Page 73 of Power Play
“Rest?” I repeat, my voice rising. “The game’s still going on. What if…”
Murphy cuts me off, squeezing my hand tighter. “I’ll be fine, Soph. I just need to get back out there.”
I glance at him, my heart still in my throat. “You’re insane.”
Jonno laughs. “That’s the understatement of the century.”
I turn back to Murphy, keeping my voice low but firm. “Promise me you’ll take it easy?”
Murphy meets my gaze, his eyes softening just a fraction. “You know I can’t promise that.”
I sigh, frustrated, but a little bit of the tightness in my chest eases. “Typical.”
But underneath the sarcasm, I know that he’s right. He’s not going to stop, not until he’s forced to. It’s who he is, the guy who never backs down, never shows weakness, even when he’s on the verge of breaking.
He’s stubborn.
And that’s exactly why I’m in love with him.
After a few more minutes of back-and-forth with Jonno, Murphyfinally gets up, giving me a little wave as though he’s got the whole situation under control. His limp is barely noticeable now, but I can still see it.
“Are you really going to try to get back on the ice?” I ask, half disbelieving.
Murphy grins, his usual cocky self. “You really think anything’s going to stop me from playing?”
“I think you need to get your head checked.”
Jonno shakes his head. “You two are a mess. But you’re right, Soph. He’s going to push until someone forces him off the ice.”
“Great. So what are we going to do? Sit here and wait for him to do something stupid?” I mutter under my breath, but there’s a certain affection in my words. He’s impossible. But he’s mine.
“I’m fine,” Murphy says again, his grin never faltering. “Don’t worry about me. Go cheer for the team.”
I roll my eyes, but my chest is lighter. He’s okay. And that’s all that matters.
“Fine. I’ll let you off the hook this time.”
“Good. Now go. I need you to cheer loud enough for the both of us.”
I lean in, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek. “You better not get hurt again, or I swear I’m going to make you pay.”
He smirks, eyes flashing with the usual mischief. “Oh, I like it when you get feisty.”
“Yeah, well, I’m feisty when it comes to keeping you in one piece.”
As I leave the room, heading back toward the stands, I hear him call after me. “Don’t forget to cheer for the real star of the game!”
I shake my head, a smile tugging at my lips. No matter what happens out there, I know one thing for sure.
Murphy’s always going to be my favourite player.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
MURPHY
The game is over, and I’m limping like an old man as I make my way to the locker room. My ankle is swollen, and the sharp pain is still there, but I push it to the back of my mind. I don’t need to focus on that right now. What I need is Sophie. Always Sophie.
She’s already waiting for me in the corridor outside the locker room, her arms crossed, looking like she’s ready to knock me out for being a pain in the ass.
