The following day I woke with my stomach in happy knots. I still couldn't get over last night. I went to bed replaying over and over the feel of Oliver's lips on mine.

He didn't give any indication as to where he is taking me today, but wherever it is will have to wait until after his physical therapy.

I met him in the gym just after breakfast. Hippogriffs fluttered in my stomach but I couldn't stop the smile that graced my face.

Oliver smiled back. He was dressed in a loose-fitting tank top and work out shorts. Now that we were dating, I allowed myself to appreciate his body a bit more and it was anything but disappointing. Then I chastised myself because it was important to stay professional.

"Hey there." He approached and leaned in to kiss my cheek.

I inhaled deeply. Not realizing it, I had become used to the unique scent that was Oliver Wood. He smelled clean and comforting, like summer rain and freshly cut grass.

It took a moment for me to remember that this wasn't a personal visit. "Oliver, I'd really like to stay professional while we are working. I don't want to be accused of playing favorites and I really don't want to jeopardize my position."

Oliver took a step back. "I understand that. However, just so you know, coach won't mind. He's been telling me to go after you for months." My jaw popped open and nearly dropped to my knees. He laughed. "I know. He says there is more to life than just Quidditch and I need to make sure I don't ignore my personal life for the sake of the game. His vote to fix that was to act on my obvious attraction for you. So I know he is fine with it as long as it doesn't affect my performance on the pitch. I know it won't so there's nothing to worry about there."

Suspicion began to grow in the back of my mind and I picked up my jaw. "Is this just something to appease him, then?"

Oliver stood before me and grabbed my shoulders. "Listen to me clearly Hermione. I don't do anything I don't want to do. From the first day you arrived and my eyes landed on you, I felt something. That doesn't happen often for me. I'm usually so focused on the game that I don't notice other people. Other players love the attention and plenty of them take advantage of the many fans throwing themselves at us. That's never been me." His eyes searched mine, clearly hoping he was getting through to me. "Before you came along, I spent my weekends alone going over Quidditch plays and getting in extra practice time. I looked forward to it. Now, I can't stay away from you and I wouldn't change that for anything. I want to be with you because you make me happy, not to please someone else."

There was an inner battle of feelings rumbling inside me. "Clearly I have some insecurities to work through." I tried to laugh.

"That's ok. We can work through them together. For now, though, we better work on whatever you have planned for me. I've got a date to get to." He winked at me playfully.

I had nearly forgotten why we were here in the first place. "Right. Your shoulder break. There was quite a bit of soft tissue and musculature damage as well. Everything is healed, but while magic can fix the pain and mend the break, it can leave behind muscle weakness. That weakness not only effects your response time, but opens you up for a higher probability of another, more serious, injury if we don't treat it."

"That makes sense. What do you I need to do?"

He looked at me questioningly, but clearly willing to do anything I ask of him.

"I have put together a plan for you for this week. I'll be here to assist as some of the exercises will be better if I help stretch your range of motion. Each session should take about an hour and a half, but if you're committed, then by Friday you should be back to 100%. Muscle memory is a wonderful thing."

"If it means playing better and less chance for injury, I'm all for it. Let's get started."

To begin, I took some measurements on his rotation and overall flexibility of his shoulders. "You're definitely working with about 15% less flexibility in your right arm versus your left. That tells me we have some work to do since that's your dominant hand meaning it would generally have greater flexibility and strength. We need to get those muscles to loosen back up. Let's start with some stretching."

I led him through a series of stretches, helping to push and pull as needed. Next, we did a little bit of strength work, followed by more stretches and a few yoga moves that really open up the shoulder muscles.

"That's really great, Oliver. Your shoulder will be good as new by Friday, but there's one last step. Let's head to my office."

He held the door that led from the work out room to my office to allow me to enter first. "Take off your shirt and hop up on the table, please."

My stomach clenched as I watched the muscles ripple across his stomach as he removed his shirt. It suddenly felt several degrees warmer in my office than it did a moment ago, but I tried to push away my attraction. I cared a lot about Oliver and there was still work to be done to make sure his recovery was successful.

He laid face down as I asked and I grabbed some lotion. "Studies have shown that a combination of massage and myofascial release can improve blood flow and rotation while actually improving the muscle and joint function. Some of this might feel a little uncomfortable while I'm doing it and you may be a bit sore after, but it's worth it. I promise."

Oliver said nothing, but instead swallowed hard and nodded.

My fingers were itching to touch him and when I finally did, I had to remind myself why I was doing this. It had been quite some time since I had been with a man and being so close to Oliver's toned body knowing that he's mine stirred some feelings I had thought were lost for good.

I pushed those thoughts away and focused on my task. Perhaps I worked him a little harder and longer than necessary, but I was enjoying the closeness.

Finally, I knew I couldn't keep him any longer. "Alright, Oliver, you're all set. Make sure you drink this." I took a large cup and filled it with water. "It will help flush all the toxins we just released and prevent too much soreness from the muscle work."

He looked at me, but didn't move to take the water. "Is everything ok? Did I go too hard on you?"

"Merlin, Hermione." He rubbed a hand down his face which I noticed was tinged pink. "I seem to be having a bit of a problem. It would be quite embarrassing if I were to get up right now."

It took a second for his words to click. "Oh! I can certainly leave to give you a minute."

I turned to go and he grabbed my hand to stop me. "Please don't. It's just been a while and I like it when you touch me."

This time it was my face that pinked.

It reddened further when Garrett came through. "Ah, there's my star player!" A second later he froze as he took in Oliver's grip on my hand. Then, he smiled. "Took the pair of you long enough. Anyway, I just came to check and make sure the first day of physical therapy went well."

Sheesh. We hadn't even had our first date! Oliver gave me an "I told you so." look and I nearly laughed out loud. It was a bit reassuring to have confirmation that Garrett didn't mind if we started dating.

"First round went well. I'll have his shoulder better than before by Friday."

Garrett gave a sharp nod. "Didn't doubt you for a moment, it's just reassuring to hear again now that therapy has started. I'll let you two finish up." He looked over to Oliver. "Wood, I want to see you an hour before practice on Monday to go through those new play ideas you mentioned."

"Sure thing, Coach."

Garrett looked between the two of us and smiled. "This is going to be great to see where this goes. I don't think either of you know what you're in for." Without further explanation, he left.

"What do you think he meant by that?" I asked Oliver quizzically.

He shrugged the best he could while still lying face down on a table and holding my hand. "Who knows, but I'm excited to find out. I'll pick you up at six?"

"Sure. What should I wear?" He wouldn't tell me where he was taking me.

"We aren't going anywhere fancy, so just something comfortable."

"Fair enough. Think you're ready to get up? You really do need to drink this."

He breathed in deeply and seemed to think really hard about something before finally rising from the table. "I really am sorry about that."

"I'm a medical professional. These things happen. Now drink up and then we can get out of here."

And I really needed to get out of here because the thought of Oliver Wood being turned on at my touch, well, let's just say it stirred a few things in my own body.