Page 72 of Force Play

“I’m okay,” I promise. “I’ve always said no to genetic testing, but I met someone at a support group my doctor recommended. It’s given me a new perspective. I’ve put it off for years, but I think I need to do it. That’s what started all this.” I wave to my sore, swollen face.

He pulls me from the floor and into his arms, ducking his head so he’s eye level with me. “But you’re okay?”

“Physically, yes. Mentally, I’m a wreck.”

“Nah, you’re perfect. But what do we need to do to get you out of here?” His lips find my forehead in a kiss that does more to chase away the tears than anything else I tried.

“Just conditioner.”

“Turn around and tilt your head back.” He spins me by my shoulders without waiting for a reply. “But I’m keeping my clothes on so we don’t get distracted before we finish this conversation.”

“You’re going to wash my hair?”

“Yep, and it’s going to be so amazing you’re never going to want to do it yourself again.”

As soon as his fingers sink into my hair working the product through, I know it’s the honest to god truth.

“What does this testing all entail?” he asks, focusing his attention on the base of my skull, rubbing circles with his thumbs as he massages the product into my hair.

“The testing itself is simple. After the consultation to talk through family medical history and testing limitations, it’s really just a blood test. A potentially life-altering blood test, but it’s not physically invasive.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“Excuse me?” I turn so fast I slip on the wet floor and almost take both of us out, but when I see the steely look on his face, I know the fit I was about to pitch is pointless. To most people he might be the happy-go-lucky centerfielder for the Bandits, but he’s shown me another side, one that feels like it’s only for me—thoughtful, protective, reliable. I’ve got the best of both worlds.

Closing my eyes I suck in a deep breath. I want him there, but pushing him away is second nature at this point. “What if you’re on the road?”

“I’d really appreciate it if you make it for when I’m not, but I’ll be there either way.” He steps into my space, backing me against the wall.

“Why?”

“Because this is important, and I want to support you.”

“Okay.”

“I like it when you’re agreeable. Now rinse.” He steers me back under the water.

“I’m going to get out and change. Finish up and we can talk while you drink your coffee.”

When I get out, we go over his schedule for the next two weeks and pick a couple times that work for both of us before he leaves.

Chapter 29

Dom

“Cutting it close,” Dean says when I skid through the door to the locker room just in time to avoid a fine. I keep my head down and start getting ready at my cubby, but I can feel his dark eyes on me.

“I like it when you’re late. I got your favorite parking spot today,” Hendrix piles on. When I look up and see the picture of him and Poppy from New Year’s Eve hanging in his locker, the guilt hits me.

I respect Indie’s desire to keep her medical decisions personal for now. But she has so many people who care about her. The girls are at the top of that list, right below her dad. Mostly it just makes me sad that she won’t let them help her. Which means I can’t confide in my teammates.

“My alarm didn’t go off.” My grumbled lie makes me hate this whole situation even more.

“Bullshit. It’s either the dog or a girl. Which one has you on a leash?” Braxton Hayes asks, butting in.

“Be respectful. These guys choose to be leashed because they know they’ve overextended the fielding position,” I snap back, feeling defensive.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Xavier asks.

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