Page 54 of Flashback for the Forward

I couldn’t do this alone.

It was time to seek help and start the healing process.

Chapter 16

Cole

Biting into the side of my clenched fist, I was unsuccessful at suppressing the groan of pain as one of the trainers worked to loosen a particularly tight knot in my lower back.

“Your back’s a mess, Cole. In all the years we’ve been working together, it’s never been this bad,” Gabe remarked. “Wanna tell me what you did to get like this?”

The air left my lungs on a grunt. “No idea.”

A snort sounded from near the open door. “Maybe it’s because he’s been sleeping on the floor for the past few weeks.”

Gabe’s hands paused their torturous motion. “Please tell me he’s joking.”

I lifted my head to glare at Levi. “You teach your kids it’s okay to tattle on their friends?”

Unbothered, he shrugged, leaning against the doorframe. “You bet your ass I do if someone is hurt or in danger.”

“You’re a professional athlete.” Gabe groaned. “What the hell are you doing sleeping on the floor?”

“None of your business,” I gritted out.

He sighed. “The recovery regime only works if you do your part outside of this building. You have to meet me halfway, Cole.”

“Got it. Thanks.” My words were clipped, my annoyance at the lecture clear.

The sound of Gabe washing his hands at the sink indicated he was done with me.

Heaving myself upright, I climbed off the table, grabbing my shirt and tugging it over my head. When I went to leave the room, Levi blocked my exit, both arms folded over his chest.

My frustration boiled over. “What the hell is your problem?” I shoved at his shoulders, forcing him to step back enough so that I could sneak past into the hallway.

Levi was hot on my heels. “We need to talk about Bridget.”

I spun on him. “Did something happen? Is she okay?”

“She’s fine.”

Placing a hand over my racing heart, I breathed out, “Don’t scare me like that.”

Instead of offering an apology, my teammate said, “What exactly is your plan?”

My brows drew down. “What are you talking about? Plan for what?”

He pulled me into an empty meeting room, shutting the door to keep our conversation private. “Having her hide out at your place isn’t a long-term solution.”

“I know that.”

“Do you?” he challenged, one eyebrow arched.

I scoffed. “Of course I do.”

“You’re so desperate to keep her, to rekindle the flame of whatever you two shared in the past, that I think it’s clouded your judgment.”

Sarcastic laughter fell from my lips. “Is the guy who’s been married for less than a year seriously standing here acting like he’s the authority on relationships?”