I rack my brain for what changed, and I glance down to her neck, where I applied pressure right before she stopped.Oh God, I’m an idiot.I was right on top of her scar, and while I don’t know what caused it, I know now that it’s something triggering for her.
Her eyes well back up with tears, gutting me completely. “I’m sorry.”
Wiping her tears away, I place gentle kisses on her cheeks, forehead, and nose. “Don’t say that. Don’t apologize.”
She looks up at me with a raw brokenness inside. “I want to tell you what happened. I do. It’s just that every time I open my mouth, nothing comes out.”
“Lainey,” I exhale, my eyes and throat burning, “tell me when you’re ready. There’s no rush for that or anything else. I’ve waited this long; I’ll wait an eternity more.”
A soft whimper escapes her, and I pull her into my chest, engulfing her in my arms as she wraps herself around me, squeezing me and fisting the back of my shirt in her hands.Thisis enough for me—being near her—and anything else that happens is a bonus.
She’s finally mine, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure it stays that way for the rest of our lives.
CHAPTER 20
LAINEY
Matt can’t stop lookingat me knowingly while I help stretch his hips out before tonight’s game.
Releasing his knee from my grip, I slowly let his leg return to normal. “How’s that feeling?”
He flexes his legs out and to the side on the table, nodding. “Great. Thank you.”
“Anytime. Good luck tonight.”
He chuckles. “We aren’t the ones who need good luck.”
My lips part, a question hovering between them, but Matt beats me to it.
“Cole is going to need to pray to God to get through the game.” Matt fights back the smirk on his lips, and I’m wondering what exactly the guys have planned for him.
There’s a quiet ache, a whisper of regret in my chest that is telling me to call this off and let him be. But he dug his own grave when he showed up to Alec and Laura’s house, unannounced. They might be targeting him for that alone.
“Well …” I trail off, having no idea what else to say.
He stands up, rocking back and forth on his feet, kicking his legs out. “Thanks for helping me.”
“Yeah, of course.” I smile politely, my anxiety thrumming in my rib cage.
I know Cole can’t retaliate against me, but then why do I feel so goddamn nervous?
The next hour drags by slowly, leading up to puck drop. Caitlin and the rest of the trainers are running around, finishing prep work and helping with any last-minute tweaks. Tonight, I’m just here as backup.
My main job this evening was helping Matt, who is becoming one of my primary patients. A few other players who are on injury reserve are scheduled to start with me in the next week, and I’m excited to fully immerse myself in my job.
In the meantime, I’m trying not to step on anyone’s toes, particularly Caitlin’s. I don’t want to ruffle any more feathers, especially since she’s not kicking me off her team for hiding my association with Jensen.
“Need anything?” I ask her as she strolls down the tunnel toward the bench.
She offers me a genuine smile, talking to me without stopping. “Everything’s ready to go. Thank you though.”
I nod, leaning against the wall with my legs crossed, the lights dimming in the arena as the pregame show begins.
The hype video starts, and music plays through the speakers, and I hear—or rather, feel—the team walking down the tunnel toward me.
Matt rounds the corner, leading the pack, looking more intimidating than ever with his chin tilted down, mask coveringhis face. Sometimes, I don’t realize how much of a giant he really is, but he’s six foot five without the skates on.
He lifts his glove up as he approaches, and my heart warms as I bump his fist. Alec behind him does the same. And Cam. Brett. Reed. And the rest of the players continue to bump my fist with their glove as they walk down the hallway, skating out onto the ice.
