I’ve been spending so much time trying to figure out how I can get her to stay that I didn’t consider what I could do to prepare to go with her. If Olivia wants to be in North Carolina then that’s where I’ll be. No more half measures.

I make my way over to her and am undone by the smile she sends my way. “Hey, you ready? Wait, hold on. Let me reapply some lotion. I don’t wanna look ashy on your video.”

A deep laugh rumbles in my chest as I grab her by the waist for a heart-stopping kiss. When I release her, she shockingly looks around, as if expecting there to be a crowd watching our PDA. Everyone who’s still here knows the two of us are together and they’ve got more important things to worry about than me showing my girlfriend some affection. “Your legs look perfectly moisturized. Let’s do this.”

I get the treadmill started for Olivia and then let her run for a few minutes so she can find her stride before I start recording. I take a fifteen-second video from the side and then I move to the back so I can record her hips, knees, and ankles before zooming in on her feet.

I film for long enough that when I review the footage I’ll be able to pinpoint any deviations that might hinder her recovery. Usually, I would review this myself and then with her during our next session, but since my schedule is a lot clearer now I’m able to review it with her now.

I play back the video of her running at a slower speed so I can see where her feet land, how far in front of her they are, and a few other things so I can measure her progression. “Hey, if this business goes to shit, what do you think about being my model on Feet Finder?”

Her eyes grow wide and then slam shut. “Oh my God, there could be a whole market dedicated to physical therapy. Let’s get that y-balance thingy in here too.” She leans her head against my chest. “Is it terrible to make jokes about this?”

“Eh, if we’re going to hell at least we’ll go together.”

Her chuckle vibrates against my body before she looks up at me with sincere eyes. “Kai, I really am—”

I shake my head, cutting her off before she can continue. “I don’t want to hear sorry from you, Olivia. No more sorries. Not ones that don’t belong to you anyway.”

“I don’t think you’re gonna get a sorry from Jason.”

“I don’t need one. His downfall will be all the apology I need, but it is not your job to apologize on his behalf. Got it?”

She stands at attention and salutes me. “Yes, sir.”