"Book dragon," Tolliver repeated as if tasting the words. "You're right. That suits you much better."
We began walking through the stacks, making our way to the checkout counter.
"You know, in Japanese mythology, there were ice dragons," he said.
"That's cool," I replied.
"I think I could be one of those. A book ice dragon. What do you think?"
I felt my lips twitch. "You could be."
He gave me a full-on smile. "Then we could be dragons together."
That sounded far too good. Once we were in the car, the books securely stowed in the back, Tolliver turned to me and took my hand.
"What...?"
My voice trailed off as he said, "How's your wrist?"
"Better," I said, fighting back a shiver as his light touch travelled over my hand, wrist, and forearm. "My PT says I'm healing faster than any client she's ever worked with. But I think she may be exaggerating."
"I don't know," Tolliver said, circling my hand gently. "Feels like your rotation is easier, not full range of motion but almost. Is there any pain?"
"Barely."
"Good. That's very good."
"Tolliver?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you want to go into medicine?" I asked, and he stilled. "I just wondered because you seem to know so much."
He smiled. "You know, I don't think anyone's ever asked me that before. Everyone just assumes I want to play hockey."
"Because you're so good."
That smile brightened by about a thousand watts, and I didn't regret giving him the compliment.
"Well, thank you, Kent." Tolliver's fingers moved between and over mine, making it hard to concentrate on what he was saying. "But yeah, I may try college and even professional hockey—though again, I doubt I'm good enough to play at that level."
"I bet you are," I said fiercely.
He shrugged. "Even if I did play, I'd still want to do something with sports medicine one day."
"Is it because your mom's a nurse?"
"That, and I've seen injuries on the ice, what it takes to recover. I think it would feel good to help someone like that. To regain their ability to do something they love. You know?"
I swallowed then nodded.
"It still kills me that I did this," he said, placing a soft kiss against my wrist. His lips stayed there a moment, almost as if he hoped it would help me heal, before releasing and lowering my hand. Devastating. Tolliver was absolutely devastating, and I didn't even think he knew it. "I'm so sorry."
"It's okay," I said shakily. "It was an accident."
"But I ruined your summer."
"You didn't ruin anything, Stone. Stop giving yourself so much credit."
