Page 30 of Power Play Pursuit

“I'm not.”

Our eyes lock, and suddenly, I’m not in some sterile hospital room anymore. I'm lost in the storm of her eyes. It’s beautiful and sad. Complicated and hopeful.

And it’s exactly where I want to be.

The door swings open, interrupting the moment. “Got your test results back,” Doc says, hustling in. “Sorry,” he adds, noticing Elizabeth. “I didn't know you still had company.”

“I’ll go,” she says, releasing my hand.

“No. Please stay,” I plead. It’s nice to have someone next to me, especially when the doc might hit me with some crappy news.

With a small nod, she folds her arms and takes a step back, giving the doctor some space.

“CT is clear,” Doc says, “but let me do a few more quick tests.” He takes out a light pen from his vest, then asks me to follow it with my eyes. After that, he checks my pupils and tests my reflexes.

“Okay,” he says, studying my chart again.

“So, am I free to go?” I ask, eager to get back to my apartment and lie down in my plush king-size bed.

He looks at me, then at the chart again. “Actually, I would feel more comfortable keeping you here for observation tonight, just in case you lose consciousness again. Unless you have someone who can stay with you.”

“I can.” Elizabeth steps forward, catching me by surprise. She dances on her feet, wringing her hands. “I’ll make sure he stays alive.”

“Great,” Doc says, clasping his hands. “Make sure you ice your nose to keep the swelling down. I’ll go ahead and write you a prescription, then I'll sign your discharge papers.”

“I’ll spend the night at your place. That is, if the offer still stands,” Elizabeth ventures, glancing at me as the doc is leaving.

I press my lips together, nodding. “Always.”

Yeah, maybe this thing wasn’t so stupid after all.

16

"How many serums do you have, Elizabeth?"

Beth Bowen

After James changes into a clean tracksuit the guys brought, we stop by the hospital pharmacy to get his medication and some ice packs. Once we’re all geared up, Aaron and Marissa drive us home.

“Thanks again, bro,” James says when we reach his apartment. He turns the lights on, and I blink back in surprise. Though I’m not sure why. It’s not like I ever took the time to imagine what his apartment would look like, but I would never have guessed it’d beso nicely decorated. The entrance corridor alone holds a couple of paintings, an elegant mirror, and a classy console table. It also smells really nice, like vanilla or balsam, thanks to a diffuser sitting on the tabletop.

“No problem,” Miles says. “Tomorrow, I’ll grab your stuff from the arena and drive your car back.”

James snickers. “Looks like it’s your lucky day. You’ll finally be able to drive the Lambo.”

“I don’t give a crap about the Lambo,” Miles grunts, and Marissa glances at me, shaking her head.

James smirks. “Yeah, you do. You’ve been wanting to sit behind the wheel since I got it.”

“Fine,” Miles says, rolling his eyes. “Guess that’s the other upside of you being injured.”

James barks out a laugh, and the sound warms my heart. “Don’t worry. I can still drive, so I don’t need you to get it for me.”

“I’m not so sure,” Miles teases. “We have to see if there’s permanent damage to your head. Jury’s still out.”

“I think it’s time for you to go,” James replies, flashing a bright smile.

“Can I grab my stuff from your place quick?” I ask Marissa, and she nods.

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