Page 103 of Check & Chase
“Whoa.” Chase struggles to sit up, wincing. “That’s… unexpected.”
“You took a hit meant for me,” Jackson says simply. “We protect our own.”
“I’m not one of yours, Anderson.”
“You’re dating my sister,” Jackson replies. “Close enough.”
I can’t help the warmth that spreads through me at the casual acceptance in my brother’s voice.
“Appreciate it,” he says, genuine gratitude in his tone. “Though the Bears’ insurance is pretty solid.”
“Still. It’s the principle.” Jackson pauses. “And Mitchell? What you did… that was freaking incredible. Stupid as hell, but incredible.”
A grin spreads across Chase’s battered face. “Does this mean we’re friends now, Anderson?”
“Don’t push it,” Jackson growls, but there’s no real heat behind it. “Just focus on healing that thick skull of yours. And take care of my sister.”
“Planning on it.”
“Good. Because if you hurt her…”
“You’ll destroy me, I know.” His hand finds mine, squeezing gently. “Not going to happen.”
After the call ends, I stare at Chase in bewilderment. “Did my brother just give you his blessing?”
“Think so.” He looks equally stunned. “That might be the most surreal part of this whole situation.”
Before I can reply, the doorbell rings, followed by knocking that sounds suspiciously like Maya’s characteristic rapid-fire pattern. I slip from the bed, pulling on sweatpants I find draped over a chair.
She stands on the doorstep, armed with coffee and breakfast pastries, her presence bringing the outside world crashing back into our intimate bubble.
“You’re alive!” she exclaims, shoving the food into my arms to hug me. “I was starting to think you’d fallen into a sex coma or something.”
“Maya!” I glance nervously over my shoulder. “He has a concussion. There’s been no… that.”
“Uh-huh.” She follows me inside, kicking the door shut behind her. “And you’re wearing his clothes because…”
“Because I didn’t exactly pack an overnight bag before rushing to the hospital.” I set the food on the kitchen counter, gratefully accepting the coffee she offers. “How did you know I was here?”
“Where else would you be?” She hops onto a barstool, studying me. “You’ve been attached at the hip since he went full Prince Charming and saved your brother from certain doom.”
“It wasn’t like that.”
“Tell that to social media. You two are trending, by the way. ‘#HockeyLoveStory’ is the hashtag.”
I groan, dropping my head to the counter. “I hate everything.”
“But seriously, how is he? And how are you?”
“He’s better than expected, given the injuries. His parents came by yesterday. Dad’s a piece of work.”
“And you?” Her expression turns serious. “Because you look different, Em. Like, fundamentally changed.”
The observation hits startlingly close to home.
“We said we love each other,” I blurt out. “In the hospital. And he meant it, Maya. And so did I.”
Her eyes widen, coffee cup freezing halfway to her mouth. “Holy shit.”
