Maia lifted her right hand in a rude gesture before gingerly rising.Good grief.Her legs trembled, and the low-level headache returned, making her wince.Henry was right—not that she’d admit that to him, but once she was clean again and dressed in a T-shirt and sleep shorts, she’d feel better.A warm shower would help her relax, and hopefully, she’d fall asleep.
She limped into the bathroom and limited her shower to five minutes.Henry had been correct.Her legs would’ve given way.As it was, her thigh ached where her assailant had struck her.She had a team meeting tomorrow, and the last thing she wanted was any weakness for the coaches to seize upon and sideline her.Yes, healing sleep and a reassessment tomorrow.
When she entered her bedroom, she found Henry had straightened her covers and left her a cup of herbal tea, two painkillers, and a glass of water.Henry was gone, but she sank onto the mattress and sipped her tea before picking up the tablets and downing them with a swallow of water.
Five minutes later, she closed her eyes.She woke again in daylight, and the night’s events came rushing back.Aware of a pressing need for the toilet, she swung her legs to the floor.To her immense relief, her thigh wasn’t too bad, and her headache had subsided.
Maia stumbled to the bathroom, alarmed when her balance didn’t seem right.After taking care of business, she returned to her bed and sank down.
“You’re awake.”
She glanced up to see Henry in the doorway.
“How are you feeling?”
“I thought I was fine, but my balance is off, and my head is throbbing.”
“Concussion.You’ll need to take it easy.No screen time or reading until your headaches retreat.”
“I’m supposed to report to my new club to pick up my uniform and training schedule.It will look bad if I don’t.”She bit her lip, aware panic was pushing her.
“I’m sure they’ll understand if you explain.”
“But I have to meet my teammates.I’m the newbie and can’t let them see any weaknesses.”
He shot her a funny look.“This isn’t war, Maia.”
“No, it’s a competitive game.I’ll start on the bench and must play myself onto the team.I can’t no-show.”
“You won’t be any use if you fall face-first in front of them either.”
Maia bit her lip because he was right.She needed to be smart, damn it.“I’ll get dressed.Do a little gentle walking and see how I go.We won’t train today, and there’s nothing strenuous.I might manage as long as I’m careful.”
“You can’t drive.”Henry met her gaze in a challenge.
Damn.He was right again.How could she manage this?Attendance was non-negotiable.Management—they’d want to see their investment.
“I’ll drive you.I’d like to check out your team.”
She gaped.“You can’t think they have anything to do with last night?”
“No, but I’m still interested in seeing them.”
“Why?”
“Never mind why.If you want to attend your meeting, the only way is with me.”
Their gazes locked in a silent battle, and despite the throb in her head and the sluggishness of her muscles, Maia had never felt more alive.Something about the grumpy, determined man got to her.
“You’ll stay in the background,” she said, but it was a question.
“I’ll drive you to Dunedin and wait.You can tell everyone your vehicle is with the mechanic for repairs.I’ll wait in my vehicle and look harmless.”
Maia barely prevented her snort of disbelief.This man would never fade into the background.He was too big, but she sensed this was the best deal she’d get.“Very well.”
“What time is your meeting?”
“I need to be there at 9:45.We have fifteen minutes to grab our uniforms, and the meeting starts at ten.”
