She squeezes my thigh once before letting go.
That was a damn close call.
But I wantherto break first.
I want her to close the distance and show me she’s just as fucking helpless as I am.
Because I might be a goner for Charlie Harrington and have fucked up our first shot at a win, but I’m also a proud and stubborn bastard. And I can wait. For the victory and the girl.
Chapter16
Charlie
My heart’s still racing from the phone call when I pull up outside Brodie’s place. I had to tell him in person. Biggest sponsorship deal I’ve ever landed, and it’s his. And, by extension, the Rebels’. I’ve been working on it since August, behind the scenes, and now it’s sealed.
It’s almost nine, but there’s light upstairs. He’s home and awake. Relief loosens something in my chest. I half expected him to still be at the gym, pushing himself like he has since the last games.
Their season started two weeks ago with one close-run loss. Then one massive loss – against Glasgow in Glasgow. And oneverypissed off MacRae.
I jump out of the car, walk up, and rap on the door. If he doesn’t answer soon, I might kick it in. I knock again, harder this time. Still nothing. I put my ear to the wood, straining for any sound.
I’m about to text him when he finally opens.
My grin dies.
He’s hunched over like a question mark, one hand braced on the doorframe, the other pressed to his lower back. Sweat mats his hairline. His shoulders are rigid, breath shallow, and there’s pain in his eyes that he can’t hide.
‘What happened to you?’ I shove my way inside before he can stop me, careful not to touch him.
He tries to straighten. ‘Training. Took a hit.’
‘You’re kidding me.’ I scan him, catching every wince he thinks he’s hiding. ‘Your back?’
He nods, lips pressed into a line. ‘Just pulled something. Probably QL spasm. Doc says it’s not too terrible. I’ll walk it off.’
‘Walk it off?’ I drop my purse and turn to face him. ‘You can barely stand, MacRae.’
He doesn’t meet my gaze, just swipes a hand over his face.
I step closer and soften my tone. ‘Brodie. Talk to me.’
‘It’s fine. Just…need a day or two.’
I’ve never seen him like this. Crumpled, struggling to catch his breath. And that iron grip he’s got on his pride is making it worse.
‘You need to lie down, MacRae.’
‘You need to chill, Harrington.’
‘Now.’ I cross my arms, feet planted. ‘You’re going to haul your surly arse upstairs and lie down. Don’t argue; don’t even think about it. Let’s move.’
Getting him up the stairs is a bloody battle. But one glare from me shuts him up. I practically frogmarch him to his bedroom, ignoring his huffy complaints.
‘Sit.’ I give him a gentle nudge toward the bed.
‘You and your orders.’
‘I’m the boss, as you well know.’
