Page 16 of Breakaway Daddies

The doctor, an older man with silver hair at his temples and a kind but firm gaze, stands beside the bed, flipping through the chart in his hands.

“You’ve got a minor concussion, a sprained ligament in your knee,” the doctor explains, scanning the papers. “Your scans are clear outside of that, though, and you should be ready to get back on the ice in a few weeks.”

Rowan grunts, a sound that rumbles deep in his chest. “So, I can go?”

The doctor nods, offering a reassuring smile. “Yes, but take it easy. No heavy lifting, no intense workouts, and absolutely no?—“

“—Headbutting people?” Rowan interjects with a cocky grin, his eyes shining with mischief.

The doctor sighs, a trace of exasperation in his voice. “Exactly.”

Once Rowan is signed out, we make our way to the discharge area. I exchange a glance with Bruno, knowing it’s time to share the news we’ve been holding onto.

“Hey, bud,” I say, draping an arm over Rowan’s broad shoulders as we walk. “We’ve got a surprise waiting for you when we get back to the house.”

Rowan grunts again but I can see that he’s curious. “What? A stripper?”

Bruno chuckles, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Better. A hot little goth physical therapist.”

Rowan’s mouth twitches a bit but then he shakes his head in disbelief.

Maybe this is going to be harder than I thought.

CHAPTERFIVE

Jinx

I sit in my car,parked a few houses down from the address Bruno texted me, my fingers tapping a nervous rhythm on the steering wheel.

The house looms a few blocks ahead, its silhouette black against the deepening twilight.

I gnaw at the inside of my cheek, wrestling with the question of whether I should be here at all. I could just turn the key, drive back to my apartment.

I could blame it on a last-minute project at work or invent some urgent errands that suddenly demanded my attention. Maybe I should just admit that I can’t afford to keep lending my expertise for free.

After all, I’ve been toying with the idea of moving somewhere new, contemplating a return to school, and trying to figure out what I truly want from my life. Getting ensnared in this situation? Probably not the wisest choice.

But the guys are solid. And I’ve grown to really admire this team.

A long sigh escapes my lips as I shake my head, sending my thoughts scattering.

Rowan’s injury has hit him hard, and I know firsthand how athletes can be when they’re sidelined—stubborn, defensive, and absolutely convinced they don’t need anyone’s help.

If I don’t step in and ensure he begins his recovery on the right foot, he might try to rush back into training and end up doing more damage.

Okay. Just one private session.

Enough to set him on the right path.

Having made up my mind, I shift the car into drive and roll up to the house, parking in the spacious driveway. The house is massive and pristine, which makes sense with three guys sharing the rent and what I assume to be landscaping costs.

I sling my bag over my shoulder, step out into the brisk evening air, and stride to the front door.

I knock twice on the heavy wooden door, my breath visible in small clouds against the biting chill. Within seconds, the door swings open to reveal Thomas, who leans casually against the frame, his breath forming its own mist in the cold air.

His grin is wide and teasing. “Well, well. Look who actually showed up.”

I roll my eyes at his playful jab, a smile cracking across my face despite myself. “Don’t act surprised. I’m here on a professional basis,” I counter, trying to keep my tone light but firm.

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