Page 29 of Power Play Pursuit

“We don't know,” he replies. “Coach is talking with the doctor now. They should be back in shortly.”

Right on cue, the door opens, and Coach and the doc step inside.

“All right, we’ll give you the room,” Miles says.

They all pat my legs—Beaumont abit stronger than the others—before leaving the room.

“Glad you’re in one piece,” Coach says, squeezing my shoulder.

“Thanks, Coach.” With a sharp breath, I turn to the doctor. “What’s the damage, doc?”

“You suffered a nose fracture and a mild concussion. I already realigned your nose, so you shouldn’t see any difference in your appearance once the dressing is off. Right now, I'm just waiting on the CT scan results to ensure we haven’t missed anything. As for the game, you're going to be out for a while, I'm afraid.”

“Well, I'll go take care of the paperwork,” Coach says with a sympathetic smile, and they both leave the room.

I stare at the hospital bed sheets, my chest constricting. Hockey is everything to me. I've been dreading a major injury that would take me out for my entire career, but up until now, I’d been lucky. As much as it sucks, I don't regret starting that fight. There are just certain things you can’t let slide when it comes to the women you love. The word hits me like another slap in the face, but at the same time, it’s oddly comforting. I’m in love with Elizabeth. This isn’t just a crush, it’s more than that. I’ve known for a while, but actions speak louder than words, and the fact that I just put my body and my career on the line to defend her, without an ounce of hesitation,is practically shouting it from the rooftops. I know she’s nowhere near ready, but I’ll wait. All I have is time.

I don't know how long I lie there, alone with my thoughts, until I finally hear a knock on the door. It opens slowly. Marissa walks in, followed by Hayley and Elizabeth. “Hey. We know you need to rest,” Marissa says. “But we just wanted to see you quickly before we go. How are you feeling?”

“Thanks, ladies. I'm okay.”

“Are you sure?” Hayley asks with the same look of concern that her fiancé wore. “That was really scary. It’s in those moments you realize how dangerous this sport is.” She suppresses a shiver, and my heart clenches. Hockey players may not have the most dangerous job in the world, but the occupational hazards are yet another downside to being married to one.

I flash her a big, reassuring smile. “Positive. But thank you for caring.”

“Of course we care,” Elizabeth says. She steps closer, and at once, my world feels fuller. She looks tired, and her eyes are way too glassy for my liking. When she places a hand on my leg, it’s like my skin just caught fire. I should tell Beaumont. That'll put him at ease. Because right now, I’m definitely getting all the feels. Memories of my interrupted dream from earlier come to mind, andthe heat spreads to my entire body.

“Absolutely,” Marissa adds. “You’re our friend, and we’re here for you. Does it hurt?” She glances at my nose.

I shrug. “They say it’s broken, but I can’t feel it. Probably the drugs they gave me.” That, or after years of hockey, I’ve developed a higher tolerance for pain.

“Good to hear.” She nods, smiling. “We’ll let you get some rest, but take care of yourself, okay? And don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything once you’re home. We’re only two floors down.”

I smile back. “Will do.”

Elizabeth shoots me one last look, and it almost breaks me. I have never seen so much pain in those beautiful gray eyes. “Bye,” she says, walking toward the door with Marissa and Hayley.

“Wait,” I call out. “Elizabeth, can you stay for a second?”

She shares a glance with her friends, then nods before closing the door behind them.

“Thank you for being here,” I say.

“Of course.” She stares at the floor, then off to the side. “I’m so sorry, James. It’s my fault you're in here.”

My heart constricts when I hear the waver in her voice. “See, no. I knew that’s where your head was at,” I say, sitting up straighter and extending my arm to her. She takes my hand, and my entire world tilts on its axis. She sits next to me, her eyes still downcast. “None of this is your fault, Elizabeth. I promise you,” I say, squeezing her hand. But she’s still avoiding my gaze. “Hey, look at me, please.”

Finally, her eyes meet mine, and the pain reflected in them hurts me so deeply, there’s no medication strong enough to make it disappear. “I’m a grown man. I went after Rogers, and I got hit. It was my decision. I’m just stupid and reckless, okay? I know violence isn’t the answer, but I couldn’t let him get away with what he did. And you know what? I don’t regret it.”

Her mouth twists to the side, then she shakes her head. “Yeah, it was stupid. Now your career is on the line.”

I wince.

Her voice drops a few notches. “How long are you out for?”

“Not sure yet, but at least a few weeks, I'm guessing.”

Her gaze softens. “I'm sorry.”

---