"What about the capsule?"

She kept her eyes on him, steady, unflinching. "You had a contact injury with a lot of trauma. The capsule may have thickened and scarred in response, or adhesions may have formed between folds. There are ways to address the adhesions."

"But not the other kind."

"No. And there are limits to how much we can improve it with therapy. You'll have to learn to live with a deficit."

That would mean a shorter spur stroke with his left compared to his right leg, in an event where symmetry was a huge part of the score. How many points would the lag cost him per ride? Five? Ten? Enough to end his career as he knew it.

"Worst case scenario, we can get you to at least eighty percent of normal. Then we can look at your biomechanics, make adjustments-"

He gave a sharp, impatient shake of his head. "The judges aren't stupid. They'll notice if I try to fake it."

She didn't argue. After the thousands of hours he'd spent training his body to work in a very precise groove, telling Delon he had to change his riding style was no different than informing a pitcher they couldn't stay in the major leagues unless they changed their arm angle, or a golfer that they had to retool their swing.

The tight, angry set to Delon's shoulders suggested it might be a while before he would consider trying. Well, he was in luck. He'd landed a physical therapist who knew all about adapting to loss. One of these days she might even get around to finding her new style.

Delon sat up abruptly and swung his legs off the table, forcing her to step aside. She pulled out a business card and scribbled a number on the back.

"For today, stick with your regular exercise program. Between now and your next appointment, I'll decide what changes we need to make. If you want to go ahead with the X-rays and MRI, let Beth know on your way out and she'll make the arrangements." She handed him the card. "That's my direct line if you have any other questions."

He turned the card over and studied the front for a long moment. Then he looked at her, his face a wooden mask. "What does your husband think of living in Texas?"

"I wouldn't know."

His fist curled around the card. "Sorry. Divorced?"

"Dead," she said, and walked out the door before he could join the legions who'd expressed their heartfelt sympathy when they didn't know f.u.c.k all about w.i.l.l.y except what they'd heard on the evening news.

A COWBOY FIREFIGHTER FOR CHRISTMAS.

First in the Smokin' Hot Cowboys contemporary romance series from author Kim Redford.

Trey Duval, a rancher and firefighter in Wildcat Bluff, is out of luck. His ranch has suffered from several "accidental" fires and there is no explanation in sight. All he wants for the upcoming holiday is to get to the bottom of this mystery, but what he gets instead is hotter than any ranch fire when he meets city-girl Misty Reynolds.

"This tale will melt even the iciest heart."

-Publishers Weekly Starred Review.

For more Kim Redford, visit:.

www.sourcebooks.com.

RECKLESS IN TEXAS.

First in the Texas Rodeo contemporary romance series from author Kari Lynn Dell Violet Jacobs is trying to get her family's rodeo production company into the big time. When she hires a hotshot rodeo bullfighter, she expected a ruckus-but she never expected her heart to be on the line.

Joe Ca.s.sidy is the best bullfighter in the business, but what he finds with Violet is more than just a career opportunity; it's a chance to create a life of his own, if he can let her see him for the man he really is.

"A s.e.xy, engaging romance set in the captivating world of rodeo."

-Kirkus Reviews.

For more Kari Lynn Dell, visit:.

www.sourcebooks.com.

TALK COWBOY TO ME.

Bestseller Carolyn Brown brings signature southern quirkiness to this fresh tale of Texas love Adele O'Donnell is sure the Double Deuce Ranch would be the perfect spot for her and her kids to start a new life. Remington Luckadeau needs the perfect place to raise his orphaned nephews, and he's not going to give up the Double Deuce without a fight.

One cowboy. One cowgirl. One ranch.

Who will win the Double Deuce by the Fourth of July?.

"Superb! The vivid characters came to life."

-Night Owl Reviews Top Pick for One Texas Cowboy Too Many.

For more Carolyn Brown, visit: www.sourcebooks.com.

OUTLAW COWBOY.

Second in the Big Sky Cowboys series from author Nicole Helm.

Caleb Shaw promised his sister he'd mend his wild ways, and he means to keep his word. He wants nothing to do with his old life...or the gorgeous Delia Rogers.

Delia is the baddest bad girl, and when she finds herself on the run from the law, every door is closed to her but that of the newly reformed Caleb. When help and close quarters turn into more, Delia and Caleb are forced to decide what matters more: their reputations or their hearts...

"A true page-turner."

-Publishers Weekly for Rebel Cowboy.

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