Page 66 of Game Changer
“It looks worse than it is,” Scott said. “Really.”
“Oh my god!”
Scott glanced down and saw the massive black-and-purple welt that covered most of his right side. The puck had hit him just under his rib cage, just above the thick padding at the top of his hockey pants.
“It’s not that bad.” It had hurt like hell, and had completely knocked the wind out of him, but there were no internal injuries.
“Bullshit it’s not! You’re staying right there. I hope you have an ice pack ready to go on that,” Kip said as he walked to the kitchen.
“I have several,” Scott said, “always. I barely keep food in that freezer. It’s all injury treatment stuff.”
Kip returned with a fresh ice pack and pressed it gently to Scott’s skin. Scott sucked in a breath at the initial contact, then relaxed and placed his hand over Kip’s, helping him hold the pack in place.
“It’s been a long time since anyone’s fussed over me like this,” he said. “It’s nice.”
Kip gave him a smile that was a little sad, and Scott squeezed his hand.
“Sorry I scared you,” he said. “Hazard of dating me, I guess.”
“Acceptable hazard.” Kip slipped his hand out from under Scott’s and stood. “I’m gonna make you some dinner. You have any food?”
“I have the stuff I bought to make you breakfast the other day. Bacon and eggs. It’s still in there. Here, let me help—”
“No way. You’re benched, Hunter. Stay there.”
Scott rolled his eyes and stood up, slowly. “I’m at least going to move over to the kitchen so I can see you.”
He made his way (with some discomfort) to the stools that lined the high counter separating the kitchen from the living/dining area. He sat and offered Kip helpful instructions about where to find things, and how to use his fancy gas range.
It was nice, having Kip here in his kitchen. Watching him prepare food for the two of them, and hearing him talk about his day.
“Over easy? Sunny-side up?” Kip asked. “I’m an egg expert.”
“Over easy. It’s okay if you fuck them up, though. I drown them in hot sauce anyway.”
“I willnotfuck them up!” Kip said as he carefully flipped the eggs. “You know, I used to do this professionally and... Aw, dammit! I broke a yolk!”
Scott laughed. “It’s fine. I’ll eat it, believe me. I’ll eat just about anything.”
Kip raised an eyebrow and pressed his lips together.
They sat next to each other at the kitchen counter and ate their bacon, eggs, and toast. Kip looked so happy and cute, and Scott lamented that he wouldn’t be able to do much more than kiss him tonight.
Which reminded him of another annoyance.
“I should warn you,” Scott said, “I’m going to be stressed out and distracted this week.”
“Why’s that?”
“The trade deadline is next Monday. Probably the most stressful day of the year for every player.”
“But you’re not...you’re not gonna betraded, right?” Kip looked horrified at the thought.
“No, I don’t think so. I mean, there’s always a chance, but we’re making a run for the cup this year, so I doubt they’ll get rid of me. I’d be worried if the team needed to cut some costs.”
“So why are you nervous?”
“Because someone will be leaving. With Zullo gone, we have a hole to fill in our defense, and to fill it we’re going to have to lose a guy or two. We’re like family, so it’s hard.”
