ll feed you a sandwich before we go.”
He cast a long, thoughtful look in her direction. “Is hanging out with me really such a chore?”
“Of course not, but—”
“No buts. I won’t even nag you about going out with me again.”
“Well, isn’t that a relief?”
Hannah brooded in the truck while he ran into the house to change clothes and get his equipment. Why would he need to nag about dating her when they seemed to spend all their leisure time together on a regular basis? For her peace of mind, two weeks couldn’t come soon enough. Still, she had a sneaking suspicion walking away from Tripp wouldn’t be as easy to do as leaving her other jobs. Despite a valiant effort on her part to keep them unaffected, her emotions were already engaged.
“Damn. Damn. Damn.”
Her ringing cell provided a welcome distraction. She fished it out of her purse and glanced at the display before hitting the connect button. “Hi, Eden.”
“Hi, yourself. How’s life? We haven’t talked in a while.”
“Life’s good.” Hannah let out a breath. “Business as usual.”
“With my brother around?” Her friend’s voice held a hint of humor. “Tripp must be losing his touch.”
She grinned. “Okay, maybe not exactly like usual.”
“Especially since you don’t usually date clients.”
Her brows lowered. “I’m not dating Tripp.”
“Not what he said when I called to wish him a happy birthday yesterday. Did you stand him up for dinner?”
She leaned farther back in the seat and rubbed her forehead. “Of course I didn’t, but it wasn’t a date.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m not dating him!”
“If you say so. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.” Eden’s voice took on an edge. “You already wasted enough time on my brother. I’m pretty certain the reason you never dated in college was because you were hung up on him.”
“Or maybe because I was shy and awkward and fat and nobody asked me out.”
“You weren’t fat!”
“Okay, unpleasantly plump. I happen to be a whole lot smarter now than I was back then.” She curled her lip. “And not nearly as socially awkward.”
Eden’s low-pitched laugh came through the phone. “True. Still, looking out for each other is a hard habit for me to break.”
“Well, in this case, I don’t need you to play protective mom.”
“Since yours can’t be bothered…”
Hannah rolled her eyes. “Isn’t that the truth? However, I can take care of myself.”
Tripp opened the door. “Told you I’d be quick.” He glanced over then grimaced. “Oops, I didn’t realize you were on the phone. Sorry. Shall I…” He cocked his head back toward the house.
“No, get in.” She turned to face the window and pressed her cell closer. “Hey, I have to go. Can I call you back later?”
“Was that Tripp?” Eden’s voice rose.
Her brother climbed into the cab and shut the door with a sharp click before he started the engine.
“Yes.”
“Therapy session?”
Hannah let out a breath.