Page 87 of Game Changer

“Shhhhhhhh,” she placed her finger on his lips to quieten him, “it’s ok.”

“But, I –”

She shook her head, not lifting her finger. Their eyes met. “I’m sorry,” he mumbled.

“Why are you sorry, Pim? I’m the one who lost her temper and stormed out of here. I just, I couldn’t be here, not in the same room as him. I don’t understand why he was allowed to come here, to see you, tospeakto you, when all I wanted was to punch him repeatedly for what he did to you... and to me.”

“I know, I get it. It didn’t really occur to me when I woke up that he’d call by and we’d need a chat about it, but everything was so blurry. Even after the doctor said it was a hockey accident it didn’t occur to me that I’d need to give it further thought, or that someone was to blame for it. I can’t imagine how worried and upset you’ve been, and you’ve spent so much time in close quarters with my friends and family with no stress-release. I know you probably think I took his side, but that’s not what it was. I know that in the moment it probably felt like it though,” he trailed off. “Lis, you’re entirely justified to hate him. He assaulted you and he attacked me. The last few weeks wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for him. If I were you, I’d absolutely hate him too, but I wanted to hear what he had to say, and try to understand what happened, why the hell he hated me so much, rather than kicking him out like you wanted.”

“It’s ok. I really am sorry for blowing up like that, it really wasn’t the time or place. I just couldn’t help it.”

I feel like we figured stuff out, did we figure stuff out? We’re good, right? Tell me we’re good…

She kissed him gently.

This definitely feels good.

“Did Three have anything noteworthy to say?”

“Three?” AJ repeated, confused.

“Sorry, yeah, the guy who hit you. I don’t actually know his name, nor do I care to really, so just call him by his number.”

Smiling, AJ shook his head. “His name is Dwight, and he didn’t really have a lot to say for himself, Lis. He’s in his last year of college hockey. He wants a contract with one of the bigger leagues and it’s not looking likely. He wanted to get his team to the playoffs and be a hero. The two of us getting into it with each other repeatedly pushed him over the edge. He swears he didn’t mean for me to get so badly hurt, though, and he apologized, a lot. He feels pretty bad about it all. I don’t think he wanted to bare his soul to me, but I got the impression there was maybe something else going on with him – not that that excuses anything.”

She smiled at him and stroked his cheek. She stood up, kicked off her shoes and grabbed her pjs from her bag.

“AJ, close your eyes,” she told him.

Hell no! I think not. Do you know how long it’s been since…yeah. That’s not happening.

“Why?” he asked.

“I’m getting changed!”

I know this. This is why I’d like to keep my eyes open and intently focused on my gorgeous girlfriend. Duh!

“Babe, it’s not like I’ve not seen you changing before,” he answered as she slipped her jeans off.

He gave a low whistle. “Leave them off,” he instructed.

“Like hell I will. Your medical team already probably think I’m a trouble maker. Last thing I need is for anyone to walk in and find my bare arse in the air.”

He laughed. “You’re paranoid, Lis, I’m sure they like you just fine.”

Christ, you’re a beautiful woman.

When her back turned, he slipped out of his bed and quietly approached her. Spinning around, she squealed. He grinned at her.

Why yes, Miss Millar, I fully intend to get up to all kinds of mischief with you right now.

His eyes twinkled and she bit her lip.

So easy to read, Lisa. You’re contemplating being naughty right now, I know you are. I can see your indecision and I fully encourage a positive choice in this particular matter.

He smiled at her again.

“What the HELL do you think are you doing?” she chastised.

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