Page 31

CHAPTER

THIRTY

FORD

We lost our game against San Fran last night, but it felt like a small win. Thomas played well on first line. I think we just need more time. We need to build the chemistry and rapport that makes a seamless line. But the way he played last night gave me hope.

Our game tomorrow is in Sacramento, against the Fire Cats. The flight was so short we already took our pre-game naps and had some time to kill. Colby somehow got me, West, and even Mitch to go with him to a local shopping center. The pretty outdoor shopping area that reminds me of the one Amber likes back home, but this one has palm trees everywhere, and the buildings are stucco. It’s all very California .

While Amber is on my mind, I pull up my phone and shoot her a text.

Ford

Hey, what are you upto?

Amber

I’m bored out of my mind .

I smile down at my phone. Amber is not one to sit around and rest. She’s always enjoyed being busy, especially doing something creative. I bet she misses working.

Ford

Sorry you’re bored. Wish I was home to watch some Bob Ross with you.

Amber

Remember when we tried to paint like him?

Ford

I remember my “painting” being mostly happy little birds. Aka mistakes.

Amber

Well, at least you’re good at hockey.

Amber

I miss you.

My heart stutters, instantly delighted she misses me too. I take a deep breath and remind myself she’s told me that before, and it didn’t mean anything romantic.

Ford

I miss you too, Ambs.

While I’m thinking of her, I tap on my Google app and order a dozen Pink Piano roses for her from a shop in Virginia. I even pay the extra fee to have them delivered today. I just want her to know that I wish I was there with her, so that’s exactly what I request the card to say. Hopefully it sounds friendly, and not like I’m in love with you.

“What’s got you smiling like that, Remy?” Colby asks as the four of us come to a stop in front of a vending machine.

We all look stupid with our ball caps and sunglasses, an attempt to conceal our identities and be left alone. Being hockey players, we’re not always recognized—unless we’re in Canada. Hockey isn’t as big in the states as football or baseball, but you never know when fans will pop up, and today we just want to hang out and enjoy our privacy.

“Just thinking about my wife,” I answer honestly.

Colby whistles, West claps me on the back, and Mitch tries to hide his grin.

I surge ahead, not wanting to invite anymore questions. The guys pick up their pace and catch up with me quickly. We already went into a few of the shops, West got Mel a California t-shirt, and Mitch bought some new headphones. The excursion up to now has been uneventful, until we pass a shop with a black door and a glittery doorknob. West stops right in front of the shiny door, the rest of us almost colliding into him from his sudden halt.

Looking up, I see the shiny black sign above the door says Naughty Nothings . I huff a laugh and make to start walking again.

“Wait, I wanna stop in here,” West says from behind me.

I turn to see him staring at the window display where two mannequins are posed in lacey pink lingerie.

Colby stares into the shop, rubbing his palms together. “Oh yeah! I want to get Noel something for our honeymoon.”

West opens the door to the shop. “Come on guys.”

“Um, no thanks, I’m good,” I say, pulling on the brim of my hat just for something to do with my hands. Thank goodness my face is disguised by these sunglasses, because I’m certainly as red as a tomato right now.

“You don’t want to look for something for Amber? She’d love it! Women like when they know we’re thinking about them, especially when we’re away,” West says, smirking. “Don’t be shy. We’re grown adults, Remy.”

I glance over at Mitch, whose been quiet this entire time. I’m hoping he’ll side with me. Colby and West head into the shop, leaving me and Mitch behind.

Finally, Mitch shrugs a shoulder and takes a step toward the door.

“Really?” I ask, feeling unamused.

“I’m getting married in a few weeks. I like the idea seeing my girl in lingerie as much as the next guy. Sue me.” With that, he walks inside Naughty Nothings, leaving me staring at the sparkly door handle.

I close my eyes and grit my teeth. If I don’t go in and shop, they’ll think it’s weird. I’m supposedly a frisky newlywed after all. But if I do go inside the store, I’ll be awkward and embarrassed, and then they’ll wonder why I’m so shy about buying lingerie for my wife.

I’m damned if I do, damned if I don’t.

With an exaggerated groan, I yank open the stupid shiny door and step inside.

Looking around the place, the first thing I notice is that everything is pink, black, glittery…or all three. The floors, the walls, the light fixtures. It’s overwhelming to my senses, but I continue walking to catch up to the guys. They’re shopping with purpose, eyeing the delicate lace ensembles, and waggling their eyebrows. Except Mitch. He’s separated from the pack and is shopping alone. Typical.

Colby looks up from where he’s holding a pair of underwear that’s basically just a string. “You look lost, Remy. Don’t worry, I’ll help.”

Before I can refuse, he drops the panties and drapes an arm around my shoulders. “All right, what’s Amber’s favorite color? That’s a good place to start.”

“Um,” I stutter. “Pink, but…”

“Ahh, so she likes pink, but you prefer her in a different color? ”

I squeeze my eyes shut, not knowing how to answer.

“So, what’s your favorite color?” he asks, putting his arm around me to steer me around the shop.

“Red,” I say, then decide that sounds too made up since it’s our team color. “Black.”

“Ahh,” he muses. “A simple man. Black is a classic choice, my guy.” He ushers me to a section of black silk.

One garment catches my eyes immediately, smooth black silk trimmed in ornate, white lace. The very deep v at the front is lined with the same white lace, and the edges of the bottom too. It looks so silky, and before I can stop myself, I reach up and glide one hand over the fabric. My rough hand, calloused from lifting weights doesn’t even snag on the fabric. It’s as soft as Amber’s skin, and the vision of her wearing this sexy yet sophisticated little number has my blood boiling. I can feel the heat all the way from my toes to my face.

I sense Colby’s stare and glance over to find him smirking at me, arching one eyebrow. “Yep, I think you found the one, Captain.”

Trying not to be humiliated about blushing like a schoolboy in the middle of a lingerie store, I roll my eyes at him. But I also grab the nightie off the rack and head to the check-out counter before the guys coerce me into looking at anything else.

I tell myself I’m buying the negligee to be a good actor. To show the guys this marriage is real, and to pretend like I will totally see my wife in this tiny scrap of fabric. But deep, deep down, there’s that fantasy of some miracle happening, getting to see it come true.

The girl at the front desk asks if I found everything okay. I try—and fail—not to blush again. After I pay, she wraps the nightie in pink tissue paper then slides it inside a black shiny bag. With the bag in hand, I high-tail it out of the store and inhale a deep breath as soon as the fresh air hits my face. Winter in California isn’t that cold, but the cool breeze still calms the wild blush that was burning me alive.

Looking down, I remember the bag in my hand and my head swivels to take in my surroundings. What if someone recognizes me and I’m photographed with a Naughty Nothings bag? I drag a hand down my face, the one that’s not clutching a bag that contains a lifetime of fantasies.

“Damn it,” I growl to myself.

“You okay, Remy?” West is outside now, his sudden presence startling me. “Sorry man, didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

I attempt an easy smile, but surprise, it’s not easy. Instead, I calmly stick my hand in my jeans pocket and feel that familiar cool coin. The one that soothes me but makes me feel childish and stupid. Because I shouldn’t need it. A comment Amber made years ago pops into my head, and I smile, my shoulders relaxing just an inch. We were in the hallway at school, and I admitted that I thought it was dumb I needed the coin, and she didn’t even pause before reminding me that grown adults keep rubber ducks in their vehicles. I bite the insides of my cheeks to keep from laughing.

Feeling more myself now, I glance over at West, who’s staring at me with concern. He’s holding his own Naughty Nothings bag. Actually…make that several bags. This is the bad thing about teammates. We know each other a little too well for my comfort.

My eyes snap back up to his face, and he grins.

“That was a great stop. I see you found something too.” He winks.

“Yep. Can we go now? I’m done shopping.”

West just chuckles.

A second later, Mitch and Colby join us. I don’t look to see how many bags they’re holding. That’s information I do not need to know.

“Well guys,” Mitch starts, his voice laced with amusement. “Our captain has everything he needs now, and he’s ready to go.”

“Ready to go back to our hotel…or back home to Amber?” Colby teases.

Mitch smirks and I narrow my eyes at him. He’s going rogue today, apparently.

Giving up on my teammates being mature, I stride ahead of them, relishing the silence. The truth is, I’d give anything to leave California right now and head back to Amber. To hug her, to sleep beside her.

And yeah, to see her in that little nightgown. Which I likely never will.