Page 66 of Nailing Heat

“Alright, we’re going to set this down and then you will tell mewhat you want to drink, I’ll bring it for you while you sit here and rest. Maybe even elevate it a bit if you can. We need to keep that swelling down.”

“Yes, doctor,” I say in a low voice.

He swallows audibly and I watch his Adam’s apple bob up and down. “Don’t do that. Don’t say that like that, or there will be a whole lot more people that know how much I like to kiss you.”

I flush at his words. “Would that be such a bad thing? I ask him.

“You tell me.”

Before I can answer Cassie and Mac are at our table. “Okay, you two, you might want back it up a bit before I pour some water on you.” Cassie teases.

“Sorry, ladies.” Dex takes an immediate step back from me. “What do you want to drink, Amelia?”

“Hendrix is on drink duty. She’s got you,” Mac replies.

“I’m going to make myself scarce and eat with the coaches. When you’re ready to head home, just let me know. I can take you.”

“Are you done working, though?” I ask him.

“It’s a quick trip,” he replies.

“I can take her,” Cassie offers.

“There are no doors on your car,” Dex replies.

“Mine has doors; I’ve got her,” Mac replies. “We can take her. Plus, we’d like to hang a bit if that works with your doctor’s orders.”

I flush a bit and nod. “Yeah, go do what you got to do. We can catch up later.”

“Alright, see you later.” Dex leans in and places a quick kiss on my lips. If my lips weren’t tingling from his touch, I wouldn’t believe that it had happened.

“Okay, spill it,” Hendrix says as she puts the Gatorade around the table. “When did all of this start? And is the doctor taking advantage of his patient?”

I giggle. “This is actually pretty new. It started last night.” My voice trails off. “Well, early this morning. He found me sitting on the couch, because I couldn’t sleep. He rubbed my feet; we got to talking and one thing led to another.” I grin widely at them.

“So obviously, we’re all good with this little development,” Cassie teases.

“Yeah, I think we are.” I reply.

“Told you he always watches you,” Hendrix said. “I knew there had to be something there.”

“He’s hot, Amelia. Good for you,” Mac chimes in. “Way to take advantage of some thorough sponge baths later.”

My blush deepens. “That is not what we’re doing.”

“Even if it is, does it make you happy, because that’s all that matters,” Mac says. “Don’t worry about the rest of this bullshit and besides, Cassie and Jase, paved the way for you. There is no more policy to contend with. That should make things easier for you.”

I nod. “Yeah, that sure will. It’s new, though, and it’s nice. I like spending time with him.”

“Who knew, when August was totally violating your privacy that he was actually setting you up with a potential boyfriend?” Hendrix says before biting into her taco.

“Yeah, who knew?” I reply.

We all begin eating and the conversation goes into other topics. They only tease me a handful of times about Dex. But I don’t care. I enjoy being around them and seeing my friends again. After the team lunch wraps, we all head back to my place and hang out for a bit.

It’s nice to have them in my living room. Everyone sprawled out in their normal seats, for the most part. I’m taking up Mac’s seat on the couch across from Cassie, so I can prop up my leg. She is sitting in my usual spot on my oversized chair and Hendrix is lounging on the bucket chair that I bought at Target to ensureeveryone had a spot in my living room. This is nice, makes life feel a bit more normal.

“How are you doing with Danny getting ready to hit the road?” I ask Mac.