Page 12

12

Elias

I shove my stuff into my locker and glance around the room, taking in the solemn faces. Dammit, it’s a game we should have won, but Dallas pulled their goalie during the last play and scored, leading to overtime and their win. The mood is somber, and Coach comes in to talk to us, telling us all to go get a good night’s sleep before we’re off to Nashville.

Grabbing a towel, I make my way to the shower and step under the spray. Kalen turns on the water next to me. “Tough one,” he mumbles. “We’ll kill it in Nashville.”

He’s been much happier now that he has Sahara, even when we lose a game. Granted, I’m happier when I’m with Taylor too, and maybe tonight’s bad mood isn’t entirely about our loss. When it comes right down to it, the team played well, and even our rookies kicked ass out there.

So what’s the bad mood about then, dude?

Fuck off.

“Grab a drink and something to eat back at the hotel?” Kalen asks.

I nod and dunk my head under the water, scrubbing my face and hair. Roman snags the shower next to me.

“How’s Taylor?” he asks, a smirk on his face.

At the exact same time, Kalen and I say, “Fuck off, Roman.”

I glance at Kalen and we both laugh, which helps lighten my mood tremendously. “I really appreciate you letting her stay at your place while I get the dance studio finished.” He does air quotes around the words dance studio, because we all know he’s building his fiancée a special room just for her, and it’s a huge surprise.

My new place is in shambles, and I have more rooms than I know what to do with. Would Taylor like a special room for herself? Even when this is over, that doesn’t mean we won’t be friends and I told her my place is her place. I expect her to come over and crash whenever she needs a place to stay.

“Taylor is still going to Easton’s wedding extravaganza in Vegas?” Roman asks.

“Yeah,” I mumble.

He gives a whistle. “You two must have really fooled your family, Elias.”

“Yeah, we did a good job of pretending.” I put extra emphasis on the word pretending, for Kalen’s sake.

“Heard from my mom,” Roman tells me.

“Oh, yeah?”

“Apparently, she was talking to your mom and they all loved Taylor. Couldn’t stop talking about her.”

“She’s a great actress,” I tell him.

“She must be.” I glance at Roman and I swear to fucking God if he doesn’t stop grinning, I’m going to drown him. He rubs his hands together. “I heard there were going to be some hot bridesmaids at the wedding. Can’t wait to check them out. Too bad you’re running a ruse and can’t play my wingman.”

“Yeah, too bad.” Not that I’d ever play the rookie’s wingman. Not that he needs me. I almost snort out loud. He has no problem with the women at all. I just hope he never gets screwed over the way Ash and I have.

After Kalen turns off his shower, knots a towel around his waist, and heads back to the change room, Theo Wagner, who I can’t fucking stand, steps in behind him. “I need to snag myself an invite to this wedding. Can you hook me up, Roman? I’ll be your wingman.”

“No can do. It’s a private event.” Even Roman, the well-known player, understands Theo is the world’s biggest dick. Both Jesse Campbell and Tanner Bang warned us about him when they all came here from the Scotia Storms college team. I’m not a spiteful guy, but I’m looking forward to the day he’s traded, and I hope it’s soon.

Theo laughs. “Come on, we can all crush pussy together.”

Fuck, I wouldn’t put it past the guy to crash the party. I grip the faucet handle to stop myself from doing something that could get me kicked off the team.

“Don’t talk about women like that,” I manage through gritted teeth. I heard a few murmurs that he was going to be traded and I can only hope that’s true. Even though he’s a good player, it would be better for the team as a whole if he were.

“What, you sweet on one of them?” he asks as he lathers up.

“No man, he’s got a plus one,” Roman says and I glare at him. He winces and then shuts the fuck up.

“About time he got out there and got his dick wet again.”

“Dude, cool it. His plus one is Taylor Coolidge. She’s helping a guy out.”

“You’re fucking kidding me? You can’t get your own girl? Poaching on a player’s kid sister. Although she is fucking hot. But hey, I thought you were a rule follower.” He laughs and it grates on my last fucking nerve. “But I guess when it comes to hot, young pussy…”

I pound my hand against the shower stall, and Theo jumps back. I’d like nothing more than to give the guy a beating, but then I’d be suspended and he’s really not worth it.

“Talk about her again and I’ll fucking mess you up.” I point to him. “I don’t ever want to hear you say her name.”

“Let’s go,” Roman says quickly and grabs his towel. We leave the shower and Roman gives me an apologetic look. “Sorry about that. Sometimes I engage my mouth before my brain.”

I put my hand on the back of his neck as I pick up my pace, forcing him to keep up with me. I love the guy. I’m not going to hurt him, but I’ve had enough of his shit. “No more talk about Taylor,” I warn in a serious voice that has his eyes widening and his head bobbing. I meet up with Kalen in the locker room, and when I take in his big smile, knowing he’s so happy, equal measures of guilt and longing pull at me.

Fuck, man, I want what he has and I want it with his sister. If he knew, he’d kill me and I can get behind that. He asked one thing of me: to watch over Taylor. What did I do? Oh, just take her to my bed and fall deeper in love with her. Yeah, I need a good beating. Not only because I’ve betrayed my friend, but because I took her virginity, and falling in love was just plain stupid because I’m not the guy for her. She has a whole life to live and told me so.

Beneath Kalen’s watchful eye, I tug on my clothes, and there’s a part of me that thinks he can see right through this ruse, see that I’m crazy about his sister. Once I’m dressed, he puts his hand on my shoulder. “You good, man?”

I nod. “Yeah, just pissed that I made a bad play.”

“Shrug it off, Anchor. There will be more games and more wins. This isn’t all on your shoulders.”

“Yeah,” I mutter, my mood still dark and let’s be honest, it’s not just the game bringing me down. I miss Taylor, miss what we can never have.

“Is something else bothering you?” He goes quiet, thoughtful. “I know things aren’t great back home in California, and you’ve been keeping a low public profile, but you don’t even leave the house unless it’s for a game, or practice, or working on your own house with Taylor.”

Taylor.

Fuck.

“I’m good,” I lie.

“You know what. I don’t want to sound like Roman or even Theo, but I think you could use a night with a bunny. Blow off some steam.”

I swallow the lump in my throat. I lost all desire for bunnies, or any other woman, the second Taylor entered my life.

“Yeah, maybe you’re right.” Dammit, to think Taylor suggested setting me up with one of her classmates. God, I’ve got it bad and maybe I should have a wild night to get her out of my system. But will I do that?

Fuck no.

“Hey, Jonesburger,” Kalen calls to Noah as he shoves his equipment into the locker. “I hear the hotel restaurant has big-ass burgers.” Kalen holds his hands out, making a circle as big as his head.

“Fuck off,” Noah, shoots back playfully. “But seriously, do they?”

That brings laughter from the guys left in the locker room. Kalen puts his hand on Noah’s shoulder. “Let’s go eat.” He casts me a fast glance. “And I could use a cold one.”

I grab my bag. “Let’s get out of here.”

We all make our way to the bus and I do whatever I can to sit as far away from Theo as possible. I don’t want him asking questions about Taylor. I grab my phone, double-check no one's snooping over my shoulder (because nosy teammates are the worst), and fire off a quick text to Taylor.

Me: Getting a lot of studying done?

Her reply comes back so fast it’s like she was waiting. My heart does this ridiculous little leap, and I roll my eyes at my needy self.

Taylor: I am. The house is quiet. It’s so big it’s almost spooky.

I grin at her response, trying to play it cool even though her words have me feeling all warm and needy inside. God, I miss her.

Me: Need me there?

Christ, could I sound any clingier?

Taylor: My big, strong protector. Yeah, I do.

Taylor: Rough game. How are you feeling?

I lean back in my seat, debating if I really want to dive into the game talk. But hey, she asked, and it touches me that she cares, like the two of us are a real team—checking in with each other when it’s good, and when it’s bad.

Me: I’m okay. We’re on the bus heading back to the hotel. We’re going to grab some food, then bed. You around later to message?

Taylor: I’m around. So bed, will you be alone or will there be bunnies? wink emoji

Me: Someone sounds jealous.

Taylor: Puleeze…I just don’t want pictures getting out there, and your parents asking questions.

Me: Just me. Alone in bed. Wishing you were beside me.

Taylor: Hey, you guys are missing the storm. It’s freezing here.

Okay, so she didn’t say anything about wanting to be in my bed, and I’m not going to mope about that—much. What the fuck is happening to me?

Me: Crank the heat up.

Taylor: I already did, but I can’t seem to get warm. Is it okay if I use the fireplace? I think it would be so cozy.

Her words instantly conjure a vision of us curled up on the couch, her leaning into me, the fire crackling. Yeah, I think that might just be my new happy place.

Me: There’s wood in the shed. Sorry, I should’ve stocked up more.

Taylor: You didn’t know there’d be a storm. Oh! I found the perfect kitchen table. And an L-shaped sofa. It’s way more comfortable than this one the last owners left behind. You can stretch out on one end. It’s going to be delivered next week and it’s big enough to fit two. zucchini emoji, peach emoji

I laugh out loud, then quickly glance around to make sure no one’s paying attention. Thankfully, my teammates are busy texting or zoning out. I glance back at her message and run my finger over her words. I love how her excitement practically jumps off the screen. And the fact that she’s designing this house like it’s “ours”? I wish I didn’t like that so much. Before I can respond, she shoots me another text.

Taylor: You know, for when you find someone for real.

Fuck. My heart drops into my stomach, but I guess I should be thankful for the reminder.

Taylor: But until then, we can break it in. Though honestly, your big, comfy bed is way better, and tonight it’s all mine. I plan to stretch out and take up all the space, and no complaints that I’m hogging.

Me: I never complain when you hog.

Taylor : So you’re saying I do hog?

I chuckle quietly, because this is a no-win situation, and she knows it. But I like the way she teases.

Me : My bed is big and comfy but it’s much better with you in it.

I wait for a response. Three dots appear and then disappear, and I shift uncomfortably. Was it something I said? Is she debating her response?

Taylor: I like your bed better with you in it too.

I take a fast breath, her words making my chest feel too small for my heart. I glance up and notice Kalen moving down the aisle. Shit.

Me: I’ll video you later. Miss you.

Taylor: Miss you too.

Kalen, walking to the end of the bus, pauses by my seat, catching my tender moment with Taylor, through the soft glow of my phone. I try to look as neutral as possible, but he narrows his eyes, no doubt wondering who I’ve been texting and I pray to fucking God he doesn’t figure it out. He keeps walking, dropping into a seat by Coach, leaving me to my thoughts.

We pull into the hotel and we all file off the bus. I head straight to my room to drop my things off and debate on skipping dinner and video messaging Taylor instead. I don’t. The last thing I want is to start acting differently and raise suspicions. Theo might already be on to me.

Down in the lobby, women file into the hotel, most dressed in short skirts and tight blouses, even though it’s chilly outside. I tug my hat low, wanting to go under the radar, but nope, one of the girl’s shrieks and points to me. I lift my hat, needing to do my part now that I’ve been spotted. Hey, I love my fans. I’d be nothing without them, I just don’t want the paparazzi, and social media pictures that follow. Taylor getting the wrong idea is the last thing I want.

What the hell am I even saying?

“Elias,” the girl screams and comes running over. She throws her arms open and I lean down to give her a hug.

“Can I sign something for you?”

Do not say boobs. Do not say boobs.

She holds out a jersey with my number on it, and I take the marker from her hand, happy to sign it. More guys exit the lobby and in no time at all, it’s a frenzy. Fortunately, after a few signatures, I’m able to slip away. I find Kalen already in the pub, and he grins when he sees me.

“Wasn’t sure you’d be joining me.”

I nearly freeze, but quickly play it casual when I take my hat off and sit across from him, a beer already in front of me. I take a quick drink. “Why’s that?”

He jerks his head toward the lobby. “Thought you might take my advice from earlier and work off some of that steam.”

“Just tired. Been busy with hockey and getting the house ready.”

“Speaking of the house,” he begins, letting it go. “I was just talking to Taylor. She’s having fun spending your money.”

I laugh at that. “Maybe I shouldn’t have given her carte blanche.”’

He takes a sip of beer. “Nah, she won’t do you wrong, Anchor.”

Not purposely, no.

Turning the conversation back to him, I ask, “How’s Sahara’s surprise room coming?”

He leans in, and his smile says it all. He loves talking about his fiancée, and while I love talking about Taylor, I have to rein that shit in.

“She’s going to love it.”

Soon enough, we’re joined by a few of the other guys and conversation falls to hockey and our next game as we order food. Every now and then, a few of the guys check their phones and I resist the urge to do the same. They all order a second beer, but I cut mine off, just wanting to finish the one I’m nursing.

I glance up and search for the little boys room. When I spot it, I excuse myself. Walking by the bar, a quiet female voice catches my attention and I turn to find a brunette sitting alone, her eyes on me.

“Sorry to bother you,” she apologizes, a nervous look on her face. “I saw you get mobbed earlier and I didn’t want to interrupt you while you’re here with your teammates. I’m not like those women.” She shakes her head. “I mean…There is nothing wrong with those women, I just didn’t come to the hotel looking for a hockey player or anything,” she clarifies. “I’m a mortgage broker, here for a convention, and, well, my nephew is a big fan.”

“It’s okay. You want an autograph?”

She nods and laughs lightly. “If he knew I saw you and didn’t get an autograph, he’d disown me.”

I grab a clean napkin. “This okay?”

“Perfect.” She quickly rifles through her purse for a pen. “I really appreciate this.”

“Not a problem, and that’s really nice that you didn’t want to interrupt.”

“I’m sure you can’t go anywhere.”

“I do love my fans, but quiet time is nice too.” I think about the quiet time I’m going to have with Taylor later, and can’t help but smile. I notice her phone. “Want to get a picture for your nephew.”

Her eyes go wide. “Really. I’d love to but I didn’t want to ask too much. I respect your right to some down-time.”

“It’s all good.”

She opens her phone to take a picture of me and I hold my arm out to her. “How about a selfie.”

“Ohmigod, Walker is going to die.”

She leans into me and takes a couple of pictures. “Thanks so much.”

“My pleasure.”

She sits back down. “He’s asleep, but I’m going to send it to him now.” She gives me a grateful smile. “You have a great night.”

“You too.” With that, I head to the little boys room, and afterward, at the table, I finish my beer and say my good-byes to the guys, who are all just about ready to go to bed too.

Once I get to my room, the first thing I do is strip down to my boxers, and crawl into bed. Once I’m comfortable, I grab my phone, open my contact list and hit video chat. It rings a couple times, and a breathless Taylor answers.

“Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“Nope, I was just enjoying your big tub, and my phone was on the nightstand. I had to run to get it.”

“You want a minute? I can call you back.”

“Nope, I’m just crawling into bed. To get comfortable.” She stifles a yawn and gives me a grin.

“You weren’t comfortable in front of the fire?” I stretch out and slide my legs under the blankets.

Her brow pinches together as she shakes her head. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t get it lit. I think the wood was damp.”

“I’m sorry. I should have brought wood in. I’ll do that when I get home.”

“Will you wear plaid and carry an axe?”

I laugh. “Lumberjack fantasy?”

“Something like that. But to be honest, lumberjacks have nothing on hockey players.”

I resist the urge to ask if she means all hockey players or one in particular, but I bite it back and instead ask, “What are you wearing?”

A soft chuckle that really holds no humor rumbles through the phone but when she says, “And there it is…”

There what is? What the hell is she talking about?