Page 94 of The Way We Score

She’s always been so strong and so damn smart and in control all the time, but when I walked in and saw her in that bed so scared, I knew my days in New York were over. I wasn’t leaving her again.

Now I just have to let these guys know, and hope they give me the benefit of our time together.

“Have a seat, Garrett.” Kurt doesn’t stand.

Thad meets me at the door to the office, leading me to one of the stiff leather chairs facing Kurt’s desk.

“How is everything back home?” Kurt actually looks concerned, which is encouraging.

“Better.” I don’t really want to sit, but I do. “We had a follow-up appointment, and the heartbeat was steady, no more spotting.”

“That’s good.” Kurt nods, resting his arms on his desk.

Thad doesn’t say a word, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t have kids. I know he isn’t married.

“Did you happen to catch the game last week?” Kurt turns, tapping on the laptop beside him. “Berke and Holmes look like they’ve been playing together all season.”

“I caught the highlights.” I wasn’t interested in watching a four-hour football game with Liv still restless and worried.

“I’ll cut to the chase. We’re not letting you out of your contract.”

I’m about to tell him I don’t give a shit what hethinkshe’s not doing, but he continues.

“Instead, we’re moving you to the disabled list.” He turns to face me. “You’re still on the roster, and we can call you back into play if anything happens. But for now…” He stands, reaching out a hand over his desk. “Go back to Newhope and be with your family.”

It’s all I needed to hear.

Standing, I shake his hand. “Thanks, Kurt.”

Charlie

Maddy wanted to have you over for dinner, but Thad said you’re already on the road.

The lightsof the city are in my rearview, and I’m setting my own land-speed records when my phone lights up with his text. Lifting the phone, I use text-to-speech to reply.

Sorry, man. I’d have said yes, but I promised Liv.

Charlie

Everything okay?

Had a spotting scare, but all good now.

Charlie

That happened to Maddy with Pax. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.

I think so—and I’ll take a raincheck on that dinner.

Charlie

We’ll set the table for three guests.

Flexing my grip on the steering wheel of my truck, I think about that possibility.

For a week after the scare, we slept every night together in her bed. The doctor said her stress levels went down when I was there, and it was enough. Hell, I’m pretty sure mine went down, too.

Holding her in the darkness, her body would relax. She’d drift to sleep so peacefully, and I’d trace my fingers through her hair, thinking how my entire world was right there in my arms. I’d place my hand on her stomach, and I had everything I needed.

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