Meet me in the Emerald Forest

Chapter 12 Clementine

Thursday morning came and I found myself feeling almost nervous about Lukas' arrival. A part of me hoped that he turned out like all the other guys and disappointed me by not showing up. But, the realistic part of me knew that he wasn't that type of guy. I dressed in a pair of leggings, a sports bra, and a long green tank top with thick straps. I was lacing up my sneakers when the doorbell rang. I sighed and took a deep breath before answering the door.

"Good morning." Lukas grinned, handing me a Starbucks cup, "I took a guess." He added with a sheepish expression.

"Oh, thank you." I smiled, taking the cup from his hand.

"You ready?" He asked. I nodded and grabbed my bag from the coat rack by the door.

"Let's go."

Lukas was driving his truck again and I instantly eyeballed the lifted tires. I was a short woman, okay, I struggled getting into a normal sized truck. Lukas walked around the front of the truck with me and opened the door. Before I could even contemplate how the hell I was getting in without a runner, Lukas offered me his hand and supported me into the seat.

"Thanks." I laughed, "Short girl problems."

Lukas laughed openly and I was memorized by the sound like an idiot.

"My pleasure."

Once he was settled into his seat and ensured that I was wearing my seatbelt, he started up the truck and pulled away from the curb.

"I have to admit, I've never been to physical therapy before." Lukas said, glancing sideways at me.

"Me neither." I shrugged, "But, honestly, you can just wait in the car."

"Oh, if that's what you want." I didn't miss the disappointment in Lukas' voice. I avoided looking at him as I wondered what he was thinking.

"I just figured you'd be bored." I mumbled.

"Not a chance." He said in a voice that forced me to look over at him.

"My appointment is an hour long." I warned him.

"I'm sure I can entertain myself somehow." His tone was very suggestive, I just wasn't sure what exactly it was suggesting.

We drove in somewhat awkward silence until we reached the doctor's office. It only took about twenty minutes to get there but the air was very thick in the cab of Lukas' truck. He pulled into the parking lot and turned off the truck, helping me out like he did before. Together we walked into the office and I gave my name to the receptionist.

I was shocked that Lukas wanted to join me in the appointment. For someone who's never been to PT before he sure knew a lot and was surprisingly helpful. The therapist gave me several exercises to try and Lukas was there to help me complete them. Even the therapist was impressed.

"Thank you for all your help today, Lukas." I said as we exited the offices.

"I'm just glad that I could help you." He smiled as he opened the door to the building for me.

Our fingers brushed against each other when we walked through the parking lot and a shower of sparks traveled up my arm. I shivered and stepped away so there was more distance between us, a little freaked out by the sudden burst of electricity.

"You really didn't have to. You've gone above and beyond, I mean, we don't even really know each other." I said,

When we approached the car, I leaned against the door, refusing to let him open it, and leveled him with a cautious gaze.