Playing the Game: Providence University Book 6

by Parker, Ali

  “I thought I’d come and check you out, see how you’re recovering. I think you’re going to like the news I have.” He gave me a sly look. “I’m going to release you tomorrow morning. So you only have one night left in our fine establishment.”

  “Thank you,” I said. My eyes filled with tears.

  “I’ll let Mom and Dad know I’ll get you home tomorrow,” said Clara, stepping away. “Thank you, doctor.” She left the room, and Dr. Samson looked through the folder in his hands. “I’m going to give you a painkiller, but I trust that you can manage that on your own.”

  “Is it strong? I don’t want anything too strong.” I hated putting anything that could be harmful into my system.

  “You’ve had a lot of trauma,” said the doctor. “It’s best to take it for the first few days, and you can switch to ibuprofen or something milder. And no strenuous activities, no lifting, no driving, no exercise until you’re released at your first follow-up.”

  “I’ll make sure she’s taking it easy,” said Seth.

  “Good. It sounds like she has a lot of people watching over her. I’ll just hand this in, and when you wake up tomorrow, you can go.”

  “Thank you,” I said again. When Dr. Samson left, I pulled Seth back in for another kiss.

  “You heard you have to take it easy,” he said.

  “Uh huh, but I can still kiss you.” I wasn’t about to give that up for anything.

  Soon, Clara and Abi came back into the room. “I’ve got you all set,” said my sister. “And I’ve just about talked Abi here into moving in with you. She said you mentioned it.”

  “Yeah, that’s cool. I really hope you do.”

  “We’ll talk again when you’re better,” said Abi. “Take care of yourself, and use the time alone to rest and heal. And keep the polish. It looks better on you than me anyway.” She placed the bottle on the table. “I should be going.”

  Abi held out her arms for a hug, and I obliged. “Thanks for coming to see me,” I said. “Come by the apartment and see me when I get settled in.”

  “Will do.” She said her goodbyes to the others and she waved and walked out the door.

  “She seems really fun,” said Clara. “I hope she moves in.”

  “Yeah,” I said, thinking about what she had told me. I didn’t tell Clara because it wasn’t my story to tell, but hopefully, if she took me up on my invitation, things would work out fine for both of us.

  We sat and visited as I ate my dinner, and eventually, Seth got up and went to get something for himself after I begged him to eat.

  I hated to see him down.

  When he got back, he was on the phone. “Okay, thanks for calling,” he said when he got off the phone. “That was Paul. He said they won the game. He made the final score, and Coach was okay.”

  “Good.”

  “Yeah, I guess I have to go talk to him. I’m lucky he didn’t have me arrested for assault. God knows there were enough witnesses.”

  I didn’t realize it had been that brutal of a hit. “Do you think he’d do that?” I didn’t want Seth to be in trouble at school, either. If they arrested him for it, they might even expel him.

  “Nah, he’s got too much pride, but there might not be anything I can do to stay on the team.”

  Clara took a sip through her straw and shook her head. “It’s only one game, right? It could be worse.”

  “Yeah,” said Seth. “But what sucks is I’m the reason we made it to the playoffs. I played like a beast this year, and I put up with a lot of bullshit from everyone over Avery and me. They caused me more problems, and I did them more favors. That’s for sure.”

  “Maybe Coach Carr will see the error of his ways and go easy on you.”

  “Yeah, well, Paul did tell me that a lot of the guys were upset, saying Coach was the one who went too far, and they don’t blame me. But the other half, the ones who I always have trouble with, they’ll never see it that way. One of them has been gunning for my position as team captain all season. I guess he’ll get one game of glory.”

  “That’s not fair,” I said.

  Seth smiled. “I appreciate that you care, but you have healing to do. Let’s change the subject and talk about something that’s not so upsetting to you.”

  “I got my toes painted,” I said, pointing to my feet.

  “Looks like she missed a couple of toes,” he said with a chuckle.

  Abi had stopped to leave Seth and me alone when he arrived, and she had left two of my toes unpainted. “Well, at least she left me the polish.”

  “Here,” said Seth. “I’ll paint them for you.” He took the bottle of polish and opened it. “I’m not going to make any promises, but at least they’ll be special, right?”

  “The most special toes ever.”

  Clara rolled her eyes. “You two are worse than Dillon and me. And on that note, I’m going to run home, feed my man, grab another change of clothes, and I’ll be right back up. You two behave and remember this isn’t a motel room, okay?”

  “Yes, Mom,” said Seth, who was having trouble keeping the polish where it needed to be.

  Clara shook her head but didn’t say another word as she left us there.

  “Now we’re all alone,” I said with an insinuating tone.

  “Oh no, you’re not getting me in trouble.” Seth put the last bit of polish on my toe and closed the polish. “Besides, you can’t mess up this work of art.”

  I glanced down to find he had done a fairly decent job, but now he had some polish on his own nail from correcting his mistakes.

  “You’re not going to be easy on me about this recovery, are you?”

  “Nope, not even a little. You’re just going to have to be okay with that.”

  I had never felt so loved.

  Chapter 22

  Seth

  The next day, I was looking forward to seeing Avery outside of the hospital. Seeing her lying in that bed made her look so tiny and frail, and I was used to my strong girl who was healthy and vibrant. As soon as I got the messages that she was home and settled in, I headed over. When I arrived just after noon time, I walked into the apartment to find Avery being a bad patient.

  “I’m not taking those pills,” she said with a commanding tone. “I hardly have any pain at all except for the one you’re giving me in my ass.”

  Clara was looming over her, shaking the pill bottle which rattled annoyingly. “That’s because you’re still on the dose the hospital gave you. When that wears off, you’re going to think I’m a pain in the ass even more.”

  “You don’t know everything. I’m just going to use a little ibuprofen, and I’ll be fine.” Avery was stubborn, and Clara was determined to make her listen.

  “I know more about being in and out of the hospital than you. You’re always telling me that I have to follow the doctor’s orders. So what’s good for me is good for you.” Clara wasn’t going to back down anytime soon, and I wished I’d taken my time instead of rushing over. It wasn’t like either had acknowledged me aside from yelling for me to come in.

  “I’m going to take something,” said Avery. “I can take four of these, and that’s prescription strength. It will be enough to do the job.” She held up the bottle of ibuprofen.

  “No, you’re not.” Clara tried to snatch them from her hand, but Avery pulled them away too fast.

  “See? My reflexes are still better than yours. I’m fine.”

  Clara made a sound of frustration. “You’re going to let too much wear off and be in a world of pain before you even realize it. You have to follow the doctor’s orders. That’s why he let you come home so early because he trusted you to do just that.”

  “I know my own body. My body, my choice.”

  “Not when it comes to this, it’s not. You don’t get it. You’re going to end up in extreme pain.”

  Avery finally turned her attention to me. “Seth, would you tell her she’s too protective?” She gave me a pleading look.

  Clara rol
led her eyes and shot daggers in my direction. “Tread carefully, Seth. I’m just starting to like you.”

  I hated being between them and decided I had to speak up and tell Avery how I felt about it. “Actually, I think she’s making sense, babe. I don’t want your hospital dose to wear off, and you regret it. You might suffer a lot before those pills kick in, and I don’t want that to happen. Let’s just do what the doctor said and take those the next few days.”

  Avery’s expression paled. “Whose side are you on?” She snatched the pills from Clara, who had let her guard down. “I’ll take these on one condition.”

  “Oh, I can’t wait to hear this,” said Clara, who plopped down in the chair beside her sister.

  “You’ve been with me for days, Clara. Why don’t you go home to Dillon? I’m fine, and Seth can stay here and take care of me, can’t you?” She gave me a look I couldn’t refuse, even if I wanted to, which I didn’t. But I didn’t think Clara was going to allow that to happen.

  I looked at Clara, who was shaking her head at her sister. “And you’ll take the meds? Just like Dr. Samson ordered? No arguing, and no giving him any trouble?”

  Avery rolled her eyes. “Yes, to the letter, and Seth will make sure of it, won’t you?”

  “Yes, because I think your sister is right this time.” I let out a sigh. “Look, Clara, I don’t mind really. I can stay with her tonight. It’s no problem.”

  “Oh, I bet you don’t mind, stud muffin. But if I let you stay here, you had better keep Mr. Wiener in your pants and keep your hands off of her. She’s supposed to take it easy.”

  “Clara! Oh my gosh. You did not just say that.” Avery turned red, clearly embarrassed.

  “You don’t have to worry,” I said. “I heard the doctor’s orders.” I held up my hands in defense.

  “Fine, I’m going home,” said Clara, gathering up her things. “She’s all yours. Hopefully, you can talk some sense into her. I miss my boyfriend anyway.”

  She stormed out and slammed the door behind her.

  “Okay, so I guess she’s pissed off.” Sister fights were not as sexy as I had imagined.

  Avery laughed. “She’ll get over it. That was just a sisterly spat. It happens.”

  “She’s just worried about you.”

  “No, she’s tired, and she needs to go back to her life. Just because she misses Dillon doesn’t mean she has to act like Madame Gestapo to me. I’m home now, and I would much rather have you stay with me anyway.” Avery gave me a sly grin. “Come sit with me.”

  She wasn’t getting off that easy. “After you take that pill.” I was going to hold her to the agreement and be a man of my word.

  She made a face. “Seriously? I only made that deal so Clara would leave.”

  “And I gave my word too. You promised me as well, or did you forget?”

  “Dammit,” she said, knowing I had her by her word.

  “Take the pills.”

  She pulled the covers from the back of the couch over her feet. “Fine. Will you get me a drink of water?”

  “Sure,” I said, walking to the kitchen. “I hope you’re not going to give me the same trouble you gave your sister.” I opened the door to the fridge and found several cold bottles of water on the top shelf.

  “I’ll be good.” She didn’t sound too enthusiastic about it.

  “Good. I don’t want to have to give you a spanking.” I grinned and earned a laugh, which was good to hear again.

  “In that case, maybe I will. A spanking would be nice. I’m due some excitement.” She stretched out on the couch as I walked over to hand her the bottle.

  “Nah, I wouldn’t waste my time. I don’t think that spankings are on the doctor’s list, and I doubt it would do any good.” I picked up the pills and read the bottle. She was supposed to take them with food. “See, it says here that you can’t operate heavy machinery.”

  She laughed. “Well, you are built like a tank, but I don’t think that’s what that means.”

  “No. It’s not happening.”

  “What about making out?”

  “Hm.” That was a good idea, but if we did mess around, I would have to get off somehow. “I don’t need blue balls to add to my problems.”

  “As if.” She sighed and surprisingly changed the subject. “Did you talk to your coach?”

  “He’s still not talking to me. I guess I deserve it. He’s making me wait to find out my fate.” I had tried calling him and even went to his house, but he didn’t come to the door.

  I had really screwed up, and while he was an ass, he didn’t deserve to be hit. I owed him an apology for my part but wouldn’t hold my breath for him to apologize for his.

  “Since you have to take this with food, I’ll make you something for dinner if you want,” I said. “Or we can call out for something.”

  “Takeout from Merskys would be good. Or a pizza from DeAngelo’s.” She held her stomach. “I just want normal food. Something hot with a lot of flavors.”

  “Well, the pizza would be here a lot faster, and since you have to hurry up and take this, DeAngelo’s, it is.”

  “Mmm. You know how I like it.”

  “Yes, I do.” Her tone implied she was referring to more than the pizza.

  She gave me a smoldering look and held out her hand. “Come lay with me. I’ve missed us being close. Haven’t you?”

  “You have no idea how much I miss being close to you.”

  “Show me.”

  “Let me order this, and we’ll lay down and watch a movie.” I had a feeling she was going to keep on pushing for more than my company.

  Her eyes brightened. “And make out?”

  I chuckled because I’d been right. “Maybe. If you promise to be good.” She was a horrible patient for me as well.

  “Oh, I promise to be very good.”

  I loved the way she liked to play and tease, but I didn’t want to be that guy and take advantage just because I could.

  After the pizza showed up, we ate, and I made sure she took her afternoon dose of meds. I turned out the lights and put on a movie, and we snuggled on the couch. I was extremely careful about how she was lying. “Are you comfortable?” I asked.

  “Yes, this is the most comfortable couch in the world. I like that we can both stretch out side by side.”

  “It is pretty nice.” I had to agree. I might have to convince her I should sleep there if she didn’t behave.

  “My dad let me and Clara pick it out when he got us this place. We went to the furniture store and laid on it for half an hour before we bought it. Neither of us wanted to get up.”

  I liked hearing stories about her and Clara. The two were alike in a lot of ways but different in others, and it reminded me of Bryan and me. Nostalgia was always nice, and I was reminded of him and me as kids.

  “Bryan and I used to sleep on the couch after watching horror movies. It was a lot closer to my parents’ room, and we could sleep on opposite ends, and our feet didn’t even touch. He hit a growth spurt before me, and that ruined everything.”

  “I want to see photos of you when you were little,” she said. “I could put one in my coffee table next to mine.”

  I had seen a couple of hers. “You were a much cuter kid than me. I was not as blessed as a child.”

  “I don’t believe that,” she said.

  “Seriously, I had a buzz cut. This mug with a buzz? I was mean-mugging for days after that.”

  “Oh, I bet.” She turned into me and put her arm around me. “Kiss me.”

  I didn’t need another invitation. I moved in close, and our lips met in a sweet kiss that had her moving on top of me.

  “Avery, don’t start something we can’t finish.”

  “I’m not. I’m perfectly willing to finish.” She reached down and pushed my shirt up. “Take it off?”

  I accommodated, pulling it over my head. But as I tossed it to the floor, she did the same, removing her top to reveal a white lacy bra.

  “I p
romised I’d behave,” I said. “And you heard what the doctor said. Nothing strenuous. Let’s wait until you heal.”

  “I can’t think of better medicine,” she said. “I know I’m feeling much better already.” She captured my mouth before I could protest again, and she reached to undo my jeans. “Take these off too.”

  “Avery, we have time.”

  She moved up to straddle my hips. “Come on. I’ll be on top, and you won’t hurt me. I’ll take it easy. I promise.”

  I decided it might be time for another compromise. “Fine, but we should go to your bed.”

  “Now you’re talking,” she said as she got to her feet. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too.” I got up and took her hand, but before she could take the first step, I pulled her close and kissed her, lifting her off her feet. She let out a little yelp of surprise and giggled as I brought her to the bedroom and placed her gently on her bed. “Now you let me take care of you.”

  “Mmm,” she said, her legs scissoring. “I like the sound of that.”

  I reached to slip down her shorts and found her panties matched her bra. She looked so hot, I wanted to leave them on her for a while, but she hooked her fingers in the elastic and pulled them down to her knees. Even hotter.

  “Now it’s your turn.”

  “I’m a man of my word,” I said. “Close your eyes and relax.” I pulled her panties off and put them aside. Her sex glistened, and I wasted no time kissing her knee and working my way up her thigh.

  She made a little sound of pleasure and let out a heavy pant as I kissed her soft mound and parted her folds with my fingers, feeling her desire for me slicken my fingers.

  “You are ready, aren’t you?” She was so tempting, but I had promised to keep my dick in my pants, and while the old me would gladly go back on my word, I felt a deep need to prove myself worthy of her and worthy of Clara’s trust.

  I tended to her needs, licking her sweet pussy as I reached up and caressed her nipples, now and then giving them a tug which made her moan louder.

  I didn’t penetrate her right away and let the need build, and by the time I inserted a finger, she was sopping wet. It made me ache more to be inside of her, to be buried balls deep and fucking her well.