Page 50 of Pucking My Grumpy Roommate
“Step up. Yeah.”
CHAPTER 12
AUSTIN
“Your range of motion has improved significantly,” Jen said, eyebrows raised as she manipulated my knee through various positions. “I’m honestly shocked.”
I gritted my teeth through a particularly challenging stretch, then relaxed as she released the pressure. “Good shocked or bad shocked?”
“Good shocked. Like, ‘I might need to revise your entire recovery timeline’ shocked.” She sat back on her stool, studying me with suspicious eyes. “What have you been doing differently? And don’t say ‘nothing’ because these improvements didn’t happen by magic.”
Heat crept up my neck as images of Kate flashed through my mind—specifically Kate straddling me on the couch, Kate bent over the kitchen counter, Kate with her legs wrapped around my waist against the shower wall...
“I’ve been more consistent with my stretching routine,” I offered instead.
Jen’s bullshit detector practically beeped audibly. “Try again, Stone.”
I sighed. “My roommate suggested some modified stretches. She’s a scientist, reads a lot of medical journals.”
“The infamous roommate,” Jen smirked. “Well, whatever stretches she’s recommending are working wonders. Your muscle guarding has decreased significantly, and that’s enabling better blood flow and faster healing.”
“She’s...thorough in her research.”
“I bet she is.” Jen’s knowing smile made me want to disappear into the treatment table. “Any other physical activities helping with your recovery?”
Jesus Christ. Was it that obvious?
“Just following the protocol,” I muttered, but my face must have given me away.
“Right.” She chuckled. “Well, keep following that ‘protocol.’ I’m adding more resistance training today since you’re responding so well. You might actually beat the timeline we discussed.”
The news should have thrilled me. Instead, I felt an unexpected twist of anxiety in my gut.
Two hours later, I sat in the team conference room, surrounded by coaching staff and management. Coach Martinez paced at the front, excitement radiating from his typically stoic face.
“Callahan’s making remarkable progress,” the team doctor was saying. “If he continues on this trajectory, we’re looking at full participation in practice next week and game-ready in two.”
“That’s fantastic news,” General Manager Wilson said, leaning forward. “The team needs you back, Stone. Especially with Mendez out for the season.”
“We’ll need to manage your minutes initially,” Coach added. “But having you quarterbacking the power play again will be huge.”
I nodded, the appropriate responses coming automatically while my mind raced ahead. Two weeks. Four road trips in the first month back. Extended time away from Kate.
“Stone?” Coach’s voice broke through my thoughts. “You with us?”
“Yes, sir. Just mentally preparing.”
“Good man. We’ve missed that intensity.” He clapped his hands together. “Now, about the defensive pairings...”
The meeting continued, but my focus kept slipping. Why wasn’t I ecstatic? This was everything I’d been working toward. My career back on track. My identity intact. Yet all I could think about was Kate’s face when I’d tell her I’d be gone for a week at a time.
My phone buzzed in my pocket.
Kate
Just successfully cultured a particularly stubborn strain of bacteria! This calls for celebration. Thinking naked pizza party. Your place or mine? (Kidding, they’re the same place...for now.)
That “for now” hit like a slap shot to the chest.
