Page 27

Ruben

I woke the next morning and gasped at the pain that instantly hit. “Shhhh, don’t move,” Max said from behind me. I did what he said as he slid out of bed and walked out of the room. He returned a short time later with something soft and cold that he gently placed on the side of my head. An ice pack .

“Thank you,” I said and snuggled in closer to him. “You’re the best.”

“I try,” he said with a gentle kiss before I fell back asleep.

The next time I woke it was light in the bedroom, and I was by myself. I could hear the sound of the television from the living room and slid to the side of the bed. A wave of dizziness hit me making me groan, and Max was instantly in front of me.

“Are you in pain?” he asked.

I opened my eyes to find his troubled eyes on me. Reaching out I brushed his cheek with my thumb and leaned in for a kiss. “It’s okay. I was just a little dizzy.”

“Let me help.” He stood before reaching his hands out for mine and helping me stand.

It took a moment for me to get my balance but then I was okay. “I think I need to eat.”

“I thought you might. I ordered some food,” Max said and helped me out of the bedroom.

“Bathroom first,” I said and used the hallway wall to brace myself. He reluctantly left me alone, but I knew he’d stay right by the door. “Go ahead, I’ll yell when I’m done.” He nodded and left me then. After going to the bathroom, I washed my hands and got a look at myself in the mirror. The bandage on my head was huge and I knew I had stitches, but I wasn’t sure how many or if they’d cut off any hair or what exactly was under the bandage.

Resisting the urge to take it off I brushed my teeth before carefully bending forward to splash water on my face. My eye on that side was slightly bruised and I hoped I didn’t end up with a full black eye, but getting hit in the head with a fucking puck was going to do some damage. Feeling a little better, I opened the door and wasn’t surprised at all that Max was there to help me. “Sorry, but I don’t want you to fall.” He put his arm around my waist and led me out to the couch.

“I don’t mind you taking care of me,” I said. “Yesterday is a blur. I don’t even remember coming home.” My head pounded but my thoughts were clear.

“Good thing because you’re sort of stuck with me now,” Max said and opened up a box of pizza. “I hope you’re hungry. I ordered a little of everything.”

My stomach growled at his words, and he laughed before handing me a slice with a napkin. “Thank you.” Once I took a bite I couldn’t stop eating and was so glad he’d ordered a lot. I was about to get another piece when there was a knock at the door.

“Sorry, I tried to tell them to wait but they insisted.” He opened the door without looking and nearly the whole team filed into my house.

“Doc, how are you doing?” Coach said and stopped me when I tried to stand. “We just wanted to make sure you were okay and see if you needed anything. But it looks like Hofstedder is taking good care of you.” He glanced at Max and winked.

“He really has. I just told him I don’t remember the drive home at all.”

“You took a serious hit. I’m surprised they let you leave,” Coach said. “Looks like you’re going to have a shiner though.”

“I got lucky, they said it was a slight concussion. You can’t imagine how much better I feel today.”

“Good to hear it, I expect you both at work, day after tomorrow.” The look he gave me told me he’d understand if that didn’t happen, but I didn’t mind him expecting me to be there.

“We’ll be there,” I said while Max spoke to a few of the players.

“No, you can’t have any pizza, it’s for Doc. He hasn’t eaten in twenty-four hours.” I wasn’t sure if he was exaggerating or not, but it sounded about right.

“Okay, everyone out, let’s let him get some sleep,” Coach said, and even though they were only here a few minutes, I was ready for a nap. “Take care, Ruben.” I waved as they all walked out followed by Max.

I took a few more bites of pizza before Max came back. “They were all worried about you. Sorry, I should have warned you.”

“It’s okay. It was nice of them to stop by. Now, I really think I need that nap.” The heaviness of sleep hit me hard, and my eyes slid shut as I sat holding a piece of pizza. Max took it from me and guided me down on the couch.

When I woke up again it was dark out, and Max was sleeping in the chair while the television played with the sound so low I could barely hear it. He was without a doubt the sweetest man I’d ever known. We were just getting to know each other, and he had taken care of me without being asked and without expecting anything in return.

I completely understood why his ex didn’t want to let him go, he was a keeper, and that guy was crazy to leave him the way he did. But I was thrilled because if they hadn’t broken up when they did, there was little chance he and I would have ended up together. “Ruben? Are you ready for bed?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m ready.” But I wasn’t sure I was just talking about bed. I wanted more with Max and now since the cat was officially out of the bag at work, we had nothing but time.