Page 93 of Penalty Zone

“Hey.” I wave like an idiot. If I didn’t love Leo, I would run from Awkward Town so freaking fast. My cheeks hurt from smiling like a fool, so I try to rearrange my features. Mr. Dimon watches us, and his cough sounds suspiciously like a laugh.

Mason startles, noticing Mr. Dimon. He mutters something like, “Oh shit.”

“It’s a party in here.” Nurse Melissa breezes in. She asks Leo the standard questions and checks his vitals. “We are preparing your discharge papers, and it looks like you have a ride.” She scans the room, and I raise my free hand like I’m in class. “It shouldn’t be too long.”

I think hospitals work on a different time reference than the rest of the world.

After Mr. Dimon leaves, Mason collapses in the chair. “He fined me and suspended me for a few games,” he says to his dad.

Leo types out,That’s good. Right?

“What’s going on?” My gaze shifts between them.

Mason’s shoulders curl in as he explains. “I’m on some sort of unofficial probation and need to take an anger management class.”

“Oh, dang it.” I cringe. We talked last night, and I know he regrets hurting Leo, but he’s not happy we’re together.

“Yup. If I could rewind time, I’d take back being a fucktwat. My words might not mean much, but I’m really trying to be happy for you. I…” He’s at a loss, looking at me with big, sad puppy dog eyes.

Leo lets me go when I spread my arms out for a hug. We meet in the middle and slap each other’s backs.

“Are you still going to be my best friend?” he asks.

“Always,” I whisper and glance at Leo. “No matter what.”

“I already told my dad I don’t want to see either of you naked or anything kinky.” Mason grimaces.

“Done. Give us a heads-up before entering a room,” I tease. “Too soon?”

The doctor saves me and discharges Leo with a list of instructions and medications to pick up.

“I can go to the pharmacy for the meds and whatever else you need,” Mason volunteers. “And if you need me, I can stay the night. Since I’m not dressing for the game, I’m not staying at the hotel.”

It’s so wrong to feel jealous. “I wish I didn’t have to go,” I whine.

Leo rests his head on my shoulder, and my heart soars.

When we get to Leo’s apartment, he’s sleepy and grouchy but agreeable. He helps the best he can with the list of things he’ll need, but the meds make him loopy.

Mason picks up the list from the counter. “Text me if you need anything else. I’ll be back before you need to grab your suit for tomorrow and go to the hotel.”

As soon as Mason leaves, I tug Leo up. When we get to his room, I shut the door, lead him to sit on the bed, and kneel between his legs.

“We haven’t had a second alone today. Are you okay, Lovie?” His shoulders drop when I call him that, and I run my palms up his thighs to settle on his hips. I rest my cheek on his leg, and hecards his fingers through my hair. “You don’t have a way to talk, do you?”

His phone and tablet are in the living room. My gaze catches on the chair in the corner.

“Are those my clothes in the chair? Hold up one finger for no and two for yes.” He holds up two fingers.

“You can explain later, but I’ve missed you and need to be with you.” I wrap him in a hug.

Leo cocks his head, and I read his mind, pulling the covers back on the bed. He lies down gently, careful of his jaw, and I snuggle in next to him.

“I never want to be without you again,” I say, and he makes a sound of agreement in his throat.

Finn, our PR manager, tries to shield me from the press, but a few bloggers corner me after the game before I can get to the shower. A week later and the questions are still the same.

“Are you and Mason Griffin feuding?”

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