He lifts that brow at me again. “Maybe not yet.”
I brush off his comment. “Elias, my keys are in my locker. Make sure Bree gets them, and thank you for helping her with the trailer.”
He nods, then leaves, along with Mathéo.
McKennen bounces a fist on my good leg. “I’ll drive you home when they cut you loose.”
“Thanks, man.” We bro-shake before he walks out, leaving Luke and me alone again.
He settles onto the stool next to the exam table. “When are you going to tell her how you feel?”
I let out a sarcastic laugh. “Um, never. What’s the point? She sees me only as a friend. More like a brother.”
“Sometimes things change.”
If he’d only been with me this morning when Bree looked at me as if I sprouted horns or something. I could use an objective opinion or someone to tell me to get over it.
Over her.
I turn my head toward him. “I’ve known Bree since I was seven years old. We grew up together. Trust me when I say that’s not going to happen.”
He pats the vinyl exam table and stands. “Not with that attitude, it won’t.”
Before he reaches the door, I call him back. “I get what you’re saying, but not everyone gets their dream girl, okay? Bree’s my best friend. I can’t jeopardize that. Besides,” I push up on my elbows, “I think she’s been through something.”
“You think?” His tone is borderline confrontational, as if he’s surprised I haven’t gotten the full story yet.
“I’ve asked, but she won’t tell me anything.”
“Then keep letting her know you’re there when she’s ready.”
A weighty breath bleeds out between my lips. “Yeah, that.”
One side of his mouth ticks up in a smirk. “Could open a door to something more.”
He leaves before I can argue, and to be honest, I don’t want to. More than anything, I’d like to believe he could be right.
Being there for Bree is easy. I’d do anything for her, but I’m not sure how long I can keep my feelings in check, especially when she’s living with me.
Then, an idea hits me. If I’m going to be laid up for at least a week, I’ll need something to occupy my time between physical therapy sessions and resting.
And finding Bree a place to live will be the perfect distraction.
Chapter Eight
BREE
When I get home, the first thing I observe is my car parked in a different spot, sans the trailer. I make a mental note to thank Elias. Maybe Wade knows what his teammate’s favorite snacks are, so I can put together a basket for him to show my appreciation.
The next thing I notice when I walk into the apartment is Wade standing in the kitchen.
“Aren’t you supposed to be resting?”
He’s leaning on his crutches, stirring something on the stove. “I was, but my stomach started growling.”
I set my purse and laptop bag on one of the dining room chairs, feeling a slight twinge of guilt for commandeering his kitchen table as a pseudo-office.
“Why didn’t you just order takeout?”
