Page 38 of The Trauma Response
“What? I do not! He is a married man, Caius Gray.” I shove his arm and stand because even though I absolutelydo nothave a thing for Calloway as a man, I have the utmost respect for him as a goaltender. I’m not turning down a chance for an autograph.
Cai laughs at me and offers his hand to lead me up the stairs and through the maze of corridors leading to the private lounge. He presents the two passes and we enter. I’m not sure what I expected, but a room full of the wives and girlfriends of Dragons players was not on my mind until I find myself surrounded by a lot of beautiful women.
“Cai!” A woman with long dark hair calls for him and waves us over.
“Oh, there she is.” He tugs my hand toward the woman. “Thanks for the passes, Finch. This is my friend, Tallulah Whitmore, the one I told you about.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Finchley says and shakes my hand. All of a sudden, I remember who she is. I knew, but knowing and meeting in person are two different things. “Oh! Oh, you’re the fire-breathing mascot! You have got to show me how to do that one day.”
“Everyone wants to know my secrets,” she teases and offers us the seats beside her. “Something tells me Cai won’t let me show you. He’s Mr. Safety all the time.”
“Hey,” Cai defends, “I’m not the one who caught her leotard on fire during practice.”
Finchley covers her face and shakes her head. “Lesson learned.”
We chat for a few minutes until the players, who won the game while I was busy picking Finchley Doyle’s brain, enter thelounge to meet their significant others. I recognize most of them, but when Evander Calloway kisses his wife’s cheek, I swoon a little. Sweetest love story ever told. Once my moment of intense admiration passes, I notice Evan and Greer are walking towardme.Me. Little old me, and I freeze. Cai stands so I mindlessly do the same and try to plaster on a smile, though I’m certain it looks painted on and queasy. Why am I so nervous to meet a pro hockey player and his soccer phenom wife?
“Cai, how are you?” Evan asks and he pulls Cai into a hug.
“Great, and I appreciate you working out that little surprise for my friend.” Cai glances my way and his eyes narrow. “Uh, Whits, you okay?”
I shake my head and clear my throat. “Yeah. Yes. I’m good.”
Greer’s stunning smile sets my mind at ease a little. I pray she knows I’m not goo-goo over her husband, because that would be beyond awkward. Still, she’s probably used to this kind of thing. People staring at her gorgeous husband, all of the hockey fans praising him, so much attention that—
“Whits?” Cai shakes me. “Did you hear what I said?”
“Um, no. Sorry.” I chuckle and try to relax. What is wrong with me?
“Cai told me about your accident. I’m so sorry to hear you can’t do surgery anymore.” Greer offers a small smile and adds, “I kind of know exactly how you feel. After my knee injury, things sort of plummeted into a mess.” She gazes up at her husband. “But it all worked out.”
I had forgotten, but Greerdoesknow what it’s like to lose a career you love. For some reason, it sets me at ease. “Yeah, I remember. I’m sorry about your loss, too.”
Greer’s smile is soft and understanding. “Thanks. Hey, if you ever need to talk about it, I know you don’t really know me, but sometimes it’s good to talk to someone who’s been there, you know?”
Her kindness almost brings me to tears, so I merely nod and utter a quiet, “That would be nice, thank you.”
“Man, that is a crazy job. I can’t imagine the kind of talent it takes to be a trauma surgeon,” Evan says.
Cai immediately falls into a monologue about how I was always the smartest person he knew, that I always work hard for the things I want, but I’m also charitable and kind andjust the best. Honestly, the praise he showers on me is ridiculous.
“And she saved my life once.” Cai adds.
“Yeah, you mentioned that like ten times.” Evan laughs and bends to unzip his gear bag. “This is for you, Dr. Whitmore.” He pulls a signed stick from the bag along with a signed jersey and a game program signed by theentireteam.
“What?” I gasp as my eyes widen.
“Don’t forget the best part,” Greer adds. “Season passes for the rest of the playoff seasonandlounge passes so you can hang out with us.”
“Wait, what?” I can’t seem to say anything else, but I’m stunned at their generosity.
“Least we can do for our friend. Cai keeps us safe around here,” Finchley chimes in. “We’re a close little family, I guess you could say.”
“I don’t know what to say,” I admit and take the stick Evan is holding out for me. “I’m grateful. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
“Don’t mention it. You’re Cai’s girl, so you’re our girl,” Evan says.
My gaze snaps to Cai in anticipation of his reaction to Evan calling me his girl, somehow hoping the remark will clarify Cai’s feelings toward me. If the deep red of his cheeks is any indication, there issomethingstill there. He doesn’t deny it either, and deep in my heart, I treasure that knowledge.
