Page 69 of Tough Score

I settle back against my pillows, pulling the comforter up to my chin. The faint glow of streetlights filters through my curtains, casting shadows across the room.

"I never heard how coffee with the girls went last week. How was that? I heard the girls are pulling Rowan into the group, too."

"It was nice," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "They made me an honorary member of their group. And yeah, it seems Penelope has plans for her that none of us know about."

I leave out the part where they all hinted that they think Reeve and I will end up together. The memory of their knowing smiles and suggestive comments is now starting to make my heart feel a little homesick... if that even makes sense.

"That's great," Reeve says, and I can hear the genuine happiness in his voice. "I'm glad you're finding your place here."

Another pause, longer this time. I listen to the soft patter of rain against my window, waiting for him to speak again.

"Listen, Keely," he finally says, his voice softer now. It's not lost on me that he doesn't call me Doc... or Keke... or Kees. It's Keely now. "I wanted to thank you. For everything you've done to help me. I couldn't have made it this far without you."

My throat tightens at his words. "You don't have to thank me, Reeve. It's my job."

"No," he says firmly. "It's more than that. When you walked into my hospital room and they told me that you were going to be my PT, it renewed my confidence in myself and my ability despite the prognosis I was given. I'm not sure that I would have had as much faith in myself if it hadn't been you standing at my bedside, squeezing my hand."

I close my eyes, fighting back the emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "You're welcome. I'll always be on your side," I whisper.

"I know. And I'm always on yours. I want you to be happy. I hope you know that."

"I do," I say. "I agreed to go on a date with Jaxson on Sunday… I… I just thought I should tell you."

"Okay," he says simply.

The silence stretches between us, filled with unspoken words and the weight of what we can't have. I want to tell him how I feel and how much he means to me. But I know I can't. For his sake, for my sake, for the sake of his career and the team.

"Goodnight, Keely," Reeve says finally, his voice heavy with something that sounds like regret.

"Goodnight, Reeve," I respond, my voice barely audible.

I reach over and turn off the baby monitor, plunging the room into silence. As I lay in the darkness, I can't help but wonder what might have been if things were different. If I wasn't his physical therapist or if my father's past didn't hang over me like a shadow.

But as sleep finally claims me, I know that wondering about what-ifs won't change anything. Tomorrow, I'll become the Hawkeyes PT, and he and I will become co-workers...hopefully friends...but nothing more. It's all I can allow myself to be.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Reeve

I pull into the stadium parking lot, a mixture of excitement and nerves churning in my stomach. The familiar sight of the stadium feels different today. Maybe because behind those doors, I'll find the answer to the future of my career.

As I walk through the players' entrance, the cool air hits my face, carrying the faint scent of ice and sweat that I've come to associate with home. My footsteps echo in the empty corridor as I make my way toward the medical wing.

Rounding a corner, I spot two familiar figures—Keely and Cammy, deep in conversation. Keely's face lights up when she sees me, and she waves me over.

"You're here," she says, her smile warm.

"Hey," I reply, keeping my voice casual. "What are you two up to?"

Cammy grins, practically bouncing on her toes. "I'm giving Keely the official tour. She just signed as a PT for the Hawkeyes. She's a Hawkeye now."

My heart swells with pride for Keely and a sense of relief floods my chest at knowing that at least she and I will be on the same team for years to come. Even if I can't be with her the way I want to, at least I'll catch her walking through the halls. She and I will still get to work together, and that will have to be enough. "That's fantastic news," I say, pulling Keely into a quick hug. "Congratulations, you deserve it."

Keely's cheeks flush right before I release her. "Thanks, Reeve. But today's about you. Are you ready for your appointment?"

I nod, squaring my shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be."

"You've got this," Keely says softly, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze.