Page 39 of Season's Schemings
“Nope.” She grins. “Coz I’m picking the movie. And you’d best believe it’s gonna be one of Hallmark’s very best.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less. But there had better be a big city girl who is desperate to change her ways after visiting a small town for the holidays and meeting the local lumberjack, or I’m going to revolt.”
She rolls her eyes with a smile. “Dur, that’s all of them. You’re safe.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” We’re in the staff parking area now, her Jetta parked a few vehicles down from my Volvo.
“You’ll love it. See you at home, Seb.”
“Actually… you wanna ride with me?” I ask on a whim. “That car of yours sounds like it’s smoked six packs a day for the past few decades.”
“It’s not that bad!” she exclaims. But then, she casts a side glance at her rustbucket and gives a resigned tilt of her head. “Erm, okay. It was making some worrisome noises as I pulled in here today. Should probably get it looked at. And besides, I’m dying to know if your car is as neat as your bedr… uhh, apartment.”
Even in the dim lighting of the underground garage, I can make out Maddie’s latest shade of tomato-red blush. And I can’t stop my eyebrows from popping up.
She was in my bedroom?
I don’t know why… but instead of making my well-honed stalker alarm bell go off, this thought makes my heart pound. In a good way.
“It’s spotless. Like my bedr-apartment,” I tell her evenly. “Get ready to take notes,missy.”
“Nah, I’m just gonna tinker with everything so that it’s allslightlyout of place the next time you get in your vehicle.”
“You wouldn’t dare!” I reach for her, but she darts around the car and jumps into the passenger side, cackling like a… well, like a madwoman. My madwoman.
I climb into the driver’s seat, laughing along with her. And as I start my car, it occurs to me how new and cozy this is—driving home with the wifey.
How domesticated of us.
As we drive out of the parking garage, Maddie kicks off her shoes and tucks her legs up under her. “So, tell me about this toy drive.”
“Oh, right.” I meant to tell Maddie about this days ago, but the whole orbiting thing got in the way. “The team does something like this every Christmas. Last year, it was caroling in the children’s hospital. Which was a terrible idea, trust me. Not one of us could sing a single note in tune.” Maddie starts to laugh and I shake my head. “Seriously. Two kids cried.”
“Oh my gosh,” she hiccups. “That is both hilarious and terrible all at once.”
“We will not be doing that one again, believe me. The year before that—before I was a Cyclone—the guys handed out presents alongside Santa at a few different malls. I think that one went over better, but it sounds like Triple J got a little carried away and ended up upside down in Santa’s sleigh.” I grin at her. “It’s a nice concept though, a chance for even the toughest hockey players to show off their sweeter sides.”
Maddie nods sagely. “A little birdie once told me that I shouldn’t judge hockey players by their covers.”
“Hmm.” I drum my fingers on the steering wheel. “That birdie sounds incredibly wise and also incredibly smart.”
“I also heard that you were the one to come up with this year’s idea. A children’s toy drive is very sweet.”
I lift my shoulders in a nonchalant shrug. “Guess I was the one to pitch it, but the guys all voted to do it.”
“It’s a great idea.”
“I guess I want to make sure that kids whose families don’t have much still get everything they want for Christmas.”
“That’s really kind of you, Seb. Thoughtful.”
“Not really,” I respond, a little uncomfortable with being complimented for something so nominal. “I grew up pretty poor. My parents worked hard and made a lot of sacrifices so that I could play hockey. And I guess I don’t want other parents to have to make huge sacrifices to see their kids happy on Christmas morning.”
“Definitely sweet,” she responds. “It’s lovely that you’re doing something to honor what your parents did for you.”
The lights of downtown Atlanta sparkle all around us as I turn onto the road where my apartment complex is located—it’s only minutes from the arena. But I’m lost in my memories as Maddie’s words sink in. “I never really thought of it that way.”
“I did,” Maddie replies. She waits a beat. “Are you close with your family?”