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She rushed over to me. “You’re not supposed to be walking around yet.”
Ah, she was worried.
“Merrick gave me clearance today to put some weight—minimal weight—on it if I have to. I can’t forgo everything just yet, and it has to be supported, of course, but he wants me testing it out a little bit.”
“Clearance and testing things out don’t mean walking around without the crutch, especially with nobody else in the house. And, besides, I know you’re full of shit. I’m your doctor, too, remember? I know what your medical advice is and from whom…” She raised a brow at me and crossed her arms over her chest. I saw frustration and a bit of worry pass over her features and instantly felt bad. I pulled her to me and gave her a kiss that stole my breath. I hoped it did the same or more for her.
Unfortunately, it appeared she wasn’t done chastising me. “I really wish you would stop trying to rush things.”
“I’m not rushing. I’m healing.” I winked.
“You’re rushing. And you’re being as stubborn as always. And…you’re a liar,” she argued.
“I’m sorry.” I kissed her knuckles. “I just need to feel like I’m making headway.” She shook her head at me, and I tugged her over to the couch as I fell onto it so we could settle in together.
I couldn’t even tell you what happened in the game. My attention was solely focused on her. It was probably a good thing that I was only partly involved in the team’s planning for next week. Right now, aside from getting healthy, my focus was on one thing: Tamryn Miller.
She’d gotten under my skin quicker and easier than I ever imagined, and I feared that I was really starting to have feelings for the gorgeous physician. I didn’t even feel the jealousy and anger I expected while watching my friends and fellow players on the field in Orlando.
Tamryn was always there for me now. She didn’t let me get away with any shit. She constantly made me laugh despite the current state of my life, and every moment we were apart, all I could do was count down the seconds until I could see her again.
Tamryn shifted, burrowing in even closer to me. I wanted nothing more than to be able to pick her up and carry her to bed. Alas, I couldn’t. Instead, I leaned over and tucked her hair behind her ear, brushing a kiss to her forehead.
Her eyes fluttered. “Mmm. Whaaa?”
I couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “It’s time for bed, pretty lady.” That woke her up. She looked startled for a minute and then sat up with a jolt.
“What time is it?” she asked, and looked around for a clock.
“It’s late. And I’m tired, too. What do you say you help me to bed?”
She looked dubious for half a second and I saw that she was about to say “no.”
“We can just sleep. I promise. I’m tired. You’re tired. I don’t want you driving half-asleep, and I won’t get any rest if I’m worried about you. Please, just stay the night.” I almost stopped there and then figured…what the hell? “I want to hold you.”
I saw the moment those words registered. She caved. One minute, she was struggling and clearly thinking of a way to tell me that she needed to leave. The next, she was snug against me in bed, the small spoon to my large, as her breaths evened out and lulled me to sleep.
Chapter Twelve
TAMRYN
My workday was finally wrapping up. I was exhausted, yet I couldn’t wait to see Holden later. It should scare me how easily he had overtaken my thoughts, and how quickly our relationship had progressed, but it felt too natural to worry about. I had spent almost every night since the Pro Bowl at his place, making out like teenagers and cuddling. We hadn’t had full-on sex yet—nearly, but not quite—but I knew that was coming soon. Between everything going on and how he was feeling, it just hadn’t been the right time. However, I slept better with him next to me, and that was enough for me right now. It seemed to be enough for him, too, which was shocking. He constantly surprised me. Amazed me. I almost hated to admit how much I had come to care for him. It didn’t seem like it could be real.
I checked my phone and realized that he hadn’t called or texted all day. That was odd. Usually, he sent me random messages throughout the morning and afternoon just to say hi or to check in or to tell me something stupid one of the guys did during their meetings. I found his contact and initiated a call as I packed up my bag.
Two hours later, I still hadn’t heard from Holden and was starting to worry. My calls and texts remained unanswered. I decided to drive over and see if he was home.
When I arrived, I saw a single light on at the back of the house, but no other illumination. I made my way around to the rear gate and saw Holden sitting on the patio, a beer in hand, his gaze focused out across the yard and beyond. He looked preoccupied. Almost conflicted.
“Hey,” I called, and he turned my way.
“Oh, hi.” I winced at his tone. That didn’t sound good at all.
“Um, is everything all right?” I hoisted myself up and peeked over the other side of the gate, unlatching it and then dropping down to let myself in.
He took another drink from his bottle and then looked back out at the yard.
My heart clenched, and I could feel my forehead furrowing. I made my way over to the patio and leaned down to kiss him. He kissed me back, but he was so very distracted.
