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I’m fucking exhausted but strangely energized at the same time just to be in Lilly’s presence. The team flew in late last night from New Jersey and I had prearranged to stay at her apartment. She was going to watch the game from Aiden’s room with her father. Steven would stay the night with Aiden and Lilly would go back to their apartment alone. When the team plane landed, I had the option of going to my place or grabbing a few hours of sleep with Lilly and that wasn’t a hard choice at all. I told Lilly to leave a key under the mat for me and I slipped into her apartment close to two a.m.
I tiptoed down the hallway, quietly undressed, and then slid into the bed behind her. She was on her side and immediately became my little spoon.
Lilly didn’t even wake up when I pulled her in close and wrapped my arms around her. I was grateful for it as I knew she needed the sleep and I was ready for it myself. I closed my eyes and that is the last thing I remember until her alarm went off at seven.
I’m not sure what it makes me, but despite knowing she was exhausted, I made love to Lilly before I let her out of bed to start her day. I know she was anxious to get to the hospital to see Aiden, but it only took a few kisses and soft touches before she was willing to let me give her pleasure and then take it for myself.
And I intend to spend every minute of the day with her as the Titans have the entire day off. Tomorrow is game five against the Wildcats and if we lose, our playoff run is over. I know many hockey professionals would think it imperative to have a practice today because our team has been lacking.
But after last night’s game, Coach West said that he would rather have us rest and do something fun and relaxing than to wrap our heads in what we’re doing wrong. He reminded us that we were a fucking fantastic team, that we know what to do, and he expects us to come out tomorrow night with a win. His speech couldn’t have lasted more than a minute and a half and yet we all walked out of the Wildcats’ arena last night pumped with confidence.
It’s part of the magic mojo that Cannon West brings to this team.
On the ride to the hospital this morning, Lilly caught me up on Aiden’s condition, not that there was much to discuss since I talked to her just last night about an hour before the game. She put a lot of emphasis on the fact that Aiden had a burst of energy last night, although I found it a little adorable that he petered out in the third period. Still, she was happy that he ate well and was enthused about the game. He’s been sleeping a lot and that’s scaring her more than anything.
We exit the elevator on Aiden’s floor, our hands clasped as we pass nurses and doctors we recognize. I peek my head into a few of the kids’ rooms to say hello while Lilly patiently waits for me in the hall. Even though Aiden is her priority and the only one she truly cares about, as is her right, she never begrudges my joy in having moments with the sick kids on this floor.
Just before we reach Aiden’s room, I pull Lilly to a stop and turn her to face me. My hands go to her shoulders and I’m not sure why this popped into my head at this moment, but it’s important that I let her know something.
“Tomorrow’s game… I don’t want you there.”
Lilly’s eyebrows pop upward, her expression surprised and slightly hurt. “You don’t?”
I smirk at her, leaning forward to brush my lips against her forehead. “Be honest, Lilly… you don’t want to be there. You want to stay with Aiden and I think that’s exactly where you should be to keep your stress and worry to a minimum. Both of you can watch the game on TV.”
Lilly huffs out a sigh and then steps into my body, wrapping her arms around my waist.
She rests her cheek against my chest. “You are the most amazing man I have ever known or ever will know. If you ever try to break up with me, I flat out refuse. You’re mine and I’m not letting go.”
The urge is strong to tell her I love her, but I don’t for those special words need a more romantic setting. Instead, I reassure her. “I’m never letting you go.”
Lilly tips her head back and smiles at me and I can’t fucking help myself. I kiss her and it’s not sweet or saintly. There’s tongue involved and I elicit a tiny moan from her that sounds a bit like a kitten purring.
“Gross. You two get a room.”
Lilly and I pull apart to find Lori grinning at us, already gowned, gloved and masked to go into Aiden’s room. They reinstated the policy for us all to don protective wear around Aiden. She’s holding a package of clear tubing.
“Sorry about the game last night,” she says as Lilly and I gown up.
“Thanks,” I reply. “We’ll get them tomorrow night.”
“Damn straight you will.”
Lilly and I follow her into the room and Aiden’s eyes immediately land on me.
“Boone.” He struggles to sit up straighter in the bed and my heart fills with joy over his happiness at seeing me. It’s exactly how I feel about him.
I’ve missed this kid a lot the last few days.
But then he starts coughing and I freeze in place. Lilly efficiently moves to the pitcher of ice water and pours a cup, holding the straw for him as he takes a few sips. I move closer to the bed, putting a hand lightly on Lilly’s back because I can see her hand shaking.
Aiden wheezes and pounds on his chest before giving me a lopsided grin. “Sorry about that.”
Moving around Lilly, I bend over the side of the bed and hug Aiden. “Been feeling a little yucky, buddy?”
“Little bit,” he says as we pull apart.
Lori opens up the plastic bag and Lilly asks her, “What’s that for?”
