Page 8 of Rule 5: Never Crush on the Captain

She shrugs. “It’s okay. Mommy stopped visiting us too.”

My heart explodes.

“She’s busy with her career. She still loves you,” Evan says.

“Yeah.” Stella opens her Barbie-themed backpack, making sure she has everything, then heads for the door.

Evan clears his throat. “Vinnie isn’t coming with us.”

I swing my head to him. “What?”

“You heard me.” Evan’s voice is terse. He only sounds like that during the most brutal games.

“Evan....”

He doesn’t look at me. Instead, he turns to Dr. Novak. “Maybe you can recommend a nurse?”

“Er—yes. I have some numbers.” She scrambles through her files and strives to maintain an aura of composure. This isn’t something she anticipated.

I glower. “No.”

Evan’s face is grim. His fingers clench.

Maybe he’s right. Maybe I should just leave and forget all this awkwardness ever happened.

Evan will have a professional looking after him.

I glance at Stella.

He needs someone to watch her, too.

“It’s late,” I say softy. “Let’s get you home.”

“But—”

“I’m sure you can find someone else to hire,” I say. “But right now, you need someone. Not in one hour. Not in two hours. I can watch Stella too. Let’s get you into bed.”

His face crumples. “Just for tonight.”

I nod, relieved.

He looks at Dr. Novak. “But please send me the information. I’ll hire someone tomorrow.”

She looks at me uncertainly.

“I can handle it,” I say, and I hope it’s true.

Maybe Dr. Novak is eager to get home too, or maybe she knows it would be hard to find a nurse willing to babysit.”

She hands me some papers and explains the concussion protocol to me. Next thing I know, I’m leading Evan and Stella to their car. I make sure Stella is in her booster seat, then help Evan into the passenger seat. Then I take the keys and drive Evan to his house.

“You need the address?”

“I remember.” I tighten my grip on the wheel, my heart beating against my ribs.

EVAN

Vinnie zooms my BMW away from the arena. Rain drizzles around us, and the bright lights seem large and fuzzy. I rest my head against the cold glass.