Neutral Zone Trap - Bianca Sommerland Page 0,54
When Casey held out her hand to shake his, he bent down to her level like Scott had. He didn’t know much about kids, but it seemed reasonable not to tower over them when welcoming them into your home. “I hope you like pizza and soda? I also made brownies for dessert. Braxton’s still building up his appetite, so I really don’t want them to go to waste.”
Giving him a serious look, Casey nodded. “You can count on me, Mister Detective.”
“You can call me Ryan.” Ryan motioned everyone into the living room. “Does anyone want some root beer? I’ll call for the pizza now. I wasn’t expecting you for another twenty minutes, so the timing’s a bit off. Excuse the mess.”
Luke gave him a dry look as everyone accepted the offer. He sat on one of the two armchairs, grunting when Casey jumped up onto his lap. “This place is practically spotless. Don’t be all stiff and proper. We came as soon as we could because we wanted to see how Braxton’s doing.” His gaze met Braxton’s. “That was a close one. I wish you’d told us you weren’t feeling good sooner.”
Moving his feet as Tyler sat on the sofa while giving him a concerned look, Braxton shook his head. “Honestly, I thought it was game nerves. Or maybe that I was catching a cold. It hit me hard out of nowhere. I promise, I’d’ve told you.”
“From what I’ve read about meningitis, it’s a good thing you got to the hospital so fast. The team doctor’s have been keeping a close eye on everyone. Oriana sent her son to stay with Silver for a few days, she was so worried.” Tyler rubbed his hands over his jean clad thighs, his brow furrowed. “It’s not too soon for us to visit, is it?”
Braxton shook his head. “No, the doctor said I’m not contagious anymore—he’s not sure I ever was, but they wanted to be careful.” He eyed Casey, who’d taken over the remote and put a cartoon on Netflix, while apparently explaining the entire plot to Luke. “You can’t be that worried, or you wouldn’t have brought her?”
“No, and she’s had all her vaccines. Oriana said some weren’t as common when we were younger, which might be why you were vulnerable.” Scott took the other armchair, closest to Braxton, then leaned forward to squeeze his shoulder. “I’m damn happy you pulled through, kid. But I know you. I get you’ll worry about keeping your spot, but there’s a bunch of dick rookies they keep sending up that no one wants around. You’ve got nothing to worry about. Take your time and make an awesome comeback next season.”
For a second, Braxton’s gaze went to Ryan. When he inclined his head, Braxton exhaled slowly. “That’s the plan. I was given a choice to try to make it back sooner, but if I take the whole summer to get back in top shape, it’s less likely I’ll have setbacks. I want to have a long career and rushing things...yeah, definitely won’t help.”
“Good.” Luke glanced over at Ryan as he came back from the kitchen once he’d ordered the pizza and gotten everyone’s drinks. “Speaking of ‘rushing things’, you two are living together now? Word is you went and picked up most of Braxton’s stuff from his place.”
Protective, much?
It would be easy to get defensive, but Ryan wanted this for Braxton. People who cared enough to check up on him. To make sure he was being treated well. After avoiding Braxton for so long, Ryan had earned the wary scrutiny. Rather than push back against it, he’d welcome it. Earn the trust of the people who mattered in Braxton’s life.
Ryan set the drinks on the coffee table, lips curving as Casey grabbed hers and Luke moved fast to keep her from spilling it all over both of them. “I did. Braxton is keeping his name on the lease for at least another three months so his options are open. But I want this to feel like home for him in every way possible, no matter how long he decides to stay.”
“I’m not leaving.” Braxton rested his head on the arm of the sofa, a smile tugging at his lips when Ryan lifted him up to put a thick cushion there. “I’ve been spoiled rotten.”
“You should be. You’re a great guy, Braxton.” Tyler’s expression softened as he looked between Ryan and his teammate. “Laura’s always bragging about how awesome her brother is. I didn’t see it