Page 53 of Game Over

“Hmm, I could work with that.” I tapped my finger against my lips and smirked at him.

“Oh, come here, you.” He lifted me up, wrapping my legs around his waist, and carried me to his bed, where he lay me down, his warm body on top of mine, peppering my face with kisses. I couldn’t help the sudden burst of laughter that bubbled out of me. He braced himself on his arms on either side of me, gazing at me with so much care. Leaning up to kiss him, I hunched in, squeezing my eyes shut, and took in a sharp, ragged breath.

“Allie, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” The shocks kept coming, and I couldn’t catch my breath enough to answer him.

“It’s—cramps. I just—” Taking another shuddering breath in to try and pull myself together. “I need something for pain. Do you have anything? Fuck.” I hissed out as another cramp shot through me and took my breath away. I may go months without a period, but when it did come, it hit hard. Being a woman was a real fucking bitch sometimes.

“Hold on, wait here.” He clambered off the bed, and I threw a weak thumbs up, because there was no way I was moving my body an inch. These cramps were hitting extra hard right now. Thank god I packed pads, in case I did fully start.

“Here, okay. I have some ibuprofen and Tylenol. Which one?”

“Ibuprofen is best for cramps. That, please.” Sitting up weakly, I took the medication from him, and he passed me my water. I tossed them back, and another wave of cramps hit me. “God, this fucking sucks.” Screwing my eyes shut, I tried to keep the tears back, but the pain kept sharpening and twisting like a jagged knife.

Spencer pulled me into him, holding and rocking me while he massaged my lower back the best he could.

“Shhh, it’s okay, baby girl. I’ve got you. Whatever you need, I’m here, okay?” My knuckles were white because my grip on his shirt was so tight. I tried to let his soothing tone calm me, but it didn’t help.

“I’m s-sorry. This is not fun for you, I’m sure.” Most men hated even the mention of a period, even though it was perfectly normal. Here I was, starting one that was three months late, and at his house, unable to move because of the excruciating pain. “Give me a second, I’ll grab my stuff, and head home. You don’t need to take care of me.” I willed my body to move, but it had other plans. He brushed a few fallen strands of hair out of my face.

“Sweetheart, you have nothing to say sorry for. You can’t help the timing of your cycle. I hate seeing you hurting. And yes, I will be taking care of you.” I clung to him tighter—because I truly didn’t have the fight in me—and lay against him as he held me. Eventually, the medicine started to kick in, and I could at least breathe more steadily.

Climbing back out of bed on shaky legs, I grabbed my bag and ducked into his bathroom to confirm if my suspicions were true, and sure enough, Aunt Flo paid me a visit. Another pair of underwear lost to womanhood.

“Just my fucking luck.” Grumbling to myself, I quickly changed and stuffed the clothes I was previously wearing into my bag before heading back outside. “Sorry about that,” I said as I set my bag down and climbed back into bed, while trying to secretly check if any blood leaked onto his bed.

Thank goodness it hadn’t.

“No, don't apologize. That looked absolutely horrible, and I’m so glad I’m not the owner of a uterus. Do you need anything else from me?”

“No, no, I’m okay. Had to do a quick change. Thankfully, that ibuprofen kicked in and at least dulled the pain enough I can at least function. Aunt Flo came back with a vengeance this month. Petty bitch. I really want to try and get some sleep.” My body was weak and tired, and all I wanted was to pass out.

“Of course, baby. Come here.” He pulled me close, and I lay my forehead against his chest, letting his even breathing calm me as I drifted off to sleep in his arms.

The following morning, my head was groggy and dizzy as I set up to hit snooze on my phone. I was still cramping, and now it hurt all the way to my back. Truly, this could not have come at a worse time since I needed to give a presentation today in front of our entire department. Spencer stirred next to me, and I rolled over and lay my head on his chest.

“Good morning, beautiful. How’re you feeling?” He carefully rubbed my stomach and then moved to my back. I let out a little moan and leaned into him more, loving the way it felt.

“Hurting. Exhausted. A little dizzy too. I know I already said it, but this sucks. I wish I could be at home today and not at the office.”

“I know, baby, I know. Maybe see if you can leave after your meeting.” Spence placed a kiss on my nose and then a featherlight one on my lips.

“Maybe. I don’t know. I don’t want to let anyone down. Everyone from the department will be there, and this is a huge presentation going over everyone’s team stats that Celine wanted me to put together. Plus, I’m announcing new companies we’re bringing on.” A headache was already starting to form behind my eyes. Great. Just lovely. This day was already starting off so well.

Groaning, I finally got up after my alarm went off again and got ready. Spencer gave me the space I needed as I slowly moved around his apartment. Grateful he didn’t push or say anything when I did complain. He even made sure Dolly had food and water out, so we didn’t have to make the drive back to my house to drop her off.

Ever the saint he was, Spencer remembered to swing by Brewed Stories because I had forgotten.

“Here you stay in the car, and I’ll grab everything. Send me what Rachel wanted.” Too weak to argue that I could still help, I sent him a screenshot of her message with her order and scrolled on my phone. To distract myself, I posted a cute photo I took of Spencer and me while we sat on the patio. His face is partially hidden, and I know he doesn’t share much on social media, so it seemed like a safe one.

Spencer jogged out a few moments later with a tray full of coffees and a bag filled with goodies. He slid into the car and passed me the sweet-smelling items to hold.

“I got you a chocolate chip scone for later. She said they were fresh, and I knew it would be a good little pick-me-up for you.” Spencer said as he put his hand on my headrest to look over his shoulder to back out. It was such a small gesture. A simple scone. But he thought of me and how I could possibly feel later in the day, and what could make it better. Another brick crumbled around my feet that fell from my fortress.

When we pulled into work, Spencer helped me get everything to my desk. He made sure I was completely settled before he begrudgingly left for his own desk several floors down. He was a total mother hen, but it was sweet. I was pulling up my calendar for the day when Rachel strolled in a few moments later.

“Ooh, is that my muffin? You’re amazi—oh, you look like shit. Are you okay?” I swung my eyes over to her, rolling them as far back as I could.

“Thanks, Rachel. You really know how to make a girl feel good.” Giving her a tight-lipped smile and flipping her off, I turned back to my computer to get everything pulled up.