Page 120 of Reputation
Eric grimaced, nodding.“I figured you’d say that.”Sighing, he walked to the bedside table.“I texted Joyce.She’s going to bring you a change of clothes and some toiletries.She’ll be here around eight.You can shower and change in the attending’s lounge.I’ll take you there later.In the meantime, you need to eat something,” he said, placing a tray on her lap.
On it were some scrambled eggs, two pieces of toast, sliced fruit, and a steaming cup of coffee.
She turned to look back up at Eric, smiling.“Thank you,” she said, “for everything.”
He gazed down at her, a small smile forming on his mouth.“He better not hurt you.”
She laughed as she turned to look at Jax.“He won’t,” she said.“Or maybe he will.Who knows what will happen?But it’s worth the risk,” she finished with a huge smile.
Chapter Forty Two
Jax
Four Weeks Later
Jax tossed the jersey he’d changed out of into the laundry bin in the Royals dressing room.Slipping on his dark cashmere quarter zip and dress jacket, he slid his feet into his boots and picked up his gym bag.Patting Brooks on the back, he left the dressing room and the celebrations behind.
Tonight was his first game back, having been out recovering for the last few weeks.He’d been discharged from the hospital and sent home after two days.For the duration of his stay, Eavie had barely left his side.She picked up his car from the arena and drove him home after his release and helped him up to his condo, where she’d continued to nurse him through his entire recovery.She’d only left to get a bag of clothes and when she’d had to return to the office.
When she went back to work, his mom came to stay with him, helping during the first few days when he was slow moving.Eavie would come home every evening to his place, where she stayed with him.
After the first week following his discharge, Jax started his physio with the team’s training staff and was back on the ice after another week.His return to the game had taken a little longer, given the severity of his concussion and his age.He hadn’t minded, though.Since he couldn’t play, he’d joined Eavie in the executive boxes for each home game.For the away games, they watched them on his couch, Eavie curled up in his arms exactly where she belonged.
Once Jax had been given the all-clear to play again, Eavie had gathered her things from his place.He’d tried to convince her to stay, but she insisted she return to her apartment.As much as she liked being there with him, she was too independent and said it was too early for them to be half-living together.He’d tried to talk her out of it, but she’d made up her mind, and god, the woman was so stubborn.
Finally, he’d relented, even though his condo felt too empty without her.Jax demanded, however, that she leave a few of her things behind for the times in the future when she would stay over.He even cleared out a section of his closet, which, despite her protests, was quickly filled with her things.She conceded to spending a few nights a week with him.
Last night, after finally taking her on their first date, Eavie had insisted he take her home despite his protests.
“You’re not coming in tonight,” she’d said, smirking at him as they stood outside her door.
“Why not?”he asked, confusion knitting his brow.
“Because,” Eavie said sweetly, fluttering her lashes at him, “tomorrow is your first game back, and you need to be rested for it.We both know if you come inside, neither of us will be getting any sleep.”
Jax groaned deep in his chest and stepped closer, eliminating the distance between them.“I’m willing to accept those consequences,” he replied, lowering his head until their lips were inches apart.
A smile settled on hers as she placed her hands on his chest.“Now, Mr.Morghan,” she said, knowing it drove him crazy when she called him that, “what kind of Royals employee would I be if I kept the team’s captain up all night before his big return?”
She lifted slightly to close the distance between them, their lips connecting in a hard kiss.Too soon, she pulled away, pushing on his chest to widen the distance.
Jax clenched his jaw, making the muscles twitch.They hadn’t been together in weeks.While she stayed with him, they kissed—a lot—hands roaming each other’s bodies desperately.However, Eavie had always stopped them before they went any further, saying it was too risky while he was still recovering, giving a whole new meaning to the term blue balls.
“No exerting activity,” she would say, pushing away from him.
Now, Eavie laughed at the look on his face.“Oh, don’t look so put out,” she said, giving him a smile that never failed to have him giving her whatever she wanted.“I promise to make it up to you tomorrow.”
That caught his attention.He smiled down at her mischievously.“Oh, yeah?How?”
“I’ll go home with you tomorrow after the game.We can…celebrate your first game back,” she said with a flirtatious smile.
Jax groaned again and reached for her, placing his hands on her hips.Pulling her closer, he said, “You have a deal, Cinderella.But you should be prepared for a very, very long night tomorrow.I plan to torture you until you’re begging me to let you come.”
She drew her lower lip between her teeth, something he’d noticed she did when she was turned on.Her eyelids grew heavy, and a warm flush started up her neck.He tracked its progress, delighting in watching the evidence of her desire spread across her skin.
Smiling, he leaned down for one last quick kiss.“I’ll see you tomorrow, baby,” he said, taking a few steps backward before turning and continuing to the elevators.
Thoughts of tonight had filled his head all day, only moving to the back of his mind during the game—barely.
