Page 19 of Check & Chase
Chase’s eyes find mine, and despite the pain clouding them, I see a flash of that familiar mischief. “Looking forward to spending more time together, Emma.”
I ignore the flutter in my stomach. “You’ll be following a strict protocol this time. No shortcuts, no half-measures, no getting back on the ice until I clear you. Understood?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He gives a mock salute, grimacing through the motion.
Peterson crosses the room. “Let’s get him to the hospital for an MRI. Mitchell, you have anyone who can drive you home after?”
He shakes his head. “I can get an Uber.”
“No way,” I blurt out before thinking better of it. “You’ll need help getting settled with the brace and crutches. I can drive you.”
Maya gives me a look that clearly says, ‘What happened to professional boundaries?’ but I ignore her.
“That would be great, Ms. Anderson,” Peterson replies. “I’ll let Coach know the situation. We’ll need a comprehensive treatment plan by tomorrow.”
After he leaves, Maya pulls me aside. “What happened to keeping things strictly professional?”
“This is professional,” I insist. “He’s my patient, and he needs help. That’s all.”
“Uh-huh.” She doesn’t look convinced. “Well, I’ve got to get to work, but call me later with updates. And Em?”
“Yeah?”
“You ran onto the ice.” Her expression is a mix of concern and pride. “Like, actually onto the ice. Without hesitating.”
I hadn’t fully processed that yet. Ten years of avoiding even looking at ice rinks, and today I ran straight onto one without a second thought.
“I guess I did.” The words come out a little dazed, the realization settling in.
Her dark eyes study me, taking in the tremor in my hands that I’m trying desperately to hide, and the shallow rhythm of my breathing. She’s been with me through every panic attack, every setback in my recovery. She knows what this means better than anyone.
“That’s progress, babe.” Maya squeezes my hand. “Now try not to fall for your patient while you’re being all professional and stuff.”
I roll my eyes. “Not going to happen.”
“Sure, sure.” She checks her watch and grimaces. “I really do need to get to the hospital. Those tiny humans need their favorite nurse.”
“Go,” I tell her. “I’ve got this handled.”
Maya gives me one last meaningful look before heading toward the exit, muttering something that sounds suspiciously like “disaster waiting to happen” under her breath.
As I glance over at Chase, now being prepared for transport to the hospital, I’m not entirely convinced she’s wrong. Because when I saw him go down on the ice, my instinct wasn’t just that of a therapist for a patient.
And that’s a problem I’m not ready to face.
Chase
Chapter Four
“Grade 3 MCL tear, as suspected.”
The doctor’s words hit me like a body check, but I force my face to remain neutral. I’ve been in this game long enough to know that showing pain only makes the docs more cautious, more likely to extend recovery timelines.
And I don’t have time for extended anything. Not in October, with the entire season ahead of me.
“So what’s the plan?” I ask, keeping my voice casual, like we’re discussing a dinner menu instead of my fucked-up knee. “Tape it up, give me some anti-inflammatory, and I’m good to go for Friday?”
Dr. Reynolds, the Bears’ orthopedic specialist, shares a look with Emma, who’s standing at the foot of my hospital bed with her arms crossed. She hasn’t said much since we arrived, but her silence speaks volumes. Especially since the MRI confirmed exactly what she predicted after her on-ice assessment.
