Page 170 of Desperate Pucker
I crack a smile.
“I think that’s the first time you didn’t threaten to kill me when I’ve called you ‘Georgie,’” Camden says. The guys chuckle.
“All this time away from you guys is making me soft,” I say.
I think about how supportive the guys have been while I’ve been out recovering from my injury. Even though they’ve been busy traveling back and forth between Denver and Boston, thenDenver and Toronto for the playoffs, they’ve been texting me and checking up on me.
“You’re girl’s taking care of you?” Camden asks.
I fight a smile. “Yeah, she is.”
Maddy’s been staying at my place so she can help take care of me. She even brought Bruce over to hang out with me when she’s gone at work.
“She’s got me on a strict diet. I’m not allowed to eat anything that isn’t a whole food,” I say.
“You better listen to her, dude. She knows her shit,” Xander says. “At our last training session, I told her I was feeling achy because of how insane our schedule has been, traveling and playing back-to-back games. She told me to cut out refined sugar and alcohol. I instantly felt better.”
A few of the guys nod along and say she’s been giving them helpful advice too.
Pride bursts in my chest. She’s doing so much for this team. She’s a big reason why they’re all playing so well.
I finish my session with Eric and wish the guys good luck for the game tomorrow.
I’m walking down the hall when I run into Coach Porter.
“How are you feeling?” he asks.
“Good. Better each day.”
“Sophie caught me up on your recovery. I talked to your physical therapists and your physio too. It sounds like you’re healing up well.”
Nerves fire off inside of me. “I think I am.”
He’s quiet for a second, his focused gaze studying me. “Let’s give it another week. If you’re still feeling good, then I want you to join us for practice.”
“I’d like that.”
He pats me on the shoulder and walks past me. The nerves inside of me morph into excitement. I’m so close to being able to play again. I can’t wait to tell Maddy.
When I walk into my place, I’m hit with the smell of something savory and comforting.
I head into the kitchen and see Maddy standing at the stove, stirring a big pot of broth.
She looks up and smiles at me. “Hey.”
“Hey.” I walk up behind her, rest my hands on her waist, and kiss the side of her neck. “That smells really good.”
“Chicken stew with bone broth. Very high in collagen.”
I smile against her soft skin and breathe in her sweet scent. “Sounds amazing.”
“How did your session with Eric go?”
“Good. I feel a lot less stiff.”
I glance down at the brace on my knee. “Sophie said I could take this off in a few days.”
Maddy beams. “That’s great.”
