Page 25 of Offside Play (Love The Game #1)
Jude
H arvey looked around the dressing room, a satisfied smile on his face.
“Good work today, lads. First training session after the break, and you were sharp and focused. You worked together as a team.”
“And we’re all at full fitness,” Jordan called. Another player, Reuben, cuffed him around the back of the head.
“Don’t jinx us, dickhead.”
Jordan just grinned at him, and Harvey sighed, pinching his brow. “See you all on Wednesday.”
When he’d gone, I unlaced my football boots, toeing them off and flexing my feet.
Grabbing my phone from my cubby, I took a seat on the bench, leaning back against the wall, and scrolled through my messages.
Rory’s was first—he’d wished me luck in my first training session after my injury, and I tapped out a quick reply to say it had gone well.
Another message came through almost immediately.
Rory:
Glad to hear it. Check your email. I’ve sent some house listings for you to look through. It would be helpful if you knew what you wanted
I grinned.
Me:
Thanks Rory. I can’t picture the house I want but I’ll know it when I see it
Rory:
That helps me to narrow it down
Me:
I’m sensing sarcasm. Seriously though, you don’t have to house hunt on my behalf. I appreciate you doing it but don’t feel like you have to. I can do it
Rory:
It’s no problem. I don’t want you to worry about it. You’ve got a lot on your plate to deal with, and if I can help to ease some of that for you, I will
Me:
I don’t say it enough, but you’re the best agent ever
Rory:
I know
Me:
You’re a modest man
Rory:
Ha. Tell Jordan to check his email
Me:
I keep forgetting he’s one of your clients. I’ll tell him now
Exiting out of the chat, I rose to my feet, padding across the dressing room to Jordan’s cubby. He was sprawled on the benches, still in his training gear, earbuds in and his eyes closed.
“Jordan.”
His eyes flew open, and he pulled one of his earbuds from his ear, shooting me a curious look. “What’s up?”
“Rory said to check your email.”
He lifted his phone from the bench next to him, his lips curving upwards as he scrolled through his email.
“Fuck, yeah! They’ve extended my underwear deal.
I need to tell Theo.” Jumping to his feet, he shot towards the showers, skidding to a halt when he reached the doorway. “Hey. Jude. Good job today.”
“Thanks.” I bit down on my lip, weirdly shy.
The manager had said pretty much the same thing, but for some reason, it felt even more meaningful to hear the praise from one of my new teammates.
I’d been so fucking nervous before the training session, knowing I was the newbie, and I needed to prove myself with these guys I’d only ever played against in other matches.
But everyone had been friendly and welcoming, and the whole session had gone smoothly.
I just hoped I could continue to do them proud.
There was one person I wanted to share my feelings with. One person who I’d been in constant contact with since I’d left Canada. One person, who was so far away, who hadn’t said yes to a visit to England.
Collapsing back onto the bench, I rubbed at my chest. I missed Cody, so fucking much. Texting him and even calling him wasn’t enough. I needed to see him in person, to touch him, to taste him, to have him look at me like I was the only thing he saw.
But I couldn’t.
Unlocking my phone, I opened my messages and sent him a text. He probably wouldn’t get it for a while—it was morning here, and he was seven hours behind me, so he’d be asleep right now. But this way, he could have it when he woke up.
Me:
You asked me to let you know how my first training session went. It was great. No problems with my hamstring, and my teammates were really welcoming
I’d only just placed my phone down when it buzzed, Cody’s name flashing up on my screen.
Cody:
I’m glad. Not surprised your teammates liked you. Told you that you were likeable
Me:
What are you doing up? It’s 4:30 in the morning
Cody:
Couldn’t sleep. Too much on my mind
Fuck. I could picture him lying in his bed, all alone, his brow furrowed and his body all stiff and tense.
Me:
Anything you want to talk about?
Cody:
My agent asked me what I wanted to do about my contract. Whether I wanted to stay at Calgary or negotiate a new deal with another team. I have a lot to think about. I don’t even know if anyone will want me
I want you .
Me:
Any team would be lucky to have you. And of course they’ll want you. You’re Cody fucking Clements, NHL superstar
Cody:
I wish I could see myself the way you see me
Me:
You’re talented and special, and I’m not just saying this because I’m into you. It’s because it’s true
Cody:
You’re into me, huh?
Me:
Like this is a surprise. You’re into me too
Cody:
Maybe
Me:
Cody. I miss you
It wasn’t something I said often, because I didn’t want it to seem like I was trying to guilt-trip him into flying here to see me, but it was the truth. Every part of me missed him. It was an ache that never went away.
Another message came through. No words. Just a screenshot.
A screenshot that showed a flight booking.