“Lo picked him up.”
“Lo! I can call Lo. She’ll know what to do.”
I tried not to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help it. The worry and franticness of his voice reeled me in. He was worried about me when he just had surgery. That wouldn’t do.
I shoved the door open and waltzed in, stopping both Callum and Oliver in their tracks. “Oliver, you are right. He should be concerned about himself. Do you mind giving us a minute so I can properly yell at my boyfriend?”
“You betcha.” Oliver grinned and patted my shoulder. “He’s been real whiny, so make sure you go hard on him.”
Oliver shut the door on the way out, leaving Callum and me alone. My skin prickled with awareness, with unease and temptation all at the same time. Callum blinked slowly, then ran a hand over his face. The parted lips, the pure shock and joy on his face, did a lot for my ego. His entire body shifted around me.
“Did they give me more pain meds? Am I dreaming?”
“I can’t speak on the meds, but you’re not dreaming.”
“You’re here.” His brows pinched together as his mouth hung open. We stared at each other for a few seconds before he whispered, “You came to see me.”
I swallowed as my eyes watered. “Are you okay? I’ve been worried.”
“Worried? I’ve been fucking distraught.” He pushed up and winced, making me step toward him.
Ihatedthat I hadn’t been here for him while he was in pain, thinking about me. I’d spend the next decade making up for that. I had to. Just seeing the joy on his face erased any ounce of doubt I had.
“Stay seated,” I scolded him.
“Then come over here. I need to touch you.” His voice was raspy, hoarse, and rang with desperation. It was the sign I needed to get over my nerves and go to him. The second I got within reach, he yanked me against his chest and buried his face into my neck. “I’m so fucking sorry I hurt you. I’ve been going crazy without you. Are we okay? Please tell me we are. I’m not sure I can survive it, baby.”
“We’re okay, more than okay.” I squeezed him back, my heart righting itself from the mess it had gotten itself in. His heart pounded in a continuous thud, thud, thud against mine, the rhythm matching my own. Dragging my fingers through his hair, I massaged his scalp, and he groaned. “I love you. I know?—”
“I only said that because of Henry being around. I promise.” He glanced up, his gorgeous blue eyes swirling with emotion.
I cupped his face, my eyes welling with tears. “I know, Callum. I’m the one who’s sorry. I should’ve been there for you the entire time, holding your hand, calming you. I chose the internship, and I hate myself for it.” I sniffed, and his face softened.
“No, you don’t need to be sorry.”
“Yes, I do.” I kissed his forehead, lingering for a second before pulling back and meeting his gaze. “I should’ve said fuck it. I should’ve been there with you from the second you were off the field.”
“I wouldn’t have let you, Ivy. Not with your dream just within reach. I was fine, really. Annoyed I’m done for the season, but I was okay. Having Henry find out wasn’t worth it.” He gave a half smile, his eyes twinkling. “He’s been in and out, and you have your interview Monday. Oh my god, have you had it?”
“No. It’s tomorrow.” I intertwined our fingers, my eyes prickling with how much I loved Callum. He was being too relaxed about this, and I wanted him to yell at me or demand something. His acceptance just proved how much he cared for me, and I was a damn fool for not realizing it. “It took a minute, but I realized that’s why you pushed me away. Your eyes caught me off guard though because you I never considered you a good liar. Plus, I felt like we were off a little before the game.”
“Off how?” He tilted his head and kissed the back of my hand. “We’re not off at all.”
“It seems silly.” I gulped as shame flooded my face. “You’ve had major surgery, and I’m worrying about something that doesn’t matter.”
“You and me always matter. Ivy, tell me. Tell me so I can clear it up. It kills me to see the ache in your eyes, the fact I might’ve done something to upset you.”
I sniffed, regretting bringing it up at all.
“Please tell me what happened?”
“Princeton saw my scars and touched one, and you saw and glared at me. We were in the tunnel, then you didn’t look at me any part of the game, and it clawed at me.”
“I was pissed, but not atyou.You were about to fall over, and he caught you. That’s my job, forever, and I couldn’t do a damnthing about it.” He picked up my arm and pushed up my sleeve, running his fingers over the mark. “I love this about you. It’s one of my favorite things, and he touched it, and I wanted to charge at him. But the Chicago guy was there and Henry, and I’d rather suffer in silence than ruin your shot at your dream. That’s all this was, baby. Me putting your dream first. I didn’t mean to upset you, and I’m sorry you doubted me for even a second.”
“I’m so incredibly sorry too.” I sniffed and wrapped my arms around his shoulders. “I don’t want you doubting my love for you either, not for a second. If I had to choose between you or the internship, I’ll pick you. You know that right?”
He smiled but rolled his eyes. “Baby, I love hearing those words, but I’d never let you do that. That’s the thing.”
