I glanced over at Dean, who was holding out a small bag. “Th-Thanks,” I stuttered. I looked back at Cole, who beamed at me. “I’ll be right back.”
Beau hugged me again, then I took the bag from Dean and hurried into the hospital room’s bathroom. Inside, I found a pair of white shorts with a matching shirt, deodorant, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. I made a mental note to text my best friend the second I had a chance. I owed him an apology, too. A big one.
Once I had freshened up, I stared at myself in the mirror, took a deep breath, and stepped back into the room.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Cole
Reed was silent on the way back to my place from the hospital. He sat in the back of my father’s car, his bag perched on his lap as I held his hand. I occasionally squeezed his fingers, and he smiled at me, his brown eyes somber. I felt like this was bigger than whatever happened between us. Like there was something he hadn’t told me. And I intended to get the truth out of him. I didn’t care how long it took. I would wait forever if that’s what I had to do.
“We can come in. If you need help,” Dad told me when he opened the door. “I know you’re tired and probably just want to rest.”
I nodded. The doctor said I should be all right to play tomorrow night as long as I didn’t do anything stupid. His words, not mine.
“I shouldn’t be. All I did was sleep at the hospital, but I really just want to lie down.”
“Do you want us to help you?” Dean asked.
I shook my head. “I think I’ll be okay.” I climbed from the car and hugged my father tightly, then did the same with Dean, holding on longer than I should have. “Thank you,” I whispered.
Dean gave me a quick nod. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”
“Call us if you need anything.” Dad brushed the hair from my forehead. “That goes for you, too, Reed. We’re here for you.”
Reed gave a shy smile. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
He still wouldn’t look at me, and I hated that. Didn’t we have a moment earlier? Didn’t he tell me he still loved me, and we were going to try to work things out? Had he changed his mind on the car ride home? Was there someone back in New York waiting for him that he hadn’t told me about?
“Let’s go inside, baby.” I reached for Reed’s hand, relaxing when he let me link our fingers together.
“I want you to text me every hour,” Dean called out as we headed toward the house. “I mean it!”
I chuckled as I waved at them. “Will do.” I had no intention of doing that, but I wanted to make my dads happy.
“Reed! Make sure he texts us!” Dad added.
Reed giggled softly as he squeezed my hand, and my body lit up like the sun. I could listen to him laugh for the rest of my life. It meant Reed was happy. That he was here with me.
“I will,” he called over his shoulder.
Once we were inside my house and standing in the kitchen, I looked at Reed, who gave me a nervous smile.
“Hi.” I murmured. I touched his face lightly with the tips of my fingers. “Have I told you how beautiful you are?”
“I haven’t even showered...Oh.” Reed gasped when I pressed him against the counter. He raised his chin to look at me, his dark brown orbs searching my face. “Didn’t the doctor tell you to rest? Which includes sex. You have a game tomorrow night.”
“Who said anything about sex, baby?” I dragged my nose over his jawline and down his neck. “Fuck, I missed you.” I canted my hips so he could feel how much.
Reed let out a soft whimper. “What if Oscar’s home?”
“He’s not. There was practice this afternoon.”
“But what if he comes back?”
I pulled away. “Baby, I’m not planning on fucking you on the kitchen floor. It’s just a kiss. And maybe some frotting.” I reached down to cup his ass with my palm.
“Yes, yes, that.” Reed’s fingers tugged at the button on my pants.