I smile. Cash never likes Puck feeling left alone, so he always has the TV on for him. Playing his game, no doubt.
“Hi, sweet boy. Did you have a good night?” I get down on my knees to accept his kisses. “Your dad should be home soon.”
He barks at me, running to the back door.
Dropping my keys onto the counter, I follow him and let him out into the cold night air.
Puck runs around, sniffing at all the things he likes.
I’m anxious to see Cash. I didn’t see him today because I had an exam. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him take a hit like that. Hockey is a brutal game. The guy from Boston hit him with a force I haven’t seen. My heart was in my throat the entire time Cash wasn’t on the ice.
As someone who works with the guys and injuries, my mind kept going to the worst-case scenario.
Broken ribs?
Punctured lung?
Something more serious?
I know what kind of injuries these guys can sustain. And being the stubborn players they are, they play through them.
“Princess?”
Cash is at the door, Puck at his feet. He leans down to scratch behind Puck’s ears, then stands back up with a smile on his face that’s hard to see with the light behind him.
“Finally.” I run to him but draw up short. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
He turns and both of us follow Puck inside. Puck immediately goes to the new bone that is sitting on his bed in front of the fireplace. I follow Cash to the living room where he shrugs out of his jacket and undoes his shirt before sprawling on the couch.
“Cash, that was quite a hit. Are you sure?”
I sit next to him, wanting to run my hands all over him.
Highlights from tonight’s game and the others are playing on a loop. Cash shifts, resting his head in my lap.
“I’m fine.” There’s a slight twist to his face as he says that.
“You would be more convincing if you didn’t wince as you did that.”
Cash glares up at me from his spot on the couch. “It’s nothing.”
“You don’t have to put on a front for me.”
He sighs, sinking into me. “It really fucking hurts.”
“Can I see?”
Cash nods, pulling his shirt off. His ribs are taped, but it doesn’t hide the purple and black marring his entire left side.
“Oh my God! How did you manage to play the rest of the night?” I go to touch it, but think better of it. I don’t want to cause him any additional pain.
“It’s what we do. Nothing was broken.”
“Can I do anything for you?”
My eyes don’t leave his side. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bruise that bad.
