As we finish up a hearty dinner prepared by Killian, I’m filled with gratitude for my guys.
“Thanks for everything, you guys. Being here with you, and Kai’s messages...you’ve kept me going these past weeks.”
Noah grasps my hand. “We’re a team. We support each other, no matter what.”
Jayden stretches and leans back in his chair. “You know, we should plan a big trip together once you’re all healed up,” he suggests. “Maybe we could visit Kai’s hometown?”
My eyes light up at the thought. “That would be amazing! I’d love to see where Kai grew up.”
“We could make it a real adventure—go hiking, check out the nightlife, try all the local foods,” Noah adds enthusiastically.
Kai’s nightly video call comes through right on time. As soon as his face appears, my heart lifts.
“Hey beautiful,” he greets me. “How are you feeling today?”
I quickly fill him in on the trip idea. “What do you think? Could we all come visit you soon?”
Kai’s smile is radiant. “I’d love nothing more than to show you all around. We’ll have to hit the beach, the markets. Maybe I’ll even take you to meet my family.”
My own grin stretches wide across my face. After weeks of uncertainty, it feels amazing to have something fun to look forward to together.
“It’s a plan then,” I declare. “I’ll be back on my feet before you know it. Then we’ll embark on our next adventure—with the whole team this time.”
Kai blows me a kiss through the screen. “Can’t wait, love. We’ve got a bright future ahead of us.”
It’s wild how things can change so quickly, but for whatever reason, the darkness of the past few weeks seems to lift. The road to recovery doesn’t feel quite so long and lonely anymore. And watching these men cooperate with each other and lavish their attention on me is doing things.
I can’t wait to show them just how much I appreciate them all.
Our story is just beginning.
Chapter 53
Dylan
Thephonerings,startlingme from my brooding. It’s been two weeks since I wrenched my neck in the scrum against the Barracudas, and the pain has only worsened.
“Miss Morgan? This is Dr. Chen, your physical therapist.” His voice is brisk and businesslike as always. “I’ve reviewed your latest scans, and it looks like we’ll need to intensify your treatment. You’ll need to increase your heat therapy and follow each session with icing. Plus, you’ll need to come into the clinic more than you have been. This type of injury can’t just be treated at home.”
“Even more heat and ice?” I groan. The lads are already hovering around me constantly, waiting on my every beck and call. Now they’ll be setting timers and creating a full schedule to ensure I follow the doc’s orders.
“It’s the only way to reduce inflammation and ease the pain so you can get back on the pitch,” Dr. Chen says sternly. “No rugby for at least a month otherwise.”
I bite back another groan. A month without rugby might just kill me. “Alright, I’ll do it.”
“Excellent. Keep me posted on your progress, and we’ll see about adjusting things again in a few weeks.” He hangs up before I can reply.
Jayden, Killian and Noah are watching me with identical expressions of concern. I know they listened in on the call, probably huddled around the phone to catch every word.
“Did he say a month without rugby?” Jayden asks, appalled. The other two pale in unison. My injury is nearly as upsetting to them as it is to me. They’ve appointed themselves my personal nurses, waiting on me hand and foot.
“A month of rest and then physical therapy,” I confirm. “But the heat and icing will help speed up the healing.”
Noah’s jaw firms with determination. “Then heat and icing it is. Timers are set for every two hours. You just say the word, Dylan, and we’ll give you whatever you need.” His smoldering gaze promises far more than pain relief. My inner thighs clench in response and I have to look away.
These men will be the death of me, in more ways than one. But I can’t deny I’m grateful for their attentiveness. For the first time, I feel like my worth extends beyond my performance on the pitch. To Jayden, Killian, Noah and Kai, I’m more than just a rugby player. I’m the woman they all love and want to care for and protect. It’s a heady feeling, and one I’m still getting used to. But I could get used to this.
The next day, the guys present me with a gift. A rugby referee whistle.