Page 135 of What About Us

“It’s the best way to sleep,” I reply and drag my fingertip over her bottom lip. “Let’s get some rest, baby.”

Her eyes are heavy as she watches me, but soon they drift shut and she passes out.

And I’m right behind her.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

IVY

He’s on the ice with his team, and I can see it written all over his gorgeous face just how fucking happy he is. This is better than Christmas morning for my man.

But I’m watching him like a goddamn hawk.

If one person comes in bodily contact with him, I will lose my shit.

Xander has been cleared by me and the rest of the medical staff to join the team for no-contact practice. Which means he can participate in skating and puck drills, passing, shooting. He can participate as long as no one touches him, and he can’t be on the ice long. It’ll be short practices for him for a while, but he’s on the ice, and that’s a huge step.

He’s clearly loving every single second of it, and his teammates are thrilled too. He received such a warm and excited reception, it brought tears to my eyes.

This is where he’s supposed to be.

And I obviously need to just breathe and work through my stupid anxiety, knowing that he’s coming back to hockey. I have to trust that he won’t get injured again. That he won’t get any more brain injuries, and he won’t forget me.

Forget us.

Because that’s my worst nightmare.

“He looks good.”

I glance over and see Brit walking over to me, and I wrap my arms around her in an excited hug.

“Hi, pretty girl.” I missed her. I know she’s a new friend, but I feel like I’ve known her forever, and she’s quickly become my best friend.

“Sugar, you look badass as all get out, standing here with your arms crossed over your chest, watching your patient on the ice.”

I laugh and turn back to watch Xander. “He’d better follow the rules or he will pay.”

“He will,” she says with confidence. “He doesn’t want to fuck this up. That man wants to get back to work.”

“You’re right, he does. Hey, what are you doing here? Aren’t you usually at the store by now?”

“Coop said you guys would be here this mornin’, so I wanted to stop by to say hi. And we might have been married for a decade, but any excuse I can get to see my man, I take it.” She winks at me. “He’s damn delicious when he plays. Don’t forget, we have the WAG dinner tonight.”

“I haven’t forgotten,” I assure her. “What do I need to bring?”

“Nothing. There will be plenty of food. I’m having it catered, so don’t even worry about it. Just don’t back out on me.”

“I told you I’d come, and I will.”

She nods, and I turn to watch again. Xander and Cooper are working through passing drills. He’s not favoring the knee, and he’s been out there for almost an hour. If the coach doesn’t pull him off the ice in a few minutes, I will.

There’s commotion on the other side of the rink, catching our attention.

“They fight each other?” I demand. “In practice?”

“Honey, they’re hockey players. Of course they do. But they don’t usually get too rough.”

I lift my brows because this looks pretty damn rough to me. Gloves come off and fists fly, and I can see that Xander wants to wade in there and knock some heads together.