Page 120 of Reckless Hearts

We quickly divide into teams, and Scott kicks off from halfway. He’s our center back and controls the game like a maestro conducting an orchestra.

He sends a long kick to Declan. But Tim manages to dispossess him, kicking the ball to Jamie.

Jamie starts dribbling down the field, and I see my chance.

I get in close, my eyes on the ball. Suddenly, Jamie looks up, and our heads collide with the force of two tectonic plates meeting.

Pain explodes through my skull. The world tilts and spins, and suddenly, I’m intimately acquainted with the grass beneath me.

Through the ringing in my ears, I hear Tim’s frantic voice calling Jamie’s name. I manage to lift my head, squinting through the pain to see Tim kneeling beside Jamie like a knight attending to his fallen comrade.

If there’s any doubt something serious is happening between them, the look on Tim’s face right now would definitely settle the matter once and for all.

“Oh my god, Jamie, are you okay?” Tim’s voice is thick with concern.

Jamie mutters something about my head being surprisingly hard. I’d return the compliment, but forming words right now seems like a herculean task.

Tim’s voice cuts through the fog in my brain. “I’ll take both of you to the emergency department to get checked out.”

Jamie protests, but I can see from Tim’s expression that he’s not relenting.

While waiting to be seen at the emergency department, I message Marcus to let him know what happened.

Marcus’s reply pops up almost instantly

Are you okay?

I’m fine, just discovered my skull isn’t quite as thick as I’ve always assumed.

But Marcus doesn’t seem to be in the mood for my humor.

I’m on my way. Be there as soon as I can.

After what seems like an eternity of poking, prodding, and questions, the doctor finally gives us both the all-clear. No concussion, just a spectacular headache and a newfound respect for the density of Jamie’s skull.

“Do you want a ride home?” Tim asks as we go back through the waiting room. “Or back to the club to pick up your car?”

“Um…no…I’m fine, thanks. Someone is coming to pick me up.”

As we walk out, I spot Marcus’s Ferrari pulling up at the curb.

“Um…that’s my ride,” I say, trying to sound casual. “Thanks for bringing me here.”

“See you at the game on Saturday,” Jamie says.

“See you then.” I hurry to the car, feeling their eyes on me as I climb in.

As Marcus pulls away, I catch a glimpse of Tim and Jamie in the rearview mirror, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity as they stare after the Ferrari.

“Are you okay? What did the doctor say?” Marcus asks.

“I don’t have a concussion. I’ve got a bit of a headache though. The doctor told me to take it easy tonight.”

“No sex for us then.”

I flop against the seat. “That doesn’t seem fair.”

“As sexy as the whole ‘dazed and confused’ look is on you, I think we’ll pass tonight.”