Page 106 of Game Misconduct

forty

. . .

Nick

I’m going stir-crazy. Nine days into my concussion recovery, and I’m restless. If it weren’t for the stinging headache I get every time I breathe or think or move, I’d be totally fine.

But, I have to admit to myself, I’m not fine.

Bex is back to full-time in the arena, but she races home as soon as the workday is done. She hasn’t left my side since everything happened.

And while I should be glad about that, instead I feel… stifled. Claustrophobic.

As if I’ve summoned her, she appears in my bedroom doorway, wearing her work uniform of a pencil skirt and silk blouse. She’s already kicked off her heels and stands in her black tights.

“How are you doing?” she murmurs, lingering in the threshold.

“Fine.”

“I was thinking…”

As I turn to face her, I immediately regret it when a piercing stab hits right behind my forehead. She rushes to my side, perching on the edge of my bed. I’m unable to hide my wince. I can’t hide anything from her.

“How bad is the pain?” She runs a hand through my hair, and even though I’m irritated and hurting, I can’t keep myself from leaning into her touch.

“About a four.”

She makes a pitying noise deep in her throat. “Want me to dim the lights?”

“Nah. I just moved too fast.” Slowly, I force myself into a sitting position, and when my head doesn’t erupt in agony, I let out a heavy exhale. “I’m ready for this to be over.”

Bex’s ruby-painted lips tip into a frown. “I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault. You didn’t tell Hastings to run me off the ice.”

She cups my cheeks and kisses my forehead, and damn it, her touch feels so nice. The headache is still there, still pounding a staccato beat in sync with my heart, but her simple affection comforts me. It soothes that need pulsating deep inside me, desperate for love.

“I’d take away your pain if I could.”

“I know.” I cover her hand on my cheek with my palm. “How was work?”

“It was…” She sighs, her warm brown eyes losing some of their fire. “It was fine.”

“Anyone else injured?”

Because I don’t want anyone else to be hurt. To have to battle what I’m facing. But I also don’t want to be alone in this.

Her grim smile does little to comfort me. “Not yet.”

There’s no game tonight, and tomorrow, the team leaves for Minnesota. It’ll be the first time Bex and I will be apart since we got together. Since I was injured.

“You sure you don’t want me to stay home?” she asks again.

I’d love for her to. But I don’t want her to have to take care of me. I want us to spend a few days naked, rolling around in the sheets. To be wrapped up in each other, not coming up for air.

Not… like this.

“This is your job. The team needs you. Besides, I have Dr. Palmer on speed dial.”