"No argument there." Leo glanced at Dylan's locker. "How long do you think he'll be in with the doc?"
"Who knows?" Rod stood and paced the room. Worry rolled off him in waves. "I know he's got another concussion. Did you see his eyes? And how he acted?"
"The doctor will take care of him. He's getting the best care."
"Arielle didn't come to the game tonight. She had to babysit her nephew. I need to let her know. My parents went away for the weekend for their anniversary. Even if they weren't able to watch the game, I know my dad would've had the text alerts turned on. I haven't heard from them yet. How the hell do I call them with this now?"
Leo set his phone down. He was just as worried about how Kelsey was handling the situation. She'd been in the building and would've seen it all. He needed to find her. "Rod, whatever happens tonight with Dylan, I'll help. Whether it's driving you guys home or going with you to the hospital if Dylan needs to do that, or making phone calls, I'll be there."
Rod leaned against his brother's locker and slowly let out a breath. "Thanks."
"I know every guy on the team would offer the same thing. Celek, Kreider, and Vince will insist on helping too."
"Yeah. I know." The words were so quiet and Rod's expression so bleak. He needed something to take his mind off of Dylan.
"You should ice your hand." That was easy, something Leo could help with, even if he hadn't been able to keep Dylan safe on the ice.
Rod shrugged and then eyed Leo's hands. "You should ice both of yours."
"What can I say? Bertuzzi had a hard head. Come on." He led the way into the training room.
Blair, the team's assistant athletic trainer, met them by the door. "How are your hands?"
"Any word on Dylan?" Leo carefully rotated his hand and opened and closed his fist.
"Not yet."
Rod held up his swollen hand. "Can I get some ice? Leo needs some too."
She led them to one of the training tables but seemed distracted as she checked their hands and gave them ice packs. Leo frowned at Rod. Blair was never anything less than fully engaged in her job.
Rod cleared his throat. "Blair, I don't know what's going to happen with Dylan tonight, but once we do, can you come by the house tonight or tomorrow? I'd feel better if you checked on him."
She nodded. "I'll be there."
After she left, Rod gave him a half-smile. "There's something going on between her and Dylan. They say they're only friends, but I think it's more."
"Goalie and match-maker, hmm? I'm impressed."
Rod threw his ice pack at Leo's head. "She'll hear you."
Laughing felt good, but unnatural and inappropriate given the seriousness of the situation with Dylan. "Sorry."
The game played on the two TVs that hung on the wall. The Bedlam were down by a goal. Rod started yelling coaching suggestions to the backup goalie.
Leo shook his head. "You know Mintner can't hear you, right?"
"Shut up. Like you're not doing the same thing to everyone else."
"In my head, yeah. Not out loud like some lunatic armchair quarterback."
Rod raised one eyebrow. "We play hockey. There isn't a quarterback."
Unable to keep another laugh from huffing out, Leo grinned at him. "Were you always this much of a smart ass?"
"I haven't had any coffee in three hours."
"Uh oh, caffeine addict. Withdraw symptoms aren't any fun, huh?"
"You're mean. A real friend would find me some coffee." Rod sulked at his ice pack, but his lips curved, ruining the effect.
Leo rose and ruffled Rod's hair like he occasionally still did to Ryan. "Don't you have a can of iced coffee in your locker? The period just ended so we should head back anyway. Coach will want to talk to us. Or yell at us."
"That's fine. I'm telling him that you and I are leaving with Dylan."
Leo followed Rod into the hall. It had taken both of them standing up for Dylan for their own friendship to fully feel comfortable and real. And while he was grateful it had finally happened, he hated the circumstances.
They entered the locker room and he met Coach's gaze. Coach didn't say a word, but then again, he didn't have to—Leo understood the look loud and clear.
You were supposed to keep him safe.
HOSPITALS ALWAYS SMELLED the same. Kelsey clutched Leo's hand and then laid her head on his shoulder. He kissed her temple. He'd been quiet, but a solid, steady support as she and Rod had spoken to their parents and other relatives and friends.
In the row facing them, Rod and Arielle sat together, talking quietly. Blair sat beside Rod, her head buried in a medical journal, reading an article on concussions.
They'd waited over two hours in the small waiting room while Dylan had an x-ray and a CT scan and other tests. The waiting room was better than the busy ER, and now empty aside from themselves, but she was tired, uncomfortable, really scared, and just wanted to take Dylan home.
At the squeaky tread of the nurse's shoes, everyone shifted upright. She came into the room. "He does have a concussion. The tests came back fine but we're going to keep him overnight for observation."
Relief washed away some of the worry. Kelsey sent up a silent prayer of thanks. "Can we see him?"
"He's sleeping now, but you can look in on him before you go. Just don't disturb him." She led them through the quiet hall to his room.
Kelsey crept in. Her strong and tough older brother lay in the darkened room, looking so vulnerable in sleep. She gently touched the bed rail and swallowed hard against the sting of tears forming behind her eyes.
Leo's hand curved over her shoulder and squeezed. He'd been so strong, for her, for Dylan. She raised her hand to cover his and offered him a smile. On the other side of the bed, Rod, Arielle, and Blair huddled together, their expressions as worried as her own. Kelsey met Rod's gaze. They'd already agreed to arrive before visiting hours the next morning so they could see Dylan first-thing. Their parents would be home by early afternoon. She and Rod would do everything they could to take care of their older brother.
Memories of Dylan kept her preoccupied as they made their way through the building and into the parking garage. He had always been the voice of reason for Rod and her whenever they needed advice, had always defended her from the neighborhood boys who hadn't wanted to let a girl play hockey with them, and had always been so proud of anything she did. He was always so strong. What if he couldn't recover, or couldn't recover enough to return to the game he loved?
She said goodnight to the others, but wasn't ready to be alone with her thoughts, and leaned into Leo's side as they walked to their cars. "Do you want to come over? I know I'm not going to sleep any time soon."
"Yeah. I... That would be good." Tension lined his face. "I'll follow you to your apartment."
She switched on the sports station to keep her company for the drive. Callers were worried about Dylan and angry at Bertuzzi. Hopefully, he'd get a suspension. A few were angry that Rod had jumped in to the fight, leaving the team without their number one net-minder, but most supported his actions, and everyone supported Leo for laying into Bertuzzi. It was the first time she'd listened to a show where not a single person bashed him.
She told him so as they rode the elevator to her floor, but his smile was weak and he seemed preoccupied.
As soon as the door cracked open, an excited bark greeted them. Anticipating the enthusiastic greeting that awaited her each time she came home, she eased the door open wider. "My dog is friendly. You'll see."
The Yorkie immediately jumped onto Kelsey's legs, tail wagging so fast it was nearly a blur.
"Hey, girl." Kelsey picked her up, accepting puppy kisses. She brought the dog closer to Leo. "This is Icing."
"She's cute." He rubbed his hand over the furry head and allowed the dog to sniff him. Then he brushed his finger over the sparkling collar and personalized tag. "Pretty fancy. Amethyst? I'm surprised you didn't pick sapphires for Bedlam blue."
"They aren't r
eal stones. I like purple, and she has a February birthday so I thought she'd like it too."
"Suits her." He raised his gaze. "And you."
"Thanks, I think."
"It was a compliment." He ruffled the dog's fur again. His knuckles were red and still looked swollen.
"Do you need to ice your hands again?"
He flexed them slowly. "I couldn't protect him."
Frowning, she set the dog on the floor. "What are you talking about?"
"Coach put me on Dylan's line to keep him safe. I failed at that tonight. I'm sorry."
"No. No way. Stop that." She gently grasped his hands. "You're not responsible for what happened. He attacked my brother completely out of nowhere and well after play had stopped."
"Still."
"No. You defended Dylan, and I'm grateful for it. When I saw the hit, I wanted to jump on the ice and beat the crap out of Bertuzzi. You handled it right away." She kissed his knuckles one by one. "I always feel safer when you're out there with him. Players shy away from you. They play differently when you're on the ice with them. It's almost like they're afraid to check hard because they know you'll defend every player on your team, even Slater."
The mention of the rookie made him smile.
Using her hold on his hands, she pulled him closer and into her embrace. "You are amazing. I know circumstances weren't ideal for you to come to this team, but I'm so happy you're here."
Leo wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you."
The murmur tickled her ear. She shivered and held him tight. The dog continued to jump on their legs. After a few moments, Leo crouched and picked up the dog and let Icing burrow into his chest. He stroked the dog's fur, laughing as she butted her head against his chin.
Smiling at the picture they made—the strong, imposing man and the tiny, fluffy pup—Kelsey hung up her coat. She tugged off her boots and set her purse on the small table by the door. "I'm going to get you some ice."
Leo followed her into the kitchen. Icing trotted in behind him and darted to her water bowl. "You don't have to worry about the ice. I'm fine."
She dug around her freezer until she unearthed an oblong ice pack. "Humor me anyway."
He sat at the kitchen table and allowed her to lay the pack across his hands. "Just for a few minutes."
"We'll aim for ten." Twenty would be better, but she wouldn't push him. She rounded his chair and set her hands on his strong shoulders. The tension stored there grew even tighter under her hands. She dug into his muscles, massaging small circles over the expanse of his back. As the minutes ticked by the muscles slowly melted under her hands.
He dropped his head forward and moaned. "That's really nice."
She bent and pressed a kiss to his neck. "I'm glad I'm doing okay."
"Your hands are amazing."
"Then you'll like this next part even more." She couldn't have him continuing to worry about Dylan. More than anything, she needed to show him how much she appreciated him. How important he was becoming to her. They might not have done anything more than kiss and hold each other close that night in Philly, but now she was ready for more.
So much more.
He lifted his head. His eyes were heavy-lidded, darkened with desire. "What's next?"
She tossed the ice pack into the sink. "Why don't you come with me and see?"
He pushed to his feet, cupped her face in his hands, and touched his lips to hers. "I'd follow you anywhere."
The words touched her heart. She laced their fingers together and led him to the bedroom. He switched on the overhead light. "I want to see you."
Nerves shot through her stomach, mingling with the bolt of desire at his words. She wanted to see him—all of him—just as badly. With a seductive smile, she gripped the hem of her sweater and slowly raised it. Leo's gaze latched onto the skin she revealed inch by inch. He strode toward her but waited until she'd tossed the garment onto the floor.
"Purple. I should have guessed." His finger traced the edge of her bra, following the curve from one side to the other until she shivered and goosebumps dotted her skin.
She trailed her fingertips over his torso. Leo groaned and yanked his shirt over his head. He clamped his hands on her hips and drew her closer. "I've dreamed of feeling your hands on my skin."
"That's one dream I can make come true." She retraced her path along his golden skin. The defined muscles of his abdomen and chest, the strength in his arms. She paused at the large tattoo of a Celtic lion's head on his upper arm. "Sometimes, you remind me of a lion."
"How so?" His hands roamed over her, large and hot, scrambling her concentration.
"You're so strong and fierce. Protective." Kelsey slipped her hands along his back, tracing the ridges of muscles. Her core weakened at the feel of his arousal, hard against her hip.
Her bra loosened and he pulled back enough to slip it off her arms. "We're still wearing too many clothes."
She shifted her hands to the waistband of his jeans at the same time he reached for hers. Laughing at their colliding hands, she let him ease open her button and zipper and then returned the favor. He kicked free of his jeans and watched with interest as she slipped hers down and stepped out of them.
Eying the way his black boxer-briefs conformed to his body, she sauntered closer. Close enough to touch. Leo beat her to it, grazing his hands over the dip of her waist and the curve of her hips until they stroked the purple and gray stripped bikini briefs. The touch was enough to make her melt.
She captured his hands and drew him to the bed. "Let's get more comfortable."
The purple fleece blanket was so soft against her skin. She lay down, crooking her finger. With the flash of a smile, Leo joined her. He shifted his body, lying on his side, and stroked his hand along her arm. "Your skin is as soft as the blanket."
She shifted one hand to his hair, curled her fingers into the strands and pulled him toward her seeking lips. His firm mouth closed over hers and his tongue delved deep, thrusting against hers in a battle for control.
The pull was magnetic. Their bodies were in sync. They moved together, striving to get closer.
He was hard everywhere. She slipped her hand inside his boxers, stroking him in time with the licks of her tongue. Groaning, he rocked into her grip. And then his hands were a blur, possessive and branding as they streaked over her skin to play with her breasts. Each touch brought an answering tug to her core. Desperate for more, she pressed one of his hands down. It slid to her underwear, stroking over and then under the silken fabric. She gasped into the kiss and wrapped her leg over his hip in an effort to get him deeper.
"I've got you, babe." He shifted over her and eased her thigh out to the side to keep stroking, unhindered.
She stared into his eyes. The gray had hints of blue, tiny flecks she had never noticed until she and Leo were close enough to share breath. He smiled and kissed her jaw. "I want to watch you go over."
"What about you?" She tightened her grip until he groaned and bit his lip.
"You first. And then, we'll go together."
She ground against his hand. Waves of pleasure rolled through her. He sped up the steady rhythm until her orgasm plunged her into a tsunami of feelings. At the center of it all, Leo was there. He continued to kiss her as she came back down.
He pulled the fabric down her shaking legs and shed his own in one swift motion. Then he shifted over her once more. "Condom?"
She pointed to the bedside table. "Top drawer. I'll get it."
He shifted off her and pressed a kiss to her shoulder as she grabbed the foil packet. She reached for him, intending to smooth the protection into place but he grabbed her hand before she could touch him. "I'm too close. If you touch me, I'll explode."
She handed it over and slid to the mattress. Leo rolled on the condom and rejoined her.
Skin tingling, Kelsey arched until their torsos rubbed together. She wrapped her legs around his waist. He throbbed hot between her thighs and his hips pulsed against her
s—once, twice, three times—before he thrust inside.
He murmured something she couldn't make out and then rolled her hips higher. He slipped his forearms underneath her torso and curled her into him. The angle shifted him deeper.
"Leo." The whisper lingered in the air. Her hands roamed his back and then settled at his hip, aiding his strokes as they rocked together.
He teased kisses over her face. Passion and desire built and built, and she strained toward him, seeking more, desperate to give him as much pleasure as he'd given her. His movements lost their finesse, growing wild as his hands clutched her shoulders and dragged her even closer.
His mouth closed over hers, sealing them together. His hips pressed down, locking them together. Her orgasm hit hard, sending her soaring and drenching her in lights and colors. Over her thundering heartbeat, she heard Leo groan, felt his release as he stiffened against her.
Sated, she threaded her fingers through his hair, content to keep him close while he regained his breath.
After a few minutes, he raised his head. His eyes crinkled with his smile and he traced an unsteady finger down her cheek. "Hey."
"Hey."
"I must be crushing you." He rolled to the side.
"I didn't mind." She rose and killed the light and then climbed back in bed.
Leo pulled her close. They lay tangled together in the dark, drawn together again by something deep within. Kelsey laced her fingers with his and snuggled into his heat. Leo's breath deepened and evened. The arm he'd wrapped around her waist grew heavy as he drifted to sleep.
They'd spent every spare moment together since their time in Philly. She was shocked at how necessary he'd become, at how strongly she'd felt even before that trip. He'd laid a check to her heart from the very first moment he'd walked into her office. She'd never believed in love at first sight but was that what was happening with Leo?
She'd never been in love before, so how would she know?
She stared at the ceiling for a long time searching for answers in the darkness.
They didn't come.
Fighting For More Page 7