It swung open, a familiar figure filling the opening. “You’d think a guy who got a second chance at life would sound a little happier. Joyful, even.”
The scowl pointed in Linc’s direction only deepened. “You try being stuck in bed for almost a month and having every member of your family hovering over your every waking move.”
Linc’s lips twitched as he crossed to the chair positioned near my bed. “Well, you did rip a hole right through your chest. It makes sense they’re worried about you. Because, for some reason, they love your surly ass.”
He had a point, and I grumbled as much under my breath.
Linc chuckled as he sat. “Plane’s fueled and ready to take you guys to Seattle. I also conveniently left dossiers on five different locations for The Mix Up’s Seattle location.”
God, I was lucky to have him as a boss and a friend. “You know you didn’t have to do that.”
Linc arched a brow. “I’m not an idiot. I know a good business opportunity when I see one. And I’ve tasted Sutton’s baked goods. I’ll take her nationwide if she wants.”
I had no doubt. Linc’s business mind was unparalleled, but I only cared about Sutton and Luca beinghappy. They were making a big sacrifice, spending most of the year in Seattle with me so I could try to get back on the ice.
Sutton and I had gone around and around about whether it was a good idea or not. But I finally realized that I didn’t want things to end like this. I wanted a chance to finish what I’d started, which was reclaiming hockey as something that brought me joy.
“I might not be able to get it back,” I said quietly, finally voicing the fear that was swimming inside me.
Linc leaned forward, his gold watch glinting at his wrist, so incongruous with his hiking boots, jeans, and worn tee. “All we can do is give it our best shot. I’ve got the top rehab team in the Pacific Northwest ready to see you on Monday.”
I nodded, my back teeth grinding together. “I’m ready toreallymove. And I don’t mean these stupid walks down the driveway and back.”
“I bet,” Linc said. “Kye might’ve sent some colorful texts about having to help you to the bathroom those first few days at home.”
My scowl was back. “I’m going to kill him.”
Linc chuckled. “No better motivation than kicking a sibling’s ass.”
“Truer words have never been spoken.” I shifted on the pillows, still feeling a slight stab of pain as I did. “What are you doing here anyway? You didn’t have to escort us back to Seattle.”
Linc leaned back in his chair. “I actually got in yesterday. Came to look at some properties and meet with Shep.”
My brows rose in surprise. “You’re thinking about building here?”
“There’s something about the landscape. Those gold rockformations and imposing peaks. Felt like it might be somewhere good to have a spot.”
I guessed I shouldn’t have been all that surprised. Linc might be drowning in billions, but he was also a nature lover at heart, opting for an estate outside the city instead of some high-rise penthouse.
“You know you can stay here if you want,” I offered. “It’d be a hell of a lot better than finding a rental while you’re getting started on construction.”
“I might take you up on that,” Linc said.
“I just need to give Arden a heads-up since she looks out for things while I’m gone.”
He winced. “Heads-up might be a good idea since she almost killed me at our last little run-in.”
“She wha—?” My words were cut off by Sutton entering the room with a tray in hand.
“Time for lunch and meds before we head out.”
God, she was beautiful. Those turquoise eyes never dimmed their shine, no matter how surly I got over my recovery. She and Luca had stuck by my side every second of the process. And I’d lost count of the number of times I’d seenMighty Ducks.
Linc pushed to his feet. “I’ll leave you to it, but I’ll be downstairs if you guys need any help with the bags.”
Sutton set the tray on the bed and moved to Linc, kissing his cheek. “Thank you for everything.”
“Always here for whatever you need,” he assured her, heading out.
