Page 78 of There's No Us Without You
I’m barely able to contain myself. These over-the-counter drugs aren’t doing shit anymore. I need something stronger.
If only there was a way to get the good stuff without needing to see a doctor.
“So, how bad is it?” Eden plants herself on the bed next to me, nodding to my knee.
“What?”
“Your injury?”
“Jesus,” I say, throwing my hands up. “Can’t you just let it go?”
She flinches, her beautiful eyes searching my face. “I just want to help, that’s all. But I can see when I’m not wanted. I’ll be downstairs with Tyler when you decide to stop being an arse.”
My heart rate kicks up at the mention of Tyler. Shit, why didn’t I think of this before? Hope sparks in my chest for the first time in weeks. If Tyler agrees, I’ll be pain free in no time.
Eden stands to leave, but I grab her wrist. “I’m sorry, Pop-Tart.” I pull her towards me. “I’m just tired. Being away took it out of me, and it’s just a little sprain, nothing I can’t fix.”
Her face softens as she cups my cheek. “Does your coach know?”
I give a slight nod, wanting so bad to lean into her touch. “Sort of.”
“How did it happen?” Eden plants herself next to me again, her vanilla-scented shampoo filling my nostrils, making me want to wrap myself in it until I don’t feel anything anymore.
“Injuries like this happen all the time. Comes with the territory. Please stop worrying about me. I promise I’ll see the team doctor and get it sorted if it gets worse.”
Eden sucks on her bottom lip for a moment, her eyes darting between mine. “Okay,” she finally says. “I just hate seeing you in pain, that’s all. I know how much soccer means to you, and you... mean a lot to me, Em.”
Shit. I’m a fucking prick.
With a nudge to her shoulder, I wrap a hand around the back of her neck and bring her forehead to mine. “Thank you. I love how much you care.” Then I press my lips to the space between her eyebrows, breathing her in.
Her skin is so soft against my lips. It would only take for me to lower my mouth slightly, and I’d know what she tastes like too.
On a small whimper, Eden melts against me, her hand going to my thigh.
I hate that I’m using my go-to flirting methods to coax her into believing me, especially when I have no intention of going any further with her. But right now, I’m all out of options. At least it’ll get her off my back, if only for a little while.
Now I just need Tyler to agree to help me, and I’ll get my team through to the finals. They deserve to win after the season we’ve had. Everyone has been pushing themselves harder, and knowing we have a shot at winning just makes the pain I’m going through worth it.
I’m doing it for them.
Eden’s warm breath dances along the skin of my neck when she sighs.
One thing that hasn’t been affected by my injury is my dick, though. It’s as hard as sin right now, but I ignore it and grab the container Eden brought in.
“What’s in here?” I say, lifting the lid to inspect the contents.
The scent of chocolate fills the room, making my mouth water.
The smile that spreads onto Eden’s face could light up an entire stadium. “I made brownies for you, but Tyler’s almost eaten them all, so I thought I’d bring you some before they’re all gone.”
My heart slams against my ribcage, and tears sting my eyes.
For fuck’s sake, now I’m almost crying over some fucking brownies.
“You made these for me?” I search her face, the intensity of my feelings for this woman threatening to swallow me up.
Her response is a small nod.
