My Spy by Christina Skye Page A

it.”
    Sam traced the inside of her wrist. “I don't think I can.”
    It took all Annie's strength not to lean closer and pull his mouth up to meet hers.
    She stepped back, clearing her throat. “Let's get to work. But first you take your pain pill.”
    “Already had it.”
    Fine. If the stubborn fool wanted to play this game the hard way, so be it.
    “Let's work on your leg. Lateral lifts.”
    Annie was rolling out a padded exercise mat in the living room when she heard him stop. He was staring at her, one shoulder against the door. “Are you involved with anyone?”
    Annie finished straightening the mat. “Why?”
    “Just wondering.”
    And you can keep right on wondering
, she thought as she sat on the mat and motioned him down beside her. “Lie on your side.”
    “Aren't you going to give me an answer?”
    “No. We'll start lateral stretches with your good leg. Extend your top leg slowly, keeping your foot straight. Inhale while you lift, exhale while you lower. Take your time, and don't force it.”
    Sam stretched out awkwardly beside her, grimacing as he raised his foot. “Tell me about him.”
    “No more questions.”
    He raised a hand in acquiescence. “The last thing I want to do is pry into your private life.”
    “I'm delighted to hear it. No, don't move that bottom leg.” She watched critically to be sure he didn't put pressure on the brace, then adjusted the position of his knee, supporting it with one hand. “That's good.”
    He gave her a crooked grin. “It would be even better if you'd raise your hands a few more inches.”
    Annie felt heat touch her face. “Keep your overheated fantasies to yourself.”
    “I try, but you keep distracting me.”
    “Next are forward extensions.”
    Sam's eyes narrowed. “So it's strictly business, that's what you're saying?”
    “With the rehabilitation program I have planned, neither of us will have time for anything else.”
    Annie was painfully aware of the brush of his body as they worked through two sets of forward extensions. He was panting now, his face pale, but he still hadn't asked for a break.
    “Now for the kickback. This one looks easy, but I warn you it isn't. You'll be working all the muscles in your back, so stop immediately if anything hurts.”
    Despite his casual nod, Annie knew he had no intention of stopping for anything short of a complete joint dislocation.
    “Lie down on the exercise ball and put your hands on the floor.”
    “Sounds like this could be interesting.”
    “Focus, McKade. I want to see your stomach in, back straight, chin tucked. Look straight down at the floor and hug the ball.”
    “If you say so, Doc.”
    Annie watched him work his way into the position. “Now lift your right leg as far as you can. Knee straight, remember. Keep the motion slow and controlled with the ball beneath you, so you really feel the muscles work.” His movements were jerky and Annie could see that he was surprised at how much coordination and concentration were required.
    “Not as easy as it looks,” he muttered.
    “Don't pull anything. All your muscles get a workout with this one, but you have to start out slow. Remember, you're healing muscles now, stretching them gently, not bulking them up.”
    He finished another lift and Annie saw his mouth flatten to a line. His focus was almost palpable.
    “Are you sure you took your pain medicine today?”
    “Sure I'm sure.” He drew a hard breath. “I think I'll stop at ten.”
    “I was going to suggest five.”
    “What kind of a wimp do you take me for?”
    The kind who would risk his life to save a bus filled with children. The kind who would tear a muscle before he'd show any weakness,
    Annie thought.
    She watched Sam force himself through another lift, breathing hard. His eyes were tense, his body stiff. “Damn it, Sam, stop pushing.”
    His face was lined with strain as he rolled over onto his back.
    Annie ran her hand along his shoulder, raging at herself for not halting him