Page 158 of Pucking Strong

“Yeah, he wants another massage. That’s the price of his forgiveness.”

Heat prickles the back of my neck. The thought of Teddy putting his hands on one of my teammates for any length of time has me itching to jerk these stupid crab mittens off and punch something. Which is completely irrational, because that’s his job. And he’s good at it. The guys all praise him for how skilled he is as a physical therapist.

But it’s been six years since he’s massaged me. Back then, I wouldn’t have considered what it feels like to have his hands on me as anything other than providing therapeutic pain relief. Now? His every touch sets a fire under my skin. I’ve never felt this way before. What once held no interest for me now feels like all I can think about. The possessive part of me doesn’t like the idea of his hands on anyone but me.

I have to get over this.

All the same, I inch closer, trying to make it look casual when I put my arm around his waist, my mitten-clad hand resting on his hip.

“Fine,” he says at Novy. “I will give you three one-hour massages, redeemable at a time of your choosing. But I get full forgiveness for driving you to the hospital. And I get to hold her,” he adds, nodding to the baby.

Now Morrow is the one narrowing his eyes. “Do I get a say in this?”

“No,” Teddy and Novy say at the same time.

Interesting. Perhaps Morrow and I have a little possessive jealousy in common? As if reading my mind, he just gives me a subtle shake of his head, his jaw clenched tight.

Teddy reaches out his hand. “Are we agreed?”

Grinning, Novy shifts the baby to one arm and holds out his hand to shake.

Teddy squeezes tight, pulling Novy in closer. “But you make any creepy noises, I am duct-taping your mouth shut. Nonnegotiable.”

Novy tips his head back on a laugh. “Come on, Doc. Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

Groaning, Teddy drops his hand. “Shut up and let me hold the baby.”

Novy shifts the baby over to Teddy’s arms, and Teddy lights up like a candle. He’s gentle, cooing at her. “Well, isn’t she just the prettiest thing? Babe, look.”

Leaning in, my hand still braced on his hip, I glance over his shoulder at the newborn. Her face is scrunched in a frown as Teddy sways with her. She’s wearing an outfit dotted with jack-o’-lanterns and black cats.

“What’s her name?” Teddy asks.

“Fiona Lane Morrow,” says Novy. “We’ve all been calling her Fi.”

Teddy coos over her some more. “Hi, Miss FiFi.” He glances up. “What’s the Lane from?”

“My grandmother,” Morrow replies, his arm around Novy’s shoulder. All his jealousy from a moment ago has evaporated as he looks lovingly at his daughter.

Teddy hands the baby back over to Novy. “She looks just like her sister.”

Novy is gentle for such a giant, cradling her close. His eyes practically glow as he looks down at her too. “She’s our angel.”

Leaning in, Morrow kisses his cheek. “You two make beautiful babies.”

Nodding once at me, Novy turns to Teddy. “I’m cashing in my first massage next week. Be ready.”

Teddy salutes him, giving Morrow a wave as they turn and head off in search of Poppy. Clapping his hands together, Teddy calls out to Karro. “Okay, Miss Ariel, I think it’s time we all go get our faces painted to look like fairy unicorns!”

“Yes! Then pumpkins!”

“Then more candy,” he teases.

“Yay!”

Teddy takes my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Come on, Sebastian.” Leaning in, he speaks so only I can hear him. “You’re being such a good crab for me.”

His words ping inside my brain like a loose puck hitting the walls. Hedidpromise a reward for my good behavior. Stuffing all my irrational jealousy inside one of the many mental compartments my husband is so fond of, I follow wherever he leads.

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