Love Faces Off

Chapter 10

The rest of the game went on with little issues. It was rough and the guys took a beating but pulled out a 1-0 win. Nick played a very limited roll. When the game was over Doc completely restricted the arm and shoulder to aide in healing.

As they were unloading from the bus, the hotel the manger came out to meet them. He spoke with the John, who oversees the teams travel arrangements. Raegan and Dr. Barress were helping Nick off the bus when John walked up to them.

“It looks like another room opened up, but it is on another floor.” John told them. “I’m going leave it up to the three of you to decide who moves. Here is the new room key.”

With that he handed Raegan the card and walked off.

Pete over heard and said, “Since you’re hurt I’ll move rooms. That way you will be close to medical help if you need it.” With the last statement he met Raegan’s eyes as grabbed the card. “I’ll have my stuff out before you get upstairs.”

“Pete…”Raegan called after him But he was already walking away.

“Go to him.” Nick insisted. “See if he will listen. Doc has me covered.”

Raegan nodded and took off after Pete. Pete chose the stairs. He was exhausted from the game but still had to much pent up frustration to wait for the elevator. He heard the door open behind him. He turned to see Raegan enter the stairwell

Pete shook his head, “I’m not doing this-“

“Yes, you are! You don’t have to talk, just listen.”

He started taking the steps two at a time knowing her small legs wouldn’t keep up.

Raegan yell up to him, “I never lied to you. I never led you to believe my feelings would change toward you. Maybe I leaned on you more than I should have. But you saved me. You were my protector, my friend. Was all that just a lie you acted out, using my weakness and need as a way to manipulate me? Was any of our friendship real?”

Pete stopped and turned around, “How dare you ask that! Yes, it was all real. I knew your feelings would not change, but I hoped it would. I was there for you because I was your friend. So sue me,” he raised his hands in frustration, “I wanted more but I gave you your space. I would have gone to my grave as just your friend and nothing more.”

“Then why can’t you be my friend now, when I need you to be.”

“Do you know what you are asking me to do?” His voice cracked, “You want me to support you while you throw everything away for someone like Nick BELL!!!! I can’t do that. I can’t watch you and help you ruin your life. He is a player. He leaves broken hearts in his path. You are so close. Why him? I wasn’t worth it but someone like Nick Bell is.”

“No. You are wrong. You are worth it. To someone that loves you that way, you will be worth it.” Raegan had caught up to him by this time and put her hand on his arm. “You are so worthy. Would you rather I fake feelings that I don’t have?”

Pete shook his head. He knew she was right but it still hurt.

“I’m not asking you to support me in my decision. Frankly, I don’t know what I have decided. Barress had given me to the end of the road trip to end it or…well we know the rest. The irony is not lost that I’m the reason the rules are so strict and yet I’m the one breaking them.” She sighed, “but no matter what I decide I need my best friend. I’m sorry I hurt you. I never meant to.”A tear rolled down her cheek

Pete wiped it away. “Hey look at me. Don’t do that. You know I can’t handle your tears. I’m still your best friend but do me a favor?”

“What?”

“Choose a girlfriend to share the intimate details with.”

Raegan laughed, “Agreed.”

They locked arms and finished climbing the stairs together. On the way, Raegan filled him in on her conversation with Carla that afternoon. By the time the reached the room Nick and Dr. Barress were already there. Nick and Pete stared at each for a moment. Pete broke the stand off first.

“Give me just a minute and I will have my things out.”

Dr. Barress yawned and said, “I’m going to head to my room.” Turning toward Raegan, “Here is some pain meds for the night. Watch for a fever and any red streaks coming from the stitches. You know the drill, Raegan. Nick, rest is what you need. No lifting and try to keep the arm bound especially if you want to play this series. Tomorrow is a day off. I recommend as much bed rest as possible. Raegan you have my number if there are any problems. I’m assuming Nick would be contacting you first.”

Nick nodded and said, “Will do Doc.”

Pete was leaving the room and said, “Raegan, call me if you need anything.”

Doc and Pete said good night and left, just as Coach Collson was coming by to check on him.

“How’s the arm doing, Nick?”

“I think I’m going to make it. I’ve got a great care team looking out for me.”

“Well, get some rest and make sure you follow Doc and Ms. Moore’s instructions and you will do fine. I will see you in the afternoon. I’m going to give you a pass on the morning team meeting and practice. We will see how you are feeling and make a call about evening skate.”

“Yes, Coach.”

With that Collson walked on and Raegan helped Nick into his room. Once they were alone Raegan went about settling him on the bed.

“I’ll be back in a few hours to give you the next round of pain meds. You need to try to order some room service, its better to take these on a full stomach. Are these enough pillows? I can get the ones from the spare bed or have house keeping bring more up. I’m going to go get some ice to put on it to control the swelling.” She knew she was talking very fast because of her nerves so she went to leave. As she turned to go in, Nick grabbed her hand.

“Why don’t we slow down a bit. Now if I heard the Doc and Coach right. I’m ordered to stay in bed and I hate being alone in bed.” He c****d an eyebrow at her.

“The Doc’s idea of bed rest and yours are very different. He also told you to take it easy and not to lift anything

“That just means you will have to ride me again, Angel. I have a plan to do what Doc says and get what I want at the same time.”

With that he pulled her close with his good arm and fell back on the bed with her on top of him. Raegan giggled as they landed.

“Nick”, and she kissed him deep. But when his good hand went to cup her ass she pulled back. “Wait. We need to talk first. I know that Doc already told you that our time is limited.”

Nick sat up as she stood up “He mentioned he was going to have to report it when we got back to Tampa. I’m going to be real with you. I don’t think two weeks is long enough for me. But I don’t want you losing your job because of me either. It is 100% your call on this. I want you and I want you longer than 2 weeks. But if that is all you can give me I will take it. I just need you Raegan, for however long I can have you”

Raegan looked down, “I don’t know what to do. Obviously, I’m attracted to you in ways I’ve never been attracted to anyone. But I have worked so hard for this. I need some time to think about it. I’m going to go get you that ice. Get some dinner ordered and I will be back later for your next round of meds.”

She did just that. She got him set up in bed, alone. And left him eating dinner. She went to her room and showered and changed into casual clothes. Then she pondered what to do next. She had two hours before Nick needed his next round of meds. If she dropped and left then she was sure this affair would be done. If she stayed she knew where the night would lead. What she didn’t know is if she could end it in two weeks when the road trip was over. The big unknown was if she could give up her career for Nick Bell.

Less than an hour later she stood outside Nick’s door. Key card in hand. Pete had given it to her so she could get in without Nick needing to get up. She had a simple long black dress on. Her hair was down and she had done a little touch up to her makeup. It hadn’t taken her long to decide. She wanted Nick Bell but she could only give him the next 14 days. They had the games in New York followed by a 2 game series in Miami before returning to Tampa. Once they stepped off the plane in Tampa it was over. They would have as little contact as possible and the affair would be done. It had to be. She couldn’t risk her career and future for him. She had Carla and Riley to think about. For the near future they were depending on her.

But she wouldn’t try to trick Nick into it. He had to agree to the terms. She gently tapped at the door. No answer. She decided to let herself in.