Her hair had been braided and hung down her back, and just watching her filled him with a sense of satisfaction and pleasure. They were finally on a solid path, and he had every intention of keeping them there.
A whistle blew and the defense ran off the field. Damon and the offense took their place. Damon called out the play and darted left. Just as he threw the ball, the defensive end from the other team slammed into him, tackling him and taking him down, the sound causing Braden’s stomach to churn.
Panic hit as it always did when one of his brothers was injured, and Braden held his breath as he waited for the men to separate and stand on their own. Except when the defensive end rose to his feet, Damon remained still on the field.
He glanced at Coach Carson, got the nod, and with the other doctors on scene, ran onto the field where his brother lay motionless. Everything happened in a rushed blur of protocol and suppressing his emotions.
“He hit his head on the ground,” Coach said from behind them.
Another possible concussion, Braden thought. Fuck. His brother had just recently recovered from one blow to the head. He had a history of concussions in high school. If he did have another one, he was increasing his chances of permanent damage. Braden refused to think about CTE, brain degeneration caused by repeated head traumas. Right now he had to deal with this injury. Thank God he was breathing on his own.
Willow arrived in the next instant and took over her job, immobilizing his neck and removing his face mask and shoulder pads, just as Damon regained consciousness, blinking, wincing, and immediately attempting to move, but those around him held him down.
“Damon, stay still,” Braden said. “Can you tell me where you are?”
“On the field. At the stadium. What happened?”
Dr. Stadtler, the concussion specialist, stepped in and talked to Damon, slowly helping him to his feet, at which point the crowd in the stands erupted in cheer. He walked off the field, and the doctor in charge now immediately sat him down and performed a concussion test, comparing his time to the test he’d taken pregame. It wasn’t good. Damon’s response was slower and he was obviously dizzy and nauseous.
“He’s out.” Stadtler made the call and Damon began to argue.
Willow came up behind him. “What’s going on?”
“Failed the CPT.”
“Shit.” She slipped her hand into his and squeezed once, letting him know she was there for him, before stepping back to maintain professional distance.
Despite the fact that Damon was his brother, Braden did his job, remaining on the field while Damon went to the hospital for X-rays, a CAT scan, and a routine medical checkup. Everyone took head injuries seriously, and this one looked like it was going to be a problem.
* * *
It wasn’t until the game ended and Braden made sure the injuries were cared for that he left to be with his brother, and though Willow wanted desperately to be there for them both, she couldn’t get to the hospital for hours after the game. She had a job to do, and she stayed with her players to make sure they had everything they needed after a rough four-plus hours that left them bruised and beaten up, as usual. They’d lost in the last five minutes, Damon’s injury on everyone’s mind, which put the guys in horrible moods.
Finally, she made her way to her car and drove to the hospital, her team badge allowing her past the main waiting room. She wasn’t surprised to find the Prescott family gathered in a smaller room without other visitors.
Christine stood, shoulders back but worry on her face, Bri standing by her side. Jaxon and Macy, along with Austin and Quinn, sat in chairs near each other, talking low. All looked up and treated her to a wave or a smile.
“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting,” she said.
“No!” Christine Prescott stepped over to her. “I appreciate you coming.”
“Have you heard anything yet?” Willow asked.
Christine, wearing Damon’s jersey number, shook her head with a grim but stoic smile. “Braden and Evie are in with him. I’m sure one of them will know something soon and come tell us.”
She was the mother of three professional athletes. No doubt she’d been through her share of injuries with them before, and Willow admired her strength and wished she’d had a parent who’d drop everything and show up if she were hurt. Siblings, too. Another reason for Aurora, who’d been bonding with Linc these past few days, to leave with him when their week was up.
“Would you like me to go see what I can find out? I can pull the I’m a team trainer card and see if they’ll let me back.” Willow wanted to give them all good news and ease the pain on their faces.
“Would you?” Christine asked.
“That would be great,” Bri said, her arm around her mother’s shoulders.
Willow nodded. “Listen. He was conscious when they brought him in. That’s always a good sign.”
Christine nodded gratefully, and Willow excused herself to check on Damon and find Braden.
Chapter Twelve
Braden sat beside Damon’s bedside in a chair, Evie on the edge of the mattress. The doctor had come in and explained he had a severe concussion. Again. That he had a sufficient history of head injuries to warrant suggesting he not continue to play or risk permanent brain damage in the future.
After he’d dropped that bomb, the three of them sat in silence, Braden offering to leave but Evie and Damon asking him to stay.
The moments ticked by and Braden broke the silence. “You don’t have to make a decision right this minute. You can’t play for a while anyway.” Although if he had his way, Damon would retire and enter Dare Nation, the closest thing they had to a family business, in any capacity he chose. No doubt Austin would be the first to extend an offer when he heard the news.
“There’s really no choice to make. I have a wife who’s pregnant.” He lifted Evie’s hand to his mouth and kissed her. “I want to be there to raise my kids, not let my brain turn to mush and lose the rest of my life because I chose playing over my family.”
Evie sniffled and tears dripped down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry, Damon. But I can’t deny how glad I am you’re choosing us.”
“I’ll deal, you know? It won’t be easy to leave it behind, but I’ll figure out a new path.” He winked at his wife.
“Alex Dare has programs that help players who have to retire early, but I think you’re going to be just fine. Think about your path and talk to Austin. Or Ian about a front-office job.” Braden pushed himself to his feet. “Okay if I give the family the news?”
Damon rested his head back against the pillows. “Yeah. And send them home. I promise I’ll be in touch. Right now I just want to talk to Evie, okay?”
Braden nodded. “I’ll try but you know they’re going to want to see for themselves that you’re okay. Call me if you need me,” he said more to Evie than to his brother because Damon would never admit to weakness.
He walked out of the darkened room, where no lights were on because it hurt Damon’s eyes, and nearly bumped into Willow. He was so grateful to see her, he opened his arms and she walked right into them.
“God, I’m glad to see you.”
She tipped her head back and smiled. “Rough day. How’s Damon?”
He filled her in and she sighed. “That’s awful. He’s so talented and is such a presence and idol for the younger players on the team.”
“I know but I give him credit for doing what’s best for himself and his family. Still, I don’t think Ian’s going to be happy, though he will support Damon’s decision.”
“Do you think he’ll go to work with Austin at Dare Nation?” she asked.
He shrugged, unsure what his brother would do. “Time will tell, right?”
She nodded. “I promised your mom I’d see if I could find out what’s going on.”
He took her hand, squeezing tight. “Let’s do it together.”
As they headed back to the small room where Braden’s family waited, his cell buzzed in his pocket. H
e pulled it out, glanced at the number, and declined the call.
“Anything important?” she asked.
“Nothing that can’t wait.” He shoved his phone back into his pocket, and together they went to talk to his family.
His mother had cried, not because she cared what her sons did for their careers but for the disappointment she knew Damon must be feeling. Austin had gone into big brother/agent mode and had immediately begun plotting alternative jobs for his sibling, starting and ending with Dare Nation if Austin had his way. Everyone else grew silent and sad, digesting the information and probably figuring out what they’d say to Damon when they saw him.
Despite Damon wanting to be alone, his mom had gone back to see her son and everyone else would file in and out over the next hour, so Braden had no problem deciding it was time to go home. Today had been a long fucking day, and Braden wanted nothing more than to climb into bed and crash, but he didn’t want to do it alone.
When he’d looked up and seen Willow coming toward him, the weight on his shoulders had lifted. Having her by his side when they’d broken Damon’s career-ending news to his family had given him the strength to deal with everyone’s myriad reactions.
He glanced at her, leaning against the wall, looking as beat as he felt.
“Ready to leave?” he asked.
She nodded then yawned, covering her mouth with her hand. “Excuse me,” she said. “I’m just wiped out.”
“Me, too. Let’s go.” He grasped her hand, called into the room that they were leaving, and led her out.
They wound their way through the hospital corridors and out to the parking lot in tired silence.
“My car is over there,” she said, pointing to the opposite side of the lot from where Braden had left his vehicle.
He changed directions and walked her over, pausing when she reached her door and unlocked it with her key fob.
“Stay at my place tonight?” he asked, needing to fall asleep with her in his arms.
She glanced up at him and wrinkled her nose, her expression torn. “We have to work tomorrow and I don’t have clothes.”
“I promise we’ll be up in time for you to go home, shower, and change.” If he had his way, she would start leaving clothes at his house, but tonight wasn’t the time to get into a serious conversation. “I need you,” he admitted though it wasn’t easy.
Until now he’d kept things light, but after the day he’d had, the fear for his unconscious brother, he wasn’t above taking things deeper.
She stroked his cheek with her fingertips, her gaze meeting his. “I’ll follow you home, okay? Just let me text Aurora and tell her not to expect me tonight.”
“Sounds good,” he said, relieved.
A short while later, they were in his bedroom. He’d given her a tee shirt, and she excused herself to take a quick shower, and once she finished, he did the same. They were both drained, and he didn’t press for a joint shower because, despite how much he desired her, he lacked the mental energy and stamina to do more than hold her as they fell asleep.
And when they finally crawled into his bed, he wrapped his body around hers, feeling at peace with her in his arms.
* * *
The next morning, Willow woke before Braden and prior to the alarm he’d set, his warm body curled around hers. The sound of his heavy breathing told her he was in a deep sleep. Knowing how exhausted he’d been last night, both physically and emotionally, she let him be, quietly sliding out from beneath his arm that lay over her.
When he’d admitted to needing her yesterday, he’d slipped past the final barrier she’d kept in place, and she’d melted inside. It meant something, knowing she could give to him as much as he’d been doing for her. She couldn’t fight herself or him any longer, and she was done trying. She’d gone and fallen in love with him, fully and completely, this time without any more hesitation or reservation. She just needed him not to disappoint her.
Leaving him a quick note that said she’d see him at work, she went home to change, eat something, and head over to the stadium.
When she arrived home, she let herself inside and discovered Aurora at the small kitchen table, drinking a cup of tea.
“Morning,” Willow said, dropping her keys into the basket where she kept them.
“Morning.”
“What are you doing up so early?” she asked.
Aurora shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep. Plus I wanted to talk to you before you left for work.”
Willow sat down in a chair beside her. “Sure. What’s up?”
Aurora twirled a strand of her hair around her finger and found it hard to look Willow in the eye.
“Hey. Talk to me. Whatever it is, I promise it’s fine,” Willow said.
She drew a deep breath. “I’ve really liked getting to know Linc and Jordan, Linc’s personal assistant and best friend.”
“Hey, that’s great!” Willow said, meaning it.
Aurora glanced up. “You’ve been so good to me. You and Braden both but–”
“You’re going to New York to meet your family and let them take care of you.”
Aurora nodded, tears in her eyes. “Are you angry?”
“Oh my gosh, no! I’m so very happy for you,” Willow said, grasping the young girl’s hand. “What is it we both wanted growing up? People to love us? You have that now. And you’ll still have me. I promise I’m not going anywhere. We can talk, FaceTime, and I can come visit. I’m going to want to see the baby!”
Willow said everything she could to make it easier for Aurora to go. To be at peace with her choice. And to know she’d still have Willow here if she needed her.
“Yeah?” Aurora’s face lit up. “I’d love that!” She grinned. “Did you know Linc has a private jet? We’re going to fly to New York on it tomorrow.”
So soon. Willow’s stomach twisted in sadness, but at the same time, she couldn’t help but laugh at Aurora’s enthusiasm. “That’s really cool. Can we have a final dinner together tonight?”
Aurora nodded. “Definitely.”
Willow smiled. “Okay, I have to grab clothes and get dressed for work, but tonight you’re mine.” She started for the bedroom when Aurora spoke.
“Don’t forget to invite Braden!” she called out.
Willow was very happy to do just that.
* * *
Braden sat in the office at Thunder Stadium, trying to concentrate when his mind was on both his brother and the woman who’d slipped out of his bed early this morning. She’d had to rush home in order to get ready for work, but she’d left him a note. As he’d lain in bed, the scent of her lingering on his sheets, he couldn’t help but think about how perfect they fit together, how well their lives meshed, and wondered whether it was time to tell her how he felt about her.
A knock sounded on his door, interrupting his thoughts, which he didn’t mind since he hadn’t come to a decision yet anyway. “Come in!”
Hudson walked in, shut the door behind him, and sat down in a chair, making himself comfortable. “How’s Damon?”
“I spoke to him this morning. Usual concussion symptoms and taking it easy. Evie’s making sure he doesn’t move from their bed.”
Braden was worried about his retirement, the decision he’d made so easily, and the announcement, but even this morning, Damon insisted he’d accepted his fate and was at peace with it. Since meeting Evie, his priorities had changed, something Braden could now understand.
“Give him my best,” Hudson said. “Now we need to talk about the clinic.”
Braden nodded. “I agree. The place needs an infusion of cash, and I’ve been thinking about how to come up with the funds.”
“Same. You want to buy the place, don’t you?” He knew what his friend was thinking, because he’d been considering the same thing.
“What I want and what I can afford to do are very different.” Hudson scowled. “My grandfather left me a trust fund, but my father is trustee. There is no way that son of a bitch is g
oing to give me the funding.”
Braden rested his hands on the desk. “You won’t know unless you try. I’ll have to go to my uncle Paul for a loan.”
Hudson’s mouth lifted in a smirk. “Somehow I think the man who’s really your father and has your brother’s kidney inside him isn’t going to say no.”
That made Braden laugh. “Probably not. Besides, he’ll see the merit in helping people who need it. We can turn the place into a one-stop health center with new equipment and qualified professionals who care.”
“Here’s hoping my father sees the same value. It’s all about money to him.” Hudson paused in thought. “This is something I’m going to have to do in person, though,” he said with a definite pissed-off tone and scowl. “Ever since Evan died, he’s been after me to give up medicine to come home and join the family business.”
Braden leaned forward on his desk. He knew it’d been rough on Hudson since his older brother had passed away. They hadn’t been close, because like his father, Evan’s only focus had been the family business, but Hudson missed his sibling. And when Evan had been alive, Hudson’s dad had relied on him for carrying on the family legacy, from the business to providing an heir. His parent was old-fashioned in every way. After Evan’s sudden and unexpected aneurysm, the pressure on Hudson had been heavy and ongoing. Which was why he’d refused to return to New York after their MSF stint.
“I don’t envy you,” Braden said. “We can apply to the bank for a loan?”
Hudson nodded. “We may have to but let me try my father first. The money’s mine. Maybe he’ll see reason.”
“Sounds good. You know I have your back.”
He slid his foot to the floor and rose from his seat. “I appreciate that.”
“Hello?” Bri walked in without announcing her presence and Braden rolled his eyes.
“Ever hear of knocking?” he asked.
“Not when it comes to you. I had to meet with a client, and I was hoping I could grab you for lunch?” Her gaze slid to Hudson, and if Braden wasn’t mistaken, he saw a flash of interest in his sister’s gaze.
Braden and Hudson hadn’t talked much about his past relationships or what he wanted for the future beyond not letting his father dictate his life or his choices. If Bri was interested, Hudson better not hurt her.
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