Healing Touch: Play Doctor, Book 2 by Jayne Rylon Read Free Book Online

“You’ll have to teach me as much as possible, then leave the rest to me.”
    He didn’t doubt she would bust her ass to vanquish her demons. But some things couldn’t be done solo. She needed assistance. Support. Or she risked lapsing into a state worse than her current coping permitted.
    “Forget about the insurance thing. I’m committed to helping you.” He patted her bare knee, positive she had no idea how much of those magnificent legs she flashed at him with her skirt sliding up her thighs. “Whatever it takes. We’ll get through this together.”
    “I can’t let you do that,” she answered without lifting her head.
    “Why not?” He blinked.
    “Because you shouldn’t have to work for nothing,” she objected.
    “Our practice provides sliding-scale therapy for those in need. We’re committed to preventing costs inhibiting people from getting the help they need.” That was the truth, though he didn’t intend to seek payment for her case. Helping her would be gratifying enough. Something about her meager subsistence had him feeling guilty for his success anyway. It was a small thing. But he could do this. Wanted to do it.
    “Really?”
    He nodded.
    “Okay, then.” She perked up. “I would be grateful for your help.”
    “So you tell me. Are you ready to ride the elevator?” He rose, but she didn’t follow his lead.
    “I—” She hesitated.
    “Okay, that’s answer enough. If you can’t say yes right off, then you’re not prepared. That’s all right. Remember, you’re in control. You decide what’s comfortable, or within your limits to try.”
    “It’s just that we’re so high up. The thought of having to stop and wait a bunch of times on the way down, the door closing me in after each person we pick up…” She began to hyperventilate again.
    “Shh. Deep breaths, remember?” He smiled when she caught herself before blacking out. “I understand your concerns. They’re valid. I don’t mind walking. If we get to a point where you think you’d like to try the elevator instead, all you have to do is say so. I’ll be with you the whole way, no matter what you decide. Okay?”
    “Sure.” She unfolded the human pretzel she’d morphed into, accepting his assistance to climb to her feet.
    “So, what do you do for a living?” When she didn’t respond after they’d gone down two flights, he figured she didn’t intend to answer.
    “I’m sorry. I’m a little confused.” She turned at the end of the landing and started down another set of stairs.
    “About what?”
    “Is this typical?” She tipped her head up to look at him. In the dim stairwell, her eyes looked huge and innocent. So much of her life had been unusual, she had no point of reference for normalcy.
    “What?” He had to make sure he understood her question.
    “Going to lunch with a client?” Brielle called him out. “The things we’re talking about now… Are they for the case or because you want to know?”
    “Ah, that.” He shook his head. “Nothing about today has been standard for me. No, I very rarely, if ever, interact with my patients outside of my clinic. It’s important for my clients to know that we are not friends.”
    “Oh.” She bit her lip, quiet for a few more flights before nodding. “I understand. It makes sense.”
    “To be honest, Brielle, I like you. I admire your strength. Maybe someday, when you no longer need my services, we could reevaluate that boundary.”
    “I think I would enjoy that.” She skipped down the next step and three more, picking up speed until he had trouble keeping up with her spritely bouncing. Ahead of him, she ducked through the door to the second floor.
    “Brielle, we still have another flight,” he called after her.
    “I know. I’d like to take the elevator.” She smiled over her shoulder before pausing. “Unless that’s dumb. It’s only one floor.”
    “No, that’s not in any way silly.” He smiled wide at her as they rounded the corner toward