Chapter 2

Having finished the x-ray on his leg, Nate could not have been in a worst mood. He knew that the injury could be potentially serious and may include an arduous rehab process. He could hear the doctor and his coach in deep conversation while they waited for all the results, stepping from the wheelchair he had been forced to move around in he took the crouches from Shawn.At 6 6 he was as tall asNate and acted as his personal bodyguard/personal assistance/whatever else he needed him to be, he was also Nates cousin. “Hey Cuz, you’re like a senior citizen” Shawn teased. “And you look like you want to start searchingfor a new job” Nate quipped.this was not how he had imagined his day panning out.

Walking over too his coach, impatience in his voice he asked “so what’s the word”. well the doctor is pretty certain that it’s not as bad as first feared but has called in a specialist to give us a comprehensive diagnosis as well as timeframe his coach replied.

He sighed

“Don’t worry too much Itsgoing to be fine” his coach who had been by his side for so long, who had nurtured him from a determined but not as naturally gifted, to a world class sprinter said softly with a tap on his back. A man of few words, David Johnson had never placated him and wasn’t about to start now. Relaxinga bit he practiced moving about with the crouches, turning the air blue when Shawn started to snicker.

“I wanna go home as quickly as possible .Make the arrangementsShawn.” “Yes sir” Shawn muttered stepping out of the room.Not hearing the door close, he turned in time to see a young woman stepping through with two small girls. “Hello” she murmured sounding a bit perplexed clearly not recognizing him in the rooms low light.Herlow husky voice was a bit unsure. He recognized her, she was

the same woman he had seen at the track. That jet black hair he thought as he stepped into the light so luscious and wavy. “Good evening” he murmured with the first real smile he donned since his injury. It turned into a full blown grin when he saw the recognition light up across her face. Sheactually gasped. Suddenly it was full blown chaos as two brunette bundles startedsquealing in delight jumping up and down. By now he was laughing at the chagrined expression on her face

Getting to the center girls in tow the last person osariya would have expected to see in Adam’s office standing on crouches smiling at her,was Nate king. Stopped dead in her tracks she scrambled to control herself and act normal. Truth betold shewanted to do a bit of jumping like her nieces herself. Nate was big, she knew somewhere in her hindbrain that a super star athlete would be physically imposing. But up close, he was something else entirely different, even on crutches he seemed like a dangerous predator; so much coiled up energy ready to spring on his prey. Which based on how his eyes was taking in her every detail, would be her. Blushing a deep shade of red she cleared her throat “I’m looking for DoctorAdam, he’s expecting me “she regretted her statement instantly when he burst out in a fit of laughter, a rich deep timbre that made her feel warm over.“Aunty don’t you know who that is,it’sNate the king”. Her oldest niece whispered awe in her voice. “yesI’mNate, haven’t been a receptionist in a while”he said stretching out his hand.Peevedwithherself but smiling nonetheless at his humor she shook his hand.“Yes I know,I’m sorry my name is osiriaya and these are my nieces shyanne and rayeal .They’re obviously big fans of yours. “High little ones” he said struggling to stoop down they settled on hi fives. She took the time to inspect him a bit he was clearly over 6 ft with light mocha complexion gig broad shoulders and muscles she could see barely contained by the fitted shirt he wore extremely toned.he was clearly handsome, the kind of man that knew he looked good but didn’t particularly think about it every day. “What about aunty” he murmured with a slight smile as he caught her staring. She definitely is she told him blushing an even deeper shade at the sexual intendere. I’m a big fan of your running she clarified to ensure he clearly was on the same page.saved from further conversation by adam coming out . “riyah” he said as he gave her a big hug . “you’re here. Mr king and mr johnson

this is osariaya mcleod.” Pointing to her “she is a specialized physiotherapist and a md in sports science and also a friend .she will be helping confirm my diagnosis and give advice on rehab he told them both. “If you could follow me riah we can take a look at the injury”. Girls osariyia called please have a seat I will be back shortly.

‘K”“cool”

Following Adam into the adjoining office, she punched him in the arm as soon as the door closed.“What was that about” she hissed.“Now come on boo, I was expecting a big juicy kiss for bringing you face to face with your favoriteathlete’ he said laughing all the while,

“Funny,” she said sarcastically,“we have work to do, let me see the results. I don’t want to sound unprofessional in front of my favorite athlete she said grabbing the results from him while he put up the x-ray slides. On second thought she did give him a quick peck on the chick to his obvious delight “yeah yeah, let’s get to work

Watching osariya walk away Nate unabashedly stare d at her small waist and shapely derrière amplified by the fitted jeans she wore unfortunately the rest of her was covered by the puffy coat that she had on. He was definitely intrigued to say the least. The throbbing pain in his knee an afterthought as he mused about why he seemed to be so taken in with osariya; Maybe it was becauseshe seemed to have no idea how sexy and exotic she was.He could tell she was the kind of woman who shied away from the spotlight and would be shocked that he found her fascinating. Bright honest eyes and full lips that looked like she had just been kissed or needed to be. Nate chuckled to himself

A little too loudly as his coach looked at him with a concerned expression, sighing he sat down schooling himself to be patient. There

were two pairs of eyes on him right now and he figured he should make an impression.

“So ladies, were you disappointed that I came out last today” he asked a smile on his face

“We were very disappointed that you didn’t win” rayeal offered “and got hurt” shyanne added .“aunt rya said that you would be just fine” she continued “but we know that she was upset for you”.

“Well im waiting on your aunt right now Hopefully she lets me know how fine I am”

Osariaya could hear the nieces laughing outside of the room with Nate. “So”Adam said “ready to give the good news”

“I think so” she replied trying not to show how excited she was

Adam held the door for her as they exited the room.

She could see Nate staring at her again, she could tell he didn’t want to seem anxious but his hands were clenched to his side ,

“So” she started,“Adam pretty much had everything spot on, y]there was no significant damage to your acl however you have a

Posterior cruciate ligament injury or pcl as we call it,

“Or in layman’sterms’ Nate said a little of the impatience creeping in his voice

WellMr. king you hyper extend your knee ,it could be worst but it is a moderate hyperextension so the recovery time would be about 6 weeks

She said slowly “you won’t require surgery but there is specific [physical therapy you would need to ensure that everything is as good as new.”

“I’m sure your coach can get u more information on that” she said glancing at his coach. “That’s about it from me, I have a few tips on this paper her that I will leave with Adam”.

“Six weeks rehab coach Johnson said ,that’s gonna set us back But on the plus side you should get some much need rest

He said thoughtfully.

She could see nate looked distracted , he was still looking at her and hadyet too say a word, but she could not tell what he was thinking whether he was pleased, relieved or upset. “if that’s all gentlemen I will take my leave.

Adam if anything give me a ring”

“I’ll accompany you out”Nate said

“No”. it seemed everyone in the room had said it at once

Nate scowled at her

“Look” she said nervously fixingtucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear

“The last thing you should be doing is walking around mr king”

“It’sNate he said tartly and I’m going to have six weeks of rest and rehab so oblige” me he said, to her but looking at his coach.