Page 92 of Penalty Zone

I tried to ignore my attraction to him and the way we understood each other.I choose the words I type carefully.But he took me by storm. He’s all positive energy and appreciates things in the moment. I’ve always been worried about what people think and didn’t know how to enjoy life. He’s changed my outlook for the better and gives me a new perspective. Mason, I don’t want to hurt you, but I love Caleb.

He wipes his eyes of unshed tears. “Promise me you won’t forget about me.”

You have every reason to doubt me, but I promise to stay involved in your life, and I won’t take Caleb away from you.If I’d been a better father, he wouldn’t be worried.

“I overheard Caleb say he won’t make you choose. It’s going to take getting used to, but I’ll figure it out. I won’t be the asshole who comes between you two.”

Thank you, son.

Mason stands, and I think he’s going to leave, but he paces the length of the room. “I have to meet Ari Dimon in the morning and convince him not to trade me. He told me after the game he was ready to fire me on the spot. No trade. Nothing. Attacking a staff member and intentionally letting a defender score a goal falls under the vague language in our morality clause. I don’t have a defense because he’s right. Caleb called me out for hitting you on purpose, and I was embarrassed and furious and stupidly didn’t do my job on defense.”

Do you want my advice?We are still on shaky ground, and I shouldn’t presume.

“Yes.” He grips the rail of the bed, his knuckles turning white.

Own up to your mistakes. Don’t lie or make excuses, and ask for forgiveness. Ari’s a fair man. If he wasn’t, he’d have let you go already. He needed to cool down and give you time to reflect. Would you want a trade?I roll my shoulders and flex my fingers to release some tension.

Mason shields his eyes. “I definitely don’t want to see evidence of your sex life, but a trade would suck.”

Air inflates my lungs, and I’m lightheaded with relief.

Tell him that.When Mason agrees, I nod out of reflex, and the sharp pain causes a whine to escape.

“Shit, Dad, are you okay?” Mason rushes to my side.

I close my eyes and process the pain. When it recedes, I type,I’m proud of you for taking responsibility. I plan to prove my love for you. The app speaks for me.

The nurse comes in and warns him visiting hours are over, but I’ll be discharged in the morning.

I text Caleb the good news.

Baby Doll: I’ll come get youheart emoji

I send a heart back, counting the hours I’ll get to see him before he has to leave.

Chapter 40

Caleb

I hate the combination of smells in the hospital, sick and disinfectant. At least Leo is coming home today.

My gut feels like it’s been shredded by glass at the thought of leaving Leo alone for days when he can’t speak. He’ll probably be angry I found him a personal aide, but the doctor recommended extra care while he heals and manages his pain.

Visualizing the damage to Leo’s face, I take a deep breath and smile, not risking my face showing my pain for him when I open the door.

“Hey, Lovie.” I swing the door open and am surprised to see Ari Dimon by the window. “Oh, hey. I mean, hello, sir.” Suddenly my facial muscles are doing strange things.

“Good morning, Mr. Benz. I came to check on Leo and confirm he has transportation.”

“I have a driver,” I blurt out and don’t stop. “Well, Liska called his driver, and he’s here with the car and will take us to Leo’s place.” I step up to the bed and hold Leo’s hand.

Leo can’t talk and Mr. Dimon doesn’t respond and I have the urge to fill the silence. “Has the doctor been in yet?” Leo points to the word no. “Speech therapist?”

Leo grabs the tablet and types.She cleared me.

“Great.” I rock on my heels, unsure how to act in front of my big boss with my mute boyfriend. This is a scenario I never saw coming.

“Oh good. I didn’t miss you.” Mason rushes in, and I attempt to dislodge my palm from Leo’s, but he grips me tighter. “Hey,” Mason says to me, eyeing our hands.

---