Page 46 of Ice-Cold Truth

“This is for the best, Jack, I promise.” I give him a gentle look full of reassurance.

Jack’s expression softens as he gazes at me, a tender light in his eyes. “I know.”

Before I can question his meaning, he leans in, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. My eyes flutter closed as I melt into his embrace, the world around us fading away. In this moment, there is only Jack—his warmth, his strength, his unwavering devotion.

A pointed cough shatters the intimate spell. We break apart, both of us flushed, to find Sam watching us with an amused smirk.

“Get a room, you two,” he teases, taking another pull from his beer.

I duck my head, fighting back a grin. Jack merely chuckles, draping his arm around my shoulders and pulling me close.

“Don’t mind if we do,” he rumbles, pressing a kiss to my temple.

Sam groans in mock disgust, but I can see the happiness shining in his eyes. In that moment, everything feels right. “Later,” I say. “I want to finish eating and hear about your meeting with the owner.”

As Jack shares the details of his meeting with the owner, I’m hanging on his every word.

“…so the owner was adamant. He said he wouldn’t risk losing me permanently over something as foolish as ignoring an injury.” Jack shakes his head, a rueful smile tugging at his lips. “Apparently, he had words with Reginald about pressuring players to perform through injuries before putting him on leave.”

Sam lets out a low whistle. “Damn. I didn’t think the old man had it in him to stand up to that prick.”

Jack nods his agreement. “Anyway, the owner made it clear that I’m to take as much time as I need to get this shoulder properly evaluated and treated. No arguments.”

Relief courses through me, tempering the lingering concern over Jack’s well-being. At least now he’ll be getting the care that vile excuse for a coach had been denying him. “I’m so glad, Jack,” I say, resting my head against his solid chest. “You have no idea how worried I’ve been.”

His arm tightens around me. “I know, sweetheart, and I’m sorry for putting you through that.”

I tilt my head back to meet his gaze, my heart swelling with affection for this gruff, stubborn man. “Just promise me you’ll listen to the doctors, okay? No more pushing yourself past your limits.”

Jack’s expression grows solemn, his eyes boring into mine with an intensity that steals my breath. “I promise.”

I lean up and brush my lips against his, a soft, lingering kiss that speaks volumes.

Sam clears his throat, a teasing lilt to his voice. “You two lovebirds about done? I don’t want to vomit up the pizza and wings I just scarfed down.”

I laugh at my brother’s antics, even as Jack grumbles good-naturedly. In this moment, with these two next to me, everything feels right with the world.

Chapter 21: Jack

The doctor’s office is quiet, the ticking of the wall clock echoing in the stillness. I shift in the uncomfortable plastic chair, my leg bouncing with nervous energy. This decision is heavy, with the potential consequences looming large.

The door opens and Dr. Arjiv enters, a folder in his hand. His expression is grave as he takes a seat across from me. “Jack, the MRI results confirm what I and Dr. Kleiner suspected. You have a severe rotator cuff tear and multiple fractures in your shoulder joint. Playing through this will only cause further permanent damage.”

The words hit me like a body check into the boards. I’ve known deep down this was coming but hearing it out loud makes it all too real. My career, my life’s passion, hangs in the balance.

“So, what are my options?” I ask, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside.

Dr. Arjiv leans forward, his eyes filled with sympathy. “Surgery is really the only viable path to recovery at this point, and eventhen, there are no guarantees you’ll regain full mobility or be able to play at an elite level again.”

I nod slowly, processing the information. The thought of never lacing up my skates again is almost too much to bear, but the alternative of playing through this injury, only to end up permanently crippled, is even worse. “When can we schedule the surgery?” The words feel like sandpaper in my mouth, but I force them out.

Dr. Arjiv looks relieved at my decision. “As soon as possible. I’ll get the paperwork started, and we can discuss a timeline.”

We go over the details, but my mind is already drifting, picturing the long road of recovery ahead. Months of grueling physical therapy, pushing my body to its limits to regain what this injury has taken from me, but I’m no stranger to hard work. If anyone can battle back from this, it’s me. I’ve overcome obstacles before, and I’ll do it again. With Elyse counting on me to do the right thing, I have no choice but to accept the surgery and fight to get back to top form.

The thought of her calms me. I’ll do whatever it takes to get back on the ice, to keep playing the game I love. As I leave the doctor’s office a short time later, I pull out my phone and call Sam. “Hey man, we need to talk…”

I fill him in on the situation, his concerned questions and reassurances washing over me. When I’m finished, there’s a brief silence. “You know I’ve got your back, whatever you decide,” he says finally. “If you need to take time off to heal up properly, the team and I will hold it down.”

---