Page 24 of One Kind Goal

“I’m so sorry this happened, Sawyer,” she said. “The team must be pretty upset.”

“Yeah, we were on a good roll.” He shook his head. “I’m torn about how to feel right now. On the one hand, I obviously want them to do well without me. On the other hand, I don’t want to suddenly be unnecessary to the team.”

“I highly doubt that would ever be the case,” Morgan said. “You’re the glue for that team in more ways than just on the ice and they all know it.”

That little smile made another appearance. “Thanks for saying that.”

“I mean it. If I miss you when you’re not around and I’ve only known you a short time, I imagine your teammates who have known you quite a bit longer will be lost without you.”

“You miss me?” Sawyer’s smile widened then he winced, the movement no doubt making those scratches on his cheek hurt.

“I do.” She blew him a kiss then had an idea quickly form in her head. “So tell me, because you can’t play, does that mean your schedule has lightened up?” It may have been a selfish question, but she had to seize the opportunity if one existed.

“The only schedule I have now is no schedule,” he said, but then his beautiful hazel eyes bugged. “Wait. Are you saying we can meet up?”

“You’re an injured man,” Morgan said. “You probably need someone to care for you while you’re in pain.”

Sawyer’s brows lowered and he clenched his teeth. “So. Much. Pain.” He cradled his arm against his chest. “This is my dominant hand too. I’ll probably need help getting dressed . . . or undressed.”

“Hmm . . . you’ll most likely need some activities to keep your mind off the fact that you’re missing hockey games too.”

“Definitely.”

“I might know someone who is available to tend to you,” Morgan said.

“There’s only one someone I want, baby.”

Each time he called her baby, a pleasant buzz vibrated through Morgan. Such a simple word, but it held immense power.

“I hear Vermont is a great place for healing,” she said. “How do you feel about another stay at the cottages?”

“I feel that would be the best thing for my health right now.”

“Well, we should definitely do it then.”

“I don’t want to interfere with your job search though,” Sawyer said, turning serious. “That’s important.”

Morgan let out a huff. “I’ve been online all morning and I’m no closer to finding a direction than I was last night.” She shrugged. “Besides, I can search online from anywhere. Maybe the Vermont mountain air will help me figure out what I want to do.”

“While you do me.”

“I’ll have to give you a full exam first to make sure you’re well enough for sexual activity,” Morgan said.

Sawyer released a short, but low growl. “Trust me. My hand and arm are the only things that don’t work right now. Everything else is fully operational.”

They coordinated to meet tomorrow afternoon at Pine River Cottages Mountain Resort. Sawyer wanted to stop back in Rhode Island to properly pack for this stay then he’d drive to Vermont. Morgan wanted some time to plan how she’d make their time in Vermont amazing. She immediately orchestrated air travel for herself. Using Austin’s plane.

For now.

She had to keep reminding herself that she was on a mission to not depend on her brother so much. After this time with Sawyer, she’d get more serious about that goal. Right now, however, she couldn’t give up the chance to spend time with her favorite hockey player. She hated that he’d gotten hurt, but his schedule becoming so free now was a gift.

Morgan called Pine River Cottages next.

“Pine River Cottages Mountain Resort,” Isabel said. “How can I help you?”

“Hi, Isabel. It’s Morgan Rayhill.”

“Oh, hey. Did you forget something here? I don’t recall anything being left behind in your cottage.”