Page 74

When I wake up, the pain seems to be worse than it was yesterday, which is normal. One, the painkillers must have already worn off. And two, any injury is always worse the next day. I was so out of it that I passed out on the couch, but Keanu brought me my pillow and blanket.

I wince as I sit up. Keanu is in the kitchen, cooking something that smells delicious. “Hey,” I croak.

He looks at me and smiles from ear to ear. “Good morning, sunshine. How are you feeling?”

“Better,” I lie.

I know he feels awful about what happened during the game, and I don’t want to increase his guilt.

He comes over with a glass of orange juice in his hand. “I’d believe you if I didn’t know any better. Here, drink this.”

“Thanks.”

I take a couple of sips before I put the glass down. “So, what’s the plan for today?”

“Nothing. You have to take it easy.”

I glance at my lap. “I’m sorry I got hurt.”

He sits next to me and covers my hand with his. “It wasn’t your fault. I’m the one who needs to apologize to you until the end of time. I should have never let you play.”

I look up. “How was I doing before I got hurt?”

A blush spreads across his face. “Eh… do you want the truth or the bullshit?”

“That bad, huh?” I laugh, but that increases my discomfort. “Ouch. This blows.”

“I was thinking that maybe I could help you deal with your recovery a bit.”

“How?”

“We seem to be able to switch back to our bodies if we’re being affectionate with each other.”

“You want to hook up now?” My brows arch.

“No! Jesus. Of course I don’t want to sex you up when you’re hurt. But kissing seems to do the trick as well.”

“True, but the switch lasted even less time than before.”

“I think it’s because we stopped completely. I believe that if we were engaged in a full make-out session, the switch would last for as long as we’re doing it.”

“It’s a good theory. But are you sure you want to be in your body now that it’s broken?”

He gives me a droll look. “My body is not broken. You didn’t even require surgery. That’s a minor injury in hockey terms.”

“Okay. We can try.” I try to sound nonchalant, but I can’t ignore the butterflies in my stomach.

“Close your eyes.”

He doesn’t need to ask me twice. He moves closer and presses his lips softly against mine. My heart is hammering in my chest, but I don’t feel the usual tingle that happens prior to the switch. I’m still in Keanu’s body, and when he pries my lips open with his tongue, it freaks me out, because it’s my own tongue.

I pull back quickly, all weirded out. “It didn’t work.”

His frowns. “I don’t understand. It worked every time before.”

A burning smell reaches my nose, and then I see the smoke. “Keanu! The food!”

“Fuck!” He jumps from the couch and rushes to the stove.