Page 296 of Playing the Pucking Game
“Sorry, they’re just coming.”
He frowns as he takes me in. I can only imagine what I look like right now.
Thankfully, there’s a commotion behind me and when I spin around, there he is.
“You can let go of me now,” he complains, attempting to shake off his minders.
“You can barely hold your own weight. Now isn’t the time for showing off for your girl, Storm,” Fletch chastises.
Eyes burn into me, but I don’t look away from Linc. I can’t.
Only a few seconds later, they have him sitting on the edge of the table.
Dr. Phillips follows, and both the guys step back to allow him to look over Linc.
“I’m fine,” he spits.
“Let me be the judge of that,” Dr. Phillips mutters, more than used to treating hard-headed players who’d rather play until they die than admit defeat.
“The hit just winded me a bit. Nothing’s broken or dislocated. I’m good to go next period.”
“Linc,” I cry. “You can’t go back out there.”
“Why not? Rett’s just been ejected.”
Concern for my brother ripples through me as Linc begins to strip his uniform off so Dr. Phillips can check him over, much to his displeasure.
My breath catches at the bruises that are already darkening his skin from the repeated hits tonight.
Battle wounds are common. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Linc’s body without some kind of cut or bruise somewhere, but this is beyond anything I’ve seen before, and it’s only just happened. Tomorrow he’s going to be black and blue.
“I’m going back out there. The game isn’t over. We haven’t won yet.”
“Storm,” Fletch starts, but all it takes is a scathing look from his winger to stop him from saying anything else.
“Come on, man. Let’s leave them to it,” Kodie says before turning and leading Fletch away.
I stand there, silently watching, achingly aware that I should be in the trainers’ room doing my job as well. The guys need me. But Linc?—
“You’re right. Nothing seems to be broken,” Dr. Phillips confirms as he steps back.
Linc smirks at him, and I roll my eyes just in time for him to look my way and catch the reaction.
“Babe, you need to go. The guys need you.”
My mouth opens and closes to argue.
“I’m okay. I promise.”
With Esme’s words from this morning ringing in my ears, I give him a quick smile before running from the room and into the one I should be in.
“About time,” Mitchell snarks as I step up to where Monroe is waiting for me. I ignore him and get to work.
“Is he okay?” Hayden asks quietly.
“Yeah. I’m pretty sure his ego is hurt worse than anything.”
Hayden laughs as I set to work on his shoulder.
