Head Games by Cassandra Carr Read Free Book Online Page B

before pulling it back.
    “If you go have the test, I’ll be right here when you get back.”
    “Will you give me a sponge bath?”
    “Don’t press your luck, buddy.” Turning, Kelly sat in the seat next to the bed. “Go. Shoo, shoo.” She motioned with her hands, and the orderly and Brad both laughed.
    Leo crossed his arms over his chest, and this was the first time she realized he wasn’t wearing his goalie equipment anymore. He motioned her closer. “I better get a reward when I get back.”
    “I’ll look for some Jell-O.”
    The orderly wheeled Leo out of the room, and Kelly slumped back in her chair. Why was she even here? She knew the answer to that question before the thought had even truly formed. She cared about him. Him and Scott. What the hell was she going to do?
    Leo returned within a half hour and patted the bed next to him. “Come over here where I can see you better.”
    Kelly slid onto the bed. “Does your head hurt?”
    “I’ve got a little headache. I told them it was nothing serious.”
    “Leo! You were knocked unconscious. I don’t care how tough you hockey players are, that’s serious!” Leo smiled. “What?”
    “You’re adorable when you’re angry.”
    “This is no time for jokes. You could’ve been seriously injured!”
    Leo took her hand and wouldn’t let go, even when Kelly tried to jerk away. “Darlin’, listen to me. Every single time a puck gets shot at me there’s a risk of serious injury. It’s just the way it is. If I let that bother me, I’ll be a fucking basket case and should retire, because I won’t be any good to my team.” Fanning his thumb over the back of her hand, he continued. “But I like the fact you came charging in here like an avenging angel. It’s too bad this isn’t a private room or I would show you exactly how much I liked it.” Kelly’s gaze was drawn to his crotch, but it was covered by a sheet and blanket. Leo moved a little and winced. “Or maybe I’d wait until tomorrow.”
    Suddenly Kelly stood and backed away from the bed, yanking until Leo released her hand. “I can’t do this.”
    “Do what?”
    She gestured in his general direction. “This. I can’t do this. I was worried out of my mind, and we’ve never even gone on a date.”
    “We can correct that whenever you’re ready. I’m going to be free for the next week or two while my dented noggin heals.”
    “No.”
    Leo’s eyebrow shot up. “Did you just say no?”
    Kelly nodded. “I can’t handle this. I can’t be in the middle of a dinner shift on one of the busiest nights in the week, see you go down on the ice, and not know if you’re going to get back up or not.” Her voice rose near the end of her sentence, and she knew she must sound hysterical, but this feeling of being off-balance was horrifying.
    “Hey, calm down,” Leo replied, reaching for her, but she stepped back again, and his hand dropped to the bed. Sighing, he said, “We have something special here. Don’t just throw it away.”
    “Yeah. You, me, and Scott. You must realize how messed up that sounds?”
    Leo shrugged. “It’s no one’s business but ours.”
    “Do you really believe that?” She put her hands on her hips and looked down at him. “Do you honestly think if people found out about us, the press wouldn’t have a field day? Or doesn’t the thought of making me a laughingstock mean anything to you?”
    Leo sat up in bed and his face briefly contorted before he schooled his expression. Kelly was instantly sorry. Rushing over to him, she made him lie back down. He grabbed her hand and brought her knuckles to his mouth, kissing each one in turn. “I care. Scott cares. But that doesn’t mean we’re willing to give you up.” A knock sounded at the door and Leo cursed. “Come in.”
    The orderly stuck his head in. “They’re keeping you overnight for observation, so I’m gonna wheel you up to the fifth floor. Sit tight and I’ll be right back.”
    “Like I could go