Page 38 of Tough Score

There's a pause, and I can almost picture him considering it. "I'm managing with the ice at this point. No need to mess with what works."

I bite my lip, torn between respecting his wishes and wanting to do more to help. "Okay, but promise me you'll tell me if it gets too bad? We can always explore other options."

"I promise," he says. "You know, having you just across the hall... it helps more than you know."

My breath catches at his words, warmth spreading through my chest. "I'm glad I can help, even if it's just by being nearby."

We fall into a comfortable silence for a moment, and I find myself wishing I could see his face--read his expression.

"Keely?" Reeve's voice breaks the quiet, sounding hesitant.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For everything. I don't know what I'd do without you here."

I swallow hard, fighting the urge to rush across the hall and wrap my arms around him and let him engulf me in kisses. But instead, I close my eyes, willing my heart to slow its frantic beating. "Get some rest, okay? We've got a lot of work to do over the next seven months and sleep is good for healing."

"Yes, ma'am," he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. "Sweet dreams, Doc."

"Sweet dreams, Reeve," I whisper back, my finger lingering on the button before I release it.

I lay there for a long time until I finally fall asleep.

Chapter Twelve

Keely

I stir awake to the sound of Reeve groaning softly in his room coming through the baby monitor.

Intently I listen to the monitor as the pained sounds continue.

"Reeve..." I say softly, but I don't receive a reply.

My heart aches hearing him suffer as the groaning continues.

"Reeve, are you awake?" I ask a little louder this time.

After a few moments of internal debate, I decide I can't just listen to this anymore. I need to check on him.

I get up out of bed, head for the island where I dropped both of the keys for his apartment and mine and then I unlock my apartment door and head straight for his. I already know he's asleep and since I don't want to wake the neighbors with my loud knocking, I use my key to enter his apartment.

I knew I should have slept on the couch tonight, but after what happened yesterday morning in the shower, I knew it would be easy to have an encore if I had.

I walk up to Reeve's closed bedroom door. Knocking softly, I call out, "Reeve? Are you okay?"

There's a pause, then his groggy voice responds, "Keely?"

"Yeah, it's me. I heard you on the monitor."

"You can come in," he says.

I push the door open gently. In the dim light, I can see Reeve lying in bed, his face tight with discomfort.

"I'm fine. I forgot to get a new ice pack before I fell asleep after talking to you and the pain woke me up."

"You don't seem fine," I say gently. "But let me get you a fresh ice pack before I assess you."

I head to the kitchen and grab a new ice pack from the freezer. When I return, Reeve has managed to sit up slightly in bed.

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