Page 6 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

I drag in another shallow pull.

Bad idea.

Pain cuts under my ribs hard enough to make the ceiling lights smear together.

"Captain Walker?"

That voice again.

Steady. Close.

I open my eyes.

The woman is still beside me, one knee on the ice, one hand braced carefully near my left shoulder. Her dark hair is tucked back beneath her medical helmet. Her gaze moves over my face, not rushed, not rattled, like the entire arena has narrowed to the few inches of space between us.

"Stay with me."

"I'm here."

It comes out like gravel.

"Good." She glances toward the medic returning with the gurney. "Sam, we need collarbone stabilization, oxygen ready, and let's keep him flat. Possible rib involvement. I don't like his breathing."

Possible rib involvement.

I would laugh if laughing didn't feel like something that might kill me.

"Help me up."

Her eyes come back to mine. "No."

"I can skate."

"No."

"It's only my shoulder."

"You’re not ready to stand up yet."

I try to shift my weight anyway. The world punishes me for it. Another bolt of pain rips from my collarbone through my chest so fast I forget where I am. My hand clenches against the ice. I hear someone curse above me.

It might be Liam. It might be me.

The woman waits until my breathing steadies into something ugly but functional.

"Done proving things?"

I glare at her. At least I try to.

"I don't need a stretcher."

"I know."

That throws me.

"You know?"

"I know you don't want one." She reaches for a strap Sam passes her. "I'm still using it."