Page 45 of The Wildest One

Do you know how dreamy that sounds? Except next week, I’m in Cape Cod. A bunch of us rented a house to celebrate the holiday.

You know what I think you should do to celebrate that no-practice-and-no-game life? You should come to the Cape with me.

Beck

That’s a tough one.

Me

Cape Cod vs. Paris—there’s a clear winner there.

Plus, it’s been, what, 7-ish months since I kissed you? That’s just mean.

Beck

Just because I’m not coming to the Cape doesn’t mean I don’t want to kiss you …

Me

Happy start of your new season. How is it possible that summer is over and another season is beginning? Sigh.

Beck

No shit. It feels like the season just ended and Europe never happened.

Me

Was it amazing? I wish your assistant had posted pics from your trip on your Instagram account and not just hockey and brand deals. I was dying to see your adventures, and she shared nothing about it.

I get why you’re so private. I just selfishly wanted to see more.

A photo came through of Beck in front of the Eiffel Tower. It was nighttime, and the tower was lit with beautiful white lights. His body wasn’t pointed toward the camera; it was more of a side angle, and he was looking over his shoulder with a slight grin. But that face?My God. It was shaved down to a heavy stubble, his hair short, his hazel eyes filled with a fiery gaze even though it was dark outside.

This was the groomed version of Beck when I’d been with the wild, untamed one.

I had no preference. The man was so hot either way. But now that I had this photo on my phone, what it did, what it showed me, was that I would do anything to rewind time so I could go to Paris instead of the Cape.

What was I even thinking when I made that decision?

Beck

What you missed …

Words that rubbed salt straight into the regret wound.

Me

I hate myself. In case you’re wondering.

But ironically, I’m reaching out because I’m trying to see you. I know it’s a long shot, especially after checking your schedule, but I’m going to be in LA for one night—October 21. Any chance you’ll be flying back after your game in Chicago? It looks like you’ve got a three-day window between that game and your game in Vegas.

Beck

We leave Chicago and fly straight to Vegas.

Me

I was afraid that was going to be your answer.