Page 48 of Tough Score

I pull out my phone, sending a quick text to Keely:

Reeve: At the gym. What day are you thinking next week that I can start upper body work?

Keke: A few more days. We'll start slow and work our way up. You're recovering quicker than I expected.

Putting my phone away, I lean back, observing and mentally preparing for the work ahead. The road to recovery is long, but with each passing day, I'm one step closer to getting back on the ice.

Chapter Sixteen

Keely

I watch Reeve carefully as he maneuvers through the narrow row, his crutches clicking against the concrete. The stadium buzzes with energy, but my focus is on him, ready to offer support if needed.

"You good?" I ask, hovering close behind.

"Never better," Reeve grins over his shoulder, though I catch the slight wince as he eases into his seat.

As soon as we're settled, it's like a wave of recognition ripples through the nearby fans. Hands reach out, voices call his name.

"Reeve! Man, it's great to see you back!" One fan says.

"How's the knee, champ? You'll be on the ice again in no time!" Another fan calls out.

Reeve's face lights up, his earlier discomfort forgotten as he basks in the warmth of the crowd. "Thanks. Wouldn't miss this for the world."

I lean in, whispering, "Quite the welcome committee you've got here."

He chuckles, eyes sparkling. "What can I say? Hawkeyes fans are the best."

I begin to understand as I watch him chat animatedly with those around us. This isn't just a stadium; it's a second home. The way Reeve comes alive here, surrounded by the energy and camaraderie – it's a beautiful thing to witness.

"Hey," I nudge him gently. "I think I'm starting to get why you love this place so much."

Reeve's smile softens, and he squeezes my hand. "Just wait till the game starts. Then you'll really see the magic."

The roar of the crowd filled the stadium as Keely settled into her seat next to Reeve. The energy was palpable; fans decked out in Hawkeyes gear, buzzing with excitement for the upcoming game. Just as the announcer's voice booms over the speakers, a slender figure squeezed past them, blonde hair swishing as she took the empty seat on Reeve's other side.

"Rowan," Reeve nods, a hint of wariness in his voice. "Fancy seeing you here."

The woman's bright blue eyes sparkled as she tucked a sleek recorder partially out of view of the fans but visible enough that Reeve and I could both see it. "You know me, always where the story is."

Oh, I see, she's a reporter.

Reeve turns to me, "This is Rowan Summers, she's doing a piece on the team's championship prospects." He then gestured to me, "And this is Keely, my physical therapist."

Rowan's eyes widened with recognition. "You're the one Reeve saved, right? And then became his PT? Talk about a twist of fate!"

Keely shifts uncomfortably. "Yeah, that's about the gist of it."

Leaning in a little closer, Rowan asked, "Any chance there's more going on between you two?"

She catches me off guard and I just about choke on my words.

Reeve intervenes quickly, "The Hawkeyes skating into a championship is a big enough story, don't you think, Ms. Summers?"

Rowan's lips curled into a sly smile. "What can I say? Love or tragedy, every good story needs a hook. That's how we sell out stadiums and jerseys."

"Well, wait four more weeks and you might have your tragedy," Reeve says darkly.

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