Page 121 of Hockey Boy
“Cam needs to slow down and give Keegan a second to catch his bearings,” War notes from beside me. We both watch, arms crossed and assessing, as the guys continue running drills over and over before my brother calls in the next group and heads their way.
“I was thinking we should have a team dinner soon,” War says without taking his focus off the ice.
I can’t help but study him for a few seconds and really take in his posture.
Over the last few months, the right winger has changed in big ways. Becoming captain has settled him, making it clear that Gavin made the right decision by giving War the title. Though I do miss my aggressive winger every once in a while, his level-headedness has the potential to be a stronger asset for us this season than any of his fights have been in the past. Even if he instigated them to protect me or Hall.
I lift my chin. “Sounds like a plan. You going to do it at your place?”
“Fuck no. That’s my sanctuary,” he mumbles. “Team dinner, your place.” He turns and levels me with a commanding stare.
I merely grin. “It’ll be tight, but I’m sure we can make it work.”
War groans. “Fuck. Coach will probably suggest we do it as his place because it’s bigger, and don’t get me wrong, I love your brother, but we should do it somewhere that isn’t littered with baby toys.”
That’s an apt description of Gavin’s place. For years and years, he was the bachelor of all bachelors. Now, his apartment is all baby toys and feminine touches.
“We could set something up in the common area. Or Ground Zero?”
War’s eyes light up. “Common area. We can make it a potluck. Everyone brings a dish.”
Before we can hammer out details, Gavin calls us out for one-on-one drills, and then I lose myself in my second favorite thing: hockey.
Practice was grueling. Though I had no trouble assessing my teammates’ strengths and weaknesses, I couldn’t put my finger on what was slowing me down today. Gavin promised/threatened me with additional time on the ice tomorrow so I’d be prepared for our next game.
Brooks offered to join me.
The idea of getting out on the ice with my brothers lit me up inside. I was tempted to text Beckett and ask him to join like the old days, but he’d only remind me that a family skate isn’t what I need, even if it sounds like a blast. When the Hanson brothers are in town, Gavin and Beckett get together with them for morning skates. It’s an activity I wish I could be part of, but risking injury for a pickup game would be unwise.
I shake off the disappointment that plagues me when I think about it. I play with Brooks every damn day. That should be enough to satisfy me.
“Honey, I’m home,” I say, imitating Ricky Ricardo as I step into our apartment.
The smell of sugar and fried dough instantly hits me, and the tension from practice begins to melt from my body. The apartment is bathed in a warm glow from electric candles set up on every surface. The television is on, but it’s paused on the opening credits to a movie. The couch has been pushed to the side and in its place is a cozy pillow fort. There’s a sheet draped over a few chairs, with Christmas lights strung beneath it. On the floor below is a pile of blankets and what looks like every pillow in the apartment.
“Lex,” I call out, my heart thumping against my chest.
The surprise itself lifts me up, but the overwhelming calm that settles over me even when I step into our home is because of Lennox.
She gives me a peace that can’t be replicated—there is nothing, including hockey, that settles me the way she does.
I drop my bags at the door and saunter inside.
“Hey, Hockey Boy.” Lennox’s sweet, teasing tone eases another ache inside me.
Warmth starts in my chest and works its way through me as I take in the hypnotizing sway of her hips as she peeks at me from where she’s bent over with her head in the fridge. Black spandex molds to her curves, making my mouth water. As she straightens and then finally turns to face me, my grin only grows.
“C’mere, baby,” I mumble, holding out my arms.
She doesn’t make me wait. In a heartbeat, she presses her soft body against mine and wraps me in a strong hug. No one hugs like Lennox. She puts her whole self into it. Her breasts press against my chest, and her heart beats against mine, matching its rhythm. Her warm breath ghosts against my neck as she sighs, like the embrace is just as comforting for her. Head tilted back, she kisses my chin. “Missed you.”
Fuck, coming home to this woman is the greatest thing in the world.
Every worry, every concern, every ounce of stress, evaporates when she’s in my arms.
Makes me wonder if she’s all I needed all these years. If she could cure my darkness…
“How did your meeting with Liv go?”