Page 179 of Heal Me, Love Me

The answers never changed: my head hurt, the lights outside were too bright, and I was tired. But every time I looked over and saw Rowan beside me, the pain and fatigue were replaced by happiness that he cared enough to stay with me.

My phone buzzed in my pocket again. Derek and Mason had both been texting since we left the arena, but I was trying to follow the doctor’s instructions about avoiding screens. I pulled it out anyway.

Rowan gave me a look. “What are you doing?”

“Checking my phone.”

“You have a concussion.” He held out his hand. “Give it to me.”

I sighed but handed it over.

He glanced at the screen, then began typing. “Mason and Derek want to come by your room, but I’m telling them no visitors tonight.”

I knew their flight back to Sacramento was scheduled for early the next morning, and while I was grateful they’d made the trip to Austin, I didn’t think I’d be up for hanging out before they left. “Tell them thanks for checking in, and I’ll catch up with them back home.”

Neither of us said much the rest of the drive. My brain was still trying to catch up to the fact that I’d spent the evening being knocked unconscious and then maybe getting back together with my ex-boyfriend, who was also the person who’d knocked me out. Rowan sat beside me, his leg pressed against mine, and every now and then, I caught him looking over like he was having the same trouble believing this moment was real.

Once we reached the hotel, I was so exhausted that walking through the lobby felt like more effort than fighting three rounds.

“You okay?” Rowan asked for what had to be the twentieth time.

I glanced at him. “No.”

His brows pulled together, and I saw Coach Phil peek at me from the corner of his eye.

I sighed. “Sorry, I just need some rest.”

They both nodded, and we headed for the elevator. When we reached my floor, I wanted nothing more than a dark room and several hours of sleep. Thankfully, concussion protocol called forrest rather than someone staring at me all night to make sure I didn’t fall asleep.

Coach Phil opened the hotel room door and started repeating the doctor’s instructions.

I groaned. “I got it. Basically, I can’t do anything but hang out in here and chill.”

“Pretty much.” Coach Phil turned to Rowan. “And if his symptoms get worse, call me immediately.” He handed Rowan a business card. “No matter what time it is, I don’t want to find out hours after something happens.”

“I understand.” Rowan tucked the card into his pocket.

I was glad Coach Phil hadn’t argued with me or questioned why Rowan was there. He simply went along with it, knowing that’s who I wanted to stay with me.

Coach Phil looked at me one last time. “Tonight was rough. Right now, I don’t care about rankings or any of that other crap. I just need you to recover.”

I nodded, the motion making my stomach churn. “Okay.”

“Everything else will still be there in a few days. Get some sleep, and I’ll check on you in the morning,” he said, then walked out.

The door shut behind him, leaving Rowan and me alone for the first time in what felt like forever. I stared at the king-sized bed, then at Rowan, lifting a brow.

He smirked. “Don’t.”

Despite the headache, I felt myself smiling. “I didn’t say anything.”

“You were about to, but rest means rest.”

“Such a buzzkill,” I teased, knowing there was no way I’d be up for anything more than sleeping anyway.

“I’m supposed to make sure you follow the rules.”

“Fine.” I kicked off my shoes.