Page 84 of All In: The Price We Pay

A few days later, we’re sitting on Evan’s couch, and I watch him out of the corner of my eye.

His expression is a picture of despair. “I shouldn’t have said anything. But no—I pushed my luck. I’m cursed.”

I lean toward him cautiously. “If you push through the injury, you might miss the playoffs. Better to sit out one game now than sit on the bench for the rest of the season.” I stroke his foot, and he wiggles his toes.

“Why do I always get injured?”

“Yeah, seriously? How could you?” I glance at him, feigning indignation.

He smiles. “Do you think it helps me when you make fun of me?”

I nod. “Yes. I do think so.” I stroke his lower leg. “But honestly. You said it’s only a minor thing. But it needs to heal. One or two games. And you still have a few left to play? Eight, nine? That’s nothing. Most importantly, you’ve secured your spot in the playoffs. I overheard your conversation with your mom. I know what’s going on.”

He grins at me, and immediately his expression darkens again. “I hate sitting around here, not being able to do anything. The team needs me right now.”

“And they’ll still need you in two weeks.” I make a grabbing motion with my hand. “Give it here.”

He hands me the ice pack I’d placed on the inside of his thigh.

At the fridge, I swap it out for the huge one with the rubber seals. On the sofa, I kneel in front of him. “Can I?”

“You just want to grope me.” Evan shifts on the sofa and raises his leg.

I position the ice pack so that it presses into his groin. “No, I don’t. Adductor strain. Have you already forgotten? No groin activity. But can I give you a blowjob?”

Evan puts a hand to his face and groans. “It’s not a strain. It’s only irritated. But at this point, I’m not sure if I’d even survive your treatment.”

His phone rings, and Evan swipes across the screen to answer the call. “Hey, Blake. Yeah, adductors. Most likely DOMS. Sore muscles. Nothing more serious. At most, some irritation.” I can only hear his side of the conversation and head to the kitchen to get something to drink. “Two days. Three at most. No, I’m not rushing anything and I’m playing it safe. Yeah.” I take a big sip.

“I’m fine. No. Honestly, I don’t need anyone. I’m busy enough with physical therapy and the gym. No, leave Katleen alone. I don’t want to see anyone.”

My fingers tighten around the water bottle in my hand.

It would be really inconvenient if someone came by right now. I’d probably have no choice but to hide in the closet.

“Sure, we’ll see each other tomorrow. No, I’m not getting depressed. No, I’m not doing anything stupid. Okay. Okay. See you tomorrow.”

With a sigh, he puts the phone down.

“Everything okay?” I wrap my arms around him from behind and kiss the back of his head.

“Yeah.” He takes my hands in front of his chest. “Thanks for being here. It feels incredibly good. I know I’m unbearable, and that’s no excuse, but . . . ”

I kiss his ear or what I can reach of it. “I understand your frustration. And as long as you don’t take it out on me its all good.”

“I don’t?”

“No. You have every right to be frustrated, just like anyone else. I love that side of you too,” I whisper.

He lets out a satisfied grunt. “Hm, a side of you that I can’t stand at all.”

“What?” I flinch, but Evan holds me tight.

“You don’t have a moody, undesirable side to you. You’re so much better than I am.”

I laugh softly. “It seems to me you don’t know me very well.”

Since I can’t exactly throw myself on top of him from the back of the couch, I walk around the piece of furniture and sit next to him. “Are you watching the game with me here today, or are you going to the arena?”