Page 24 of Finding the Forward: Part One
“Time,” Rusty called. “Good job, Team Mom!”
Thank goodness.
“Help me get out?” I whispered to Grif. Every inch of me wanted to rocket out of the tub, but my body didn’t work like that anymore.
In one smooth gesture, he stood andscooped me upout of the waterlike I was some delicate little omega and not a gangly alpha.
Ash threw soft, brightly covered Maimers stadium blankets over us. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” But all I could do was look up into the red-bearded face of the man I’d last seen on a plane four months ago. His hair and beard were now neatly trimmed, not scruffy.
Still, there was no doubt it was him.
This was the man whose hand I’d rode on an airplane. The kind man who’d given me his extra seat, and instead of ignoring me, took care of me.
The man who was nowdripping wetand wearing a black shirt with the black and silver New York Knights logo on it. His shorts had a twenty-six on them.
Hockey.Of course! Hockey had forwards, too. He’d given me ahockeysweatshirt.
Why had I never made the connection?
Green eyes danced with concern and recognition as he cuddled me to his chest, heading toward the heat lamp. “Hey, Kitten. Long time, no see.”
My teeth chattered as it hit me. “Hey, Grif. I guess you’re not a fútbol player.”
Chapter Eight
Grif
When I returned from the bathroom, cheering students surrounded whoever was currently in the ice bath. Carlos yelled especially loudly. He and Clark had wanted to come with me. Dean had goalie stuff, so Jonas stayed back with him.
My heart stopped as I got a glimpse of the woman in the tub.
Her.
Airplane Girl.
Of course! That’s why the little sister had asked me to come.
Verity was in New York.
Fucking shit.Verity was in New York.
“Halfway, keep it up.” Rusty checked the stopwatch.
Verity looked like she’d pop up out of the tub and flee any second. Shit. I desperately wanted to soothe her and make it better.
“That’s her panic face. Get her out,” Mercy hissed at Rusty.
I kicked my shoes off and tossed my phone to the ground. Climbing into the icy water, I seated her between my legs. I wrapped my bare arms around her, pulling her into me, as if I could lend her my strength and warmth.
The chill of the water cut through me, but I didn’t care. All that mattered was the willowy woman in my arms.
“I... I’ve got this,” she choked out, on the verge of hyperventilating, not looking up.
Did she know it was me?
“I know. You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Now take a deep breath, Kitten,” I said quietly, leaning in until my lips were near her ear. My words were for her only.
