Page 74 of Body Check

“Derek sent me.”

His blue eyes twinkle. “Yes, I suppose he did.”

“What do you need from me?”

“He’ll be out in a little while, and then the radiologist and I will review the scans.” Doc sighs. “If it’s what I expect, he’ll be wheeled upstairs for surgery.”

“You’ll do it tonight? He won’t have to wait for swelling to go down?”

“I won’t know until I see it again, but there appeared to be minimal swelling.” He shakes his head. “Such a shame. It’s probably the end of his career.”

My stomach drops. “Are you sure?”

“He’s thirty-seven. There are only six weeks left of the season. And he’s in the last year of his contract.”

“No team will want to touch him,” I say slowly, putting the pieces together.

Fuck. Who will tell him? Will it be better or worse for it to come from me? Will he always blame me for delivering the news? Maybe it will be better to hear it from a neutral party…

Doc nods, remorse all over his face. “Such a shame to go out this way.”

The door to radiology opens, and an orderly wheels Jason out in a chair.

“Now, I’ll review the scans,” Doc announces to both of us. “Hang out in the ER for a bit, and then we’ll figure out where to go from there.”

Jason nods, a muscle clenching in his jaw.

Shit. How much did he overhear?

“Right this way, ma’am,” the orderly says, jerking his head. I fall into step beside him as he leads us down the hallway, into the elevator, and back to the ER. We’re shown to a private room—reserved for VIP patients, no doubt—and finally, finally, we’re alone.

Jason clears his throat. “Thank you for being here.”

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” Crossing the room, I reach for his hand, taking it in my own. “How are you doing?”

He scowls. “How do you think I’m doing?”

“Hey, I’m just asking,” I say, with forced lightness. “Are you in pain? Do you need more meds?”

There’s an IV attached to his left hand, a bag of saline slowly dripping into his system. He didn’t shower after the game, so he smells a bit ripe, but it’s nothing I can’t deal with. I run my hand through his sweaty hair, pushing it off his face.

“You can talk to me.”

“I can’t, though,” he bites out. “How do I know what you’ll report back to Derek and Coach?”

It’s my turn to scowl. “I won’t tell them anything you don’t want me to. I may be here as your patient advocate, but I only volunteered because it’s you. I couldn’t bear the thought of you being here by yourself—or worse, with Graham.”

Jason’s eyes soften. “I’m sorry. I’m not feeling great.”

“I don’t blame you. It’s a lot to deal with.” I cup his cheek. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need, babe.”

Bending down, I kiss him lightly, trying to reassure him.

He squeezes my hand, so tight it almost hurts, when he kisses me back. It’s as electric as ever, even if he’s wearing a hospital gown. I just had him twelve hours ago, but it already feels like twelve years since the last time.

The door snicks open, and we snap apart. I hurry to the other side of the small room.

Dr. Hudson raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t comment on my red face or Jason’s labored breathing.