Chapter Twenty-Three
Allegra
I smoothed down my shirt as I stepped out of the gym, a little out of breath after rearranging some of the equipment for my upcoming clients. The clinic was quiet this early in the morning, most of the treatment rooms still dark and empty. I made my way to my office, my sneakers squeaking on the clean floor tiles, my mind already running through the day’s patient list.
As I rounded the corner, I nearly collided with Dr. Lefèvre, our clinic director. His usually genial face was creased with concern, and my stomach dropped.
“Allegra,” he said, his voice low and serious. “Could you step into my office for a moment?”
I nodded, trying to keep my expression neutral even as my heart rate picked up. Had something happened? Was there a problem with one of my patients? My thoughts went straight to one of my more frail patients, Mr. Roberts, who hadn’t been looking too well lately.
I followed Dr. Lefèvre into his office, the space neat and professional with its dark wood desk and walls lined with medical texts and certifications. He gestured for me to take a seat in one of the chairs facing his desk, and I perched on the edge, my back straight and hands folded in my lap. My heart raced, preparing for bad news.
Dr. Lefèvre settled into his chair with a sigh, removing his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose. “Allegra, I hope you know how much we value you here at the clinic. Your work has been exemplary, and your patients speak very highly of you.”
“Thank you,” I said, a note of wariness creeping into my voice. This wasn’t the direction I thought this conversation was going. “Is there a problem?”
He replaced his glasses, his gaze meeting mine. “I’m afraid there is. It’s come to my attention that you may have...compromised our professional standards recently.”
I felt my cheeks flush. “I’m not sure I understand.”
Dr. Lefèvre leaned forward, clasping his hands on the desk. “Several of our staff members and patients noticed you dancing rather intimately with a former patient at the hospital fundraiser gala last month. And then the same patient created quite a scene here last week. A Mr. Cooper Moreau, I believe? Another therapist witnessed it through the window in the gym.”
The memory of that night at the gala flashed through my mind—Cooper’s hand on my waist, the warmth of his breath on my neck, the electricity that had sparked between us as we moved across the dance floor. Then the scene last week, with him marching me out of the clinic like he owned me. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Dr. Lefèvre, I can assure you that Mr. Moreau had already been discharged from my care at that point. There was no breach of professional ethics. ”
He nodded slowly. “I understand that, Allegra. However, the appearance of impropriety can be just as damaging as actual misconduct. We have a reputation to uphold, and our patients need to trust that we maintain strict professional boundaries.”
I felt a surge of indignation. “With all due respect, sir, what I do in my free time is my own business. I’ve never let my personal life interfere with my work here.”
Dr. Lefèvre’s expression softened slightly. “I know that, Allegra. And I’m not accusing you of anything improper. But we need to be mindful of how our actions might be perceived, especially in public settings where we’re representing the clinic.”
I hung my head, trying to calm the mix of embarrassment and anger swirling in my chest. “I understand. It won’t happen again.”
“Good,” he replied, “I’d hate to see you jeopardize your career and reputation.”
“I appreciate your concern,” I said, forcing a smile. “Is there anything else?”
He shook his head. “No, that’s all for now. But please, Allegra, if you need to talk about anything, my door is always open.”
I stood, smoothing my shirt again in a nervous gesture. “Thank you, Dr. Lefèvre. I’ll keep that in mind.”
As I left his office, I felt a weight settle on my shoulders. I’d always prided myself on my professionalism, on keeping my work and personal life separate. But Cooper had blurred those lines in a way I never expected, and now I was facing the consequences.
I made my way to my own office, closing the door behind me and leaning against it for a moment. My eyes fell on the framed diplomas on the wall, the carefully organized patient files on my desk. This career was everything I’d worked for, the life I’d built for myself away from my father’s dark legacy. Was I really willing to risk it all for Cooper? He’d told me time and time again he wasn’t going to leave his business, wasn’t going to settle down…was I just setting myself up for heartbreak?
The memory of Cooper’s touch, his smile, the way he made me feel both terrified and exhilarated, flashed through my mind. I instantly tried to clear the thoughts away. I had patients to focus on, a job to do. I couldn’t let my personal life interfere any more than it already had.
I settled in at my desk, pulling up my schedule for the day. But as I tried to focus on the names and appointment times, my mind kept drifting back to Cooper. The danger that surrounded him, the way he’d swept into my life and turned everything upside down. I loved my job, enjoyed the satisfaction of helping people regain their mobility and independence. But there was a part of me that craved the excitement Cooper brought, the passion I felt when I was with him. The way he made my body feel…
A knock at my door startled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, straightening in my chair and trying to look composed.
Joanna poked her head in, a sympathetic smile on her face. “Hey, Al. I saw you come out of Lefèvre’s office. Everything okay?”
I sighed, gesturing for her to come in and shut the door. I was thankful that Joanna was more than just a colleague; she was my closest friend, the one person I could trust with the myriad of emotions I was feeling.
“Not really,” I admitted, as she sat on the edge of my desk. “Apparently, Dr. Lefèvre…or someone else…witnessed the…exchange between Cooper and I here last week.”
Joanna winced. “Ouch. Was he very upset?”
I shrugged, leaning back in my chair. “Not upset, exactly. More...concerned. About the appearance of impropriety, and how it might affect the clinic’s reputation.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Joanna scoffed. “Cooper isn’t even your patient anymore.”
“I know,” I said, running a hand through my hair. “But it’s not just that. I know I’ve been distracted.”
Joanna’s expression softened. “Al, you’ve been through a lot lately. With Tomas, and now all this stuff with Cooper...it’s bound to affect you.”
I nodded, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I just...I don’t know what to do, Jo. This job means everything to me. But Cooper...”
“He means a lot to you too,” Joanna finished softly.
I looked up at her, feeling tears gather at the corners of my eyes. “Is that crazy? To feel this way about someone I barely know, someone who’s involved in such dangerous things?”
Joanna reached out, squeezing my hand. “It’s not crazy, Al. The heart wants what it wants. But you need to be careful. Not just because of work, but for your own safety.”
I nodded, blinking back the tears. “I know. I just...I can’t seem to stay away from him, even though I know I should. ”
Joanna was quiet for a moment, her brow wrinkled in thought. “Maybe...maybe you need some time away. To clear your head, figure out what you really want. If you ever want a girl’s weekend away, I’ll arrange it.”
I considered it, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension at the thought of putting some distance between myself and Cooper. “That...might not be a bad idea.”
Joanna smiled, patting my hand. “Just think about it, okay? And remember, I’m here if you need to talk. Or if you need someone to cover for you while you sneak off for a steamy rendezvous with your dangerous boyfriend.”
I laughed despite myself, grateful for her attempt to lighten the mood. “He’s not my boyfriend, Jo.”
She raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Not yet, maybe. But I’ve seen the way you look at each other. There’s definitely something there.”
I gave her a look, and she laughed. She moved to the door, then turned back towards me. “Also, your first patient is here. I sent her to the gym.”
“Thanks Jo, and for the talk too.”
I made my way to the gym and opened the door, revealing my first patient of the day, an elderly woman recovering from hip surgery. I stood, slipping easily into my professional persona.
“Mrs. Dubois, good morning. How are you feeling today?”
I focused on Mrs. Dubois, asking about her pain levels and guiding her through some gentle stretches. But in the back of my mind, I couldn’t shake the weight of Dr. Lefèvre’s words, the tangle of emotions surrounding Cooper, and the growing realization that I was going to have to make some difficult choices very soon.
The rest of the morning passed in a blur of patients and paperwork. I threw myself into my work, grateful for the distraction from my tumultuous thoughts. But as lunchtime approached, I found myself growing restless, my mind drifting back to Cooper and the complications he’d brought into my life.
I was just finishing up some notes on my last patient when my phone buzzed with a text. My heart skipped a beat when I saw Cooper’s name on the screen.
Thinking of you, angel. Dinner tonight?
I stared at the message, feeling a familiar mix of excitement and trepidation. Part of me wanted nothing more than to see him, to lose myself in his arms and forget about all the complications. But another part, the sensible, professional part that had built this career I loved, urged caution.
Before I could respond, there was a knock at my office door. I quickly locked my phone screen, calling out, “Come in.”
The door opened to reveal Dr. Lefèvre once again. My stomach clenched, wondering if he had more to say about my unprofessional relationship with Cooper.
“Allegra,” he said, his tone warmer than it had been this morning. “Do you have a moment?”
I nodded, gesturing for him to come in. He took a seat across from my desk, his expression thoughtful.
“I’ve been thinking about our conversation this morning,” he began. “And I want you to know that I didn’t mean to come across as harsh or judgmental. Your work here has always been exemplary, and one...indiscretion doesn’t change that.”
I felt a mix of relief and lingering frustration. “I appreciate that, Dr. Lefèvre. And I want to assure you again that there was no impropriety with Mr. Moreau. He was no longer my patient, and—”
He held up a hand, cutting me off gently. “I understand, Allegra. And I believe you. But as I said, perception is important in our line of work. Which is why I have a proposition for you.”
I leaned forward, curious despite myself. “What kind of proposition?”
“The European Congress of Physical Therapy is being held in Barcelona next month,” he said. “I’d like you to attend as our clinic’s representative.”
My eyes widened in surprise. This was a prestigious event, one that usually only the most senior therapists were chosen to attend. “Are you sure? I mean, I’d be honored, but...”
Dr. Lefèvre smiled. “You’re more than qualified, Allegra. Your work with post-operative patients has been particularly noteworthy. I think you’d benefit greatly from the conference, and it would be an excellent opportunity for you to network and potentially present some of your research.”
I felt a surge of pride and excitement at his words. This was exactly the kind of opportunity I’d been working towards, a chance to further my career and make a real impact in my field. But then I thought of Cooper, of the dangerous world I’d been pulled into, and felt a pang of uncertainty.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity,” I said slowly. “But...how long would I be gone?”
“The conference itself is five days,” Dr. Lefèvre replied. “Plus, travel time. So probably a full week.”
A week away from Paris, away from Cooper. Part of me felt a sense of relief at the thought, a chance to clear my head and refocus on my career. But another part ached at the idea of being away from him.
“I...I don’t know what to say,” I stammered. “It’s an incredible opportunity.”
Dr. Lefèvre’s expression turned serious. “Allegra, I’ll be frank with you. I think this could be good for you, both professionally and personally. A chance to step back, refocus on your career, and...perhaps gain some perspective on other aspects of your life.”
I met his gaze, understanding the implication in his words. He was offering me a lifeline, a way to distance myself from the situation with Cooper without directly reprimanding me further.
“When would I leave?” I asked, my mind already racing with the logistics.
“In three weeks,” he replied. “That should give you enough time to prepare your patients and hand off any ongoing cases.”
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Thank you, Dr. Lefèvre. I...I accept. I won’t let you down.”
He smiled, standing up. “I know you won’t, Allegra. You’re one of our brightest stars here. I look forward to seeing what you bring back from the conference.”
As he left my office, I sat back in my chair, my mind spinning. A week in Barcelona, immersed in the latest developments in my field, surrounded by like-minded professionals. It was an incredible opportunity, one that could significantly advance my career .
But as I looked down at my phone, Cooper’s unanswered text still lighting up the screen, I felt a pang of doubt. How would he react to me leaving? And more importantly, how would I handle being away from him for so long?
Perhaps it was best, maybe a cold break was exactly what I needed.
I picked up my phone, my finger hovering over the reply button. Finally, I took a deep breath and typed out a response.
Can’t tonight. Something’s come up at work. Rain check?
I hit send before I could second-guess myself, then quickly put my phone in my desk drawer. I had patients to focus on, a conference to prepare for. I couldn’t let my personal life interfere any more than it already had.
As I finished up on my last patient file, I tried hard to ignore the nagging feeling in my chest, the part of me that already missed Cooper even though I hadn’t left yet. I had worked too hard, sacrificed too much, to let my career slip away because of a man—no matter how intoxicating he might be, no matter how addicted I was to him.
I took a deep breath, straightening my posture and focusing on the task at hand. I was Allegra Prescott, physical therapist and soon-to-be presenter at the European Congress of Physical Therapy. I wasn’t going to let anything—or anyone—stand in my way.
Yet, I couldn’t quite shake the image of Cooper’s face from my mind, the memory of his touch lingering like a ghost on my skin. I had three weeks to prepare for the conference, three weeks to figure out how to balance my career with the undeniable pull I felt towards him.