Page 6

halle

It was finally time. I could hardly hold my excitement in as Emily drove me to the airport. Like a mother, she was instructing and suggesting what I should and shouldn't do on this little trip. I'd tuned most of it out so far, but her chastising tone had turned to more...interesting...topics.

"...I don't know how this boy is, but you two need to be smart about what you do physically. Remember, he's a hockey player. He's probably been with tons of girls and has tons of stamina. You...you're not so experienced." I protested loudly. "I'm right! Anyway, I would really suggest you wait to do anything, but if you're a pair of horny kids then by all means have at it. Only, and only if, you wrap up and be safe first. Ya hear me, lover girl? No babies in freshman year of college."

"Oh shut up, will you? I'm not stupid."

"You tell yourself that now, but when you're looking into the eyes of a six-foot-something and extremely handsome hockey player who's all muscle, it's hard to control yourself. Believe me, I know. I've been there." I rolled my eyes. "And one last thing. I promise. I've been thinking about this, and it's actually kind of serious. I know you really like Tyler and you want to start dating him, but you need to remember who he is. He's not just some random kid who plays hockey for fun. He's a professional athlete, playing in a professional league, earning millions a year. And he's even more than that. He's the next big thing, the youthful prodigy. You can't forget that he has so much more to worry about than you and your first world problems." Emily's surprisingly intelligent insights made me side eye her. She was right, of course. I'd thought about the same thing myself. I was a tiny speck in the life of Tyler Dewalt. But I wanted to be more. I wanted to be the reason he played every night. The reason he looked up to the stands with pride in his skills and in his team. I wanted to be the reason he looked forward to come home from long trips and hard practices. I wanted to be his happiness.

Nerves rode on the forefront of my mind as we pulled up to the airport. Emily helped me pull my bag from the trunk. Then she held me at an arms length, studying my face.

"You got this. Go up there and win yourself a hockey boy." I grinned.

"Thanks Em. I'll try my best." She pulled me in for a hug. When we separated, she said another goodbye before heading to the car. I waited until she'd pulled away before going inside.

I found my gate without problems. I'd been through Raleigh Durham quite a few times over the duration of my first semester. It wasn't a big airport, so learning your way around was fairly easy. I waited for my six-twenty United Flight, my luggage protected under my legs. I'd flown enough to find that cramming all my things into a carry on was a lot easier and more stress free.

By the time the flight got called, I was starting to get more anxious. My leg bounced nervously. Would things be awkward? Would we click right away? I hoped for the latter.

Traipsing through the plane solidified what was actually about to happen. In an hour and a half, I'd be seeing him. I couldn't wait. I was almost too excited to sit down. I had the window seat, which I was eternally grateful for. To my left sat a younger girl, maybe around twelve, accompanied by her mother. Throughout the duration of the flight, the girl played various games on an iPad. That was my entertainment for the short flight. Somehow, time lifted away like a light sheet on the wind. Just like that, we were landing. In Chicago. In Chicago!

The airport we connected with was a small one, nowhere near the size of Chicago O'Hare. I was grateful. The large airport would take forever to get there and back from. Outside the plane window, the twinkling lights of Chicago greeted me. I admired the city, trying to imprint the skyline in my memory. It was so beautiful. Like something out a movie.

I stood when it was finally announced that we could begin to disembark. The girl and her mother left after a few minutes. I was right behind them, carrying my bag close to my body.

Through the airport I went, heading for the direction Tyler had said to go. My heartbeat increased with every step until it was slamming in my head and taking over my senses. I slowed when I approached the glass doors. Leaning against a silver car, there was a person in a black Blackhawks windbreaker, the logo encircled on the back. There was no question as to who it was. I took a deep breath. There was no turning back now.

When I walked through the sliding doors, he turned. I instantly relaxed at the smile that stretched across his face. We stared at each other for a moment before he stepped forward. I was surprised when he hugged me. I relaxed into his embrace, exhaling all my worries. His hands gripped me like they never wanted to let go. I didn't want him to. I inhaled his scent, a mixture of Irish Spring soap and cologne I couldn't place.

"Hey." His voice was soft and low in my ear. I grinned.

"Hey." My reply came out as a breath of relief.

It was agonizing to separate. I wanted to stay in his arms for forever. I could tell he felt the same. There was a moment of hesitation before he started to talk.

"It's kind of late, so I was figuring we could go back to the apartment and get pizza or something. Or go out to eat, whatever you want." He rubbed the back of his neck, looking sheepish. I smiled.

"Pizza's fine." He returned my grin. He lifted my bag into the trunk, bringing my eye to the sporty car he'd arrived in. The silver car was a Honda Civic, obviously brand new. Should I have been expecting anything else? Tyler made a ton of money, of course he'd have a nicer car. I commented on it lightly.

"Nice car."

"Thanks, but it's not mine. Kirby was the one who picked it out. Adam and I would've preferred something sportier like a coup, but with three of us this'll have to do." I nodded. It made sense. As Tyler got into the driver's side, I clambered into the passenger seat.

We drove through the city, the higher skyscrapers not far in the distance. We started to drive past a massive dome, which Tyler pointed out as the United Center. I watched as the massive stadium flicked by. Not long after, we were pulling into a set of apartment buildings. When Tyler had parked, I jumped from the car. He grabbed my bag again and we headed inside. Up a flight of stairs, down a short hallway, and then we'd reached his apartment. Tyler pushed the door open, swinging his arms wide.

"Welcome to the humble abode." I took in the space. Right in front of me there was a decent sized kitchen. To my right, there was an expensive looking couch facing a large flat screen. I almost missed the person sitting on the couch. The massive cushions seemed to swallow him whole. As he saw my eyes on him, he stood. I recognized the arrogant smile almost immediately. Tyler motioned at him absently. "And that one's Kirby." Kirby mock-bowed.

"Live and in person." He was taller than I'd expected. Then again, Tyler had been too. In their Instagram pictures, Tyler had seemed so much taller than his fellow rookie.

"I'll be in my room. Don't mess things up too much." His eyes flashed slyly. Tyler ignored his playfulness. He turned to me, motioning again.

"Come on. I'll show you where you'll be staying." I followed him down the hallway. When he stopped at the doorway of a room, I immediately recognized the interstate sign hanging over the bed.

"Isn't this your room?" I was confused.

"Well, yeah. I kicked Adam out while you're here. He's staying with Alex Nylander. I'll be in his room."

"I can't just kick you out of your own room!" I was indignant. I thought they'd have an extra couch or even a guest bedroom of some kind. Tyler shook his head, smirking.

"I could offer you Adam's room. But you don't know him and I figured it'd be kinda weird. Who knows what the kid does in his bed." He laughed. I immediately fell for the expression, my heart melting.

"I don't know what you do in your bed either." I pointed out. His smirk grew.

"True. But you trust me, right?"

"I guess." I smiled, taking my bag from him. I looked around the room, taking in each little part that made up Tyler's life. I'd seen snippets of it over FaceTime, but being here in person was different. It was bigger than I'd thought. There weren't too many decorations, besides the street sign over the bed and a shelf containing hockey paraphernalia. I walked over to the wooden ledge, trying to read the titles on the pucks.

"First goal and first hat trick in the NHL."

"That's cool. Do they do that for everyone?" He nodded. I moved down the line of items. The next was a matte black pen. It looked expensive, bearing the smallest inscription of the Blackhawks logo.

"Pen I signed the NHL contract with." He sounded a little sheepish at the sentiment. I thought it was awesome. I moved away from the shelf, tossing my bag onto the bed. I turned back to him.

"Pizza?" He grinned at my suggestion.

"I'll call."

Half an hour later, Tyler and I were comfortably collapsed on the couch, eating pizza slices from the box. A rerun of a hockey game was playing on the screen, but we weren't really paying attention.

I looked up from the picture Tyler was showing me. Kirby was glaring at us from the doorway to the living room.

"Ordered pizza and didn't tell me, eh?" I looked down at the pizza box next to me. There were still four pieces left. I was on my second, while Tyler was on his fourth. I held out the box, offering him the rest. His hurt expression turned into a grin. "I'm kidding, eh? Brinksy and Dylan invited me over to watch NFL playoffs. I'll be back later." He held up a hand in farewell as he went for the door. I was still holding the box up. I turned back to Tyler.

"Is he always like that?"

"Like what?"

"So...prankster-esque?" Tyler let out a loud laugh.

"For sure. Dacher's a clown in practices. Him, Brinksy, and Stromer." I looked at him, interested.

"What's the team like? I mean, you all obviously know each other really well."

"The boys are great. Awesome hockey players, even better teammates." I didn't reply, letting him continue. "Jon is our serious one. Though I've heard he's relaxed with age. Used to be a lot tougher on the guys. Gotta be tough when you're the captain, ya know?" He paused, looking wistful. I wondered what the far off expression was for. "Seabs and Duncs are the old guys. Usually, they give us hell at practices and lifts. But they look out for us younger players on the ice. It's a 'only I can mess with the kids' thing." He stopped again, smiling into the distance. "And Kaner. He's arrogant but he deserves everything that's gone his way. We all shit on him for getting older." As if he realized how long he'd been talking, he trailed off. He glanced over at me apologetically. I motioned in his direction.

"You can keep going. I love hearing about the team. It's hard over text because I don't get to see how excited you get." He blushed, which melted my heart.

I watched him carefully as he continued. He was so excited. So happy. I never wanted him to stop talking. I couldn't get enough of him. Every time he wasn't looking in my direction, I studied his features. His jawline was square, clenching when he mentioned something unpleasant. His dark brown hair was longer than I remembered it. At times, strands would fall onto his forehead. When that happened, he'd unconsciously sweep it back. I couldn't help but fall into his emerald eyes. They held every ounce of a summer forest. I got so lost in them I forgot how to speak.

When he smiled, it sent my heart racing. To know I was the reason behind the suppressed smirk, which turned into a toothy grin, was indescribable.

Never in my life had I felt more attracted to someone. One part of me wanted to let things steam out and grow slowly. The other part of me wanted to rush and take things like my heart wanted. But we'd only known each other two weeks. It wasn't like I could dive into things that quick, right? Even Emily had semi-warned against it.

It was already late here. For me, my body thought it was an hour later than it was. I didn't want to sleep yet. I wanted to stay awake and soak up every minute of Tyler, not caring how tired I was. By three a.m., I was dozing off where I slept. Tyler was tired too, I could tell. Neither of us wanted to break.

"Halle, you should really go to bed." He yawned, emphasizing his words. I shook my head adamantly.

"You first." He shook his head, letting his head drop back heavily. I let out a sigh, leaning forward. My drowsy state made me top heavy. I fell forward too far, half falling over Tyler. I let out a laugh, allowing myself to fall the rest of the way. Tyler was lying vertically, and I was sitting perpendicular to him where the couch curved. Now I was laying in a tangle on his chest. Instead of getting up, I adjusted my head and closed my eyes. I was fully intending to open them again, but the effort was too great. Instead, I snuggled into pillow under my head. The steady rise and fall repeatedly tried to remind me that it wasn't a pillow. I didn't listen.

The next thing I knew, a creaking noise pulled me from my sleep. I cracked an eye open. Judging by the light filtering into the living room, it was mid morning. My eye fell on Kirby, who was tip toeing into the kitchen. He looked back, freezing when he saw me watching him. In a loud whisper, he began to explain himself.

"Just getting breakfast. I, uh, put a blanket over you guys." For the first time, I realized how I was laying. I couldn't have moved, even if I wanted to. At some point, Tyler had pulled me next to him on the wide couch. I was comfortably wedged between his arms and a big cushion. The rhythm of his chest rising against my back was soothing. I blushed as I felt his arm, resting heavily under my hand on my waist. Kirby grinned as I looked back at him. "Good luck getting out of that one, eh? Walty's the heaviest sleepier I've ever met. We have contests to see who can wake him in the most insane way."

I sighed as Kirby turned away. I didn't mind being stuck like this. It was nice, actually. But it set my heart racing in a way I never thought possible. The way Tyler's sleeping fingertips brushed against my stomach where my shirt had ridden up. Or the way our bodies melded so perfectly together, his chest accommodating every curve of my back. His chin was resting lightly on top of my head. My hair shifted as the breaths steadily rose from his mouth.

I craned my neck, trying to find Kirby again. He was gone. Sighing, I shifted slightly. The movement earned a groan from Tyler. I froze, hoping he was awake. When he didn't make any more noise, I readjusted again. The movement earned a tighter grip around my midsection, pulling me closer to his chest. I suppressed a smile at the protective way in which he held me.

I lay there for awhile longer, relaxing in the growing sunlight. This was fine. I could get used to it. I finally realized that something was digging into my side. I was able to fish the object out. It was my phone. Grinning, I took a Snapchat picture, sending it off to Emily. The reply was almost instant. I could imagine what she'd say in person right now.

I laughed silently at her surprise, replying back. I continued talking to my friend until my arm got sore. Then I let my phone drop onto the top of the couch next to me. I shifted my position, curling up tighter against Tyler.

"Are you always so fidgety in the morning?" I jumped. I hadn't noticed any change in his sleeping state, but at some point he'd woken up. With his words, he pulled his arm away from his tight hold. I blushed again .

I turned onto my back more, so I could see his face.

"Good morning." His words were a murmur, soft green eyes blinking at me from under lazy lids. I couldn't say anything for a moment. I was too tangled up in his gaze.

"Hi." It was all I could manage. He smiled, this gesture sleepy and gentle. "How long were you awake for?"

"Not long. Only a few minutes." His smile dropped. "I'm sorry I pulled you in like that last night. I didn't know I was doing it."

"It's...it was fine. I didn't mind." My cheeks burned, and I had to look away from his gaze.

"I hope it was comfortable." His tone had something strangled behind it. I grabbed my phone, picking at the case in a form of distraction.

"I was super comfy. Probably more comfortable than I've ever been." My admission made his own face flush. When I looked back up, his face was closer to mine. My breath caught. Ah damn, not like this. Not with morning breath and messy hair.

Kirby was my savior. He walked into the living room again, reeling back when he caught sight of the way we were positioned.

"Aw, jeez. Not on my couch, please?" He was covering his eyes, half shielding himself from the sight of us. "Bad enough I let both of you drool into oblivion, eh? Could've woke ya both up and shoved you down the hall to your bedrooms. But nooo. I tried to be nice guy Kirby. Even gave you a blanket. And this is how I get paid, eh? Canoodling on my couch." Tyler and I looked at each other for a second before busting out in laughter. Kirby looked indignant at our amusement. "I'm serious, you know." We ignored him.

Tyler pulled away, standing up and stretching. I tried to keep my eyes from the section of his torso that was exposed by the motion. When he held out his hand to help me up, I took it gratefully. I was surprised to find that his hand was surprisingly rough, full of years-worth of callouses. The simple contact made me blush.

Once I was on my feet, I looked at him quizzically.

"What are we doing today? Did you have any specific plans?" He grinned at my question.

"Sightseeing. You've never been to Chicago, right?" I nodded, letting him continue. "Perfect. I'll show you the United Center and our practice rink. Then we can go walk some of the Loop. Hope you brought warm clothes."

"Oh, I did. Toronto girl here, remember?" I left him in the living room. I found my bag in his room, still unopened. I pulled out a gray corded sweater, pairing it with black leggings. The coat I'd put on after the airport, a knee-length tan trench coat, went over top. I would've preferred boots with the outfit, but I hadn't packed any. I stuck with my olive green sneakers. They'd be better for walking anyway.

I found Tyler in the kitchen, bent over a toaster. I cleared my throat to catch his attention. When he turned to face me, I held up the objects in my hands.

"White beanie? Or the Blackhawks one you sent me?"

"Aren't I a little biased to be asking opinions from? I'd say Blackhawks. But I think you knew that." I shook my head, throwing the red hat at him. He caught it from the air and placed it on the counter beside him.

When I'd returned from storing the white hat away, I focused on whatever was in the toaster.

"Whatcha making?" His grin was sheepish.

"Pop tarts. Strawberry. Hope you like the originals."

"Love them."

The toaster popped, distributing two nicely golden rectangles of frosting. Tyler tossed me a paper plate, which I failed to catch.

Neither of us talked as we scarfed the pop tarts down. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until the strawberry scent permeated the air. The pastry was gone in three bites. I hastily wiped the crumbs from my mouth, not wanting to look sloppy.

I waited on the couch for Tyler to change, scrolling through my phone. I conversed with my younger sister, explaining why I was in Chicago all the sudden. Except I didn't tell her the entire truth. What would my parents say about me flying to Chicago to see a boy, by myself? And missing some school for it too. Nothing good, that was for sure.

Tyler took longer than I did to get ready. I understood why when he emerged from the hallway with wet hair. I let out a laugh at his sodden appearance. He scowled.

"It's gonna freeze." I raised an eyebrow.

"I have a hairdryer, if you don't feel like waiting." The look of shock on his face was amusing.

"Oh no way. This hair air dries." He shook his head for emphasis, sending streaks of dark hair flying across his forehead. Again, I didn't remember his hair being this long. I commented on the fact.

"Aren't you a short haircut kinda guy? I haven't seen any pictures of you with it long."

"Oh?" He was the one to raise an eyebrow now. I blushed fiercely. "But yeah, I like shorter hair. Kirbs challenged me to a flow contest in front of the entire team. Have to hold it out now."

"Oh yikes. How long is that going to be?"

"Until the seasons over? I don't know. Depends on when we're done. I'm definitely cutting it for summer though."

"Good plan. I can't imagine you with super long hair." I wrinkled my nose, poking at his head. He laughed lightly at my teasing touch. He turned away, looking back over his shoulder when I didn't follow. I gave him a questioning look.

"Aren't you going to come dry it for me?" My jaw dropped slightly in disbelief.

"Actually? You'd let me touch it with a blow dryer?"

"Yes. Now come on before I change my mind." I followed him to the bathroom, grinning quietly to myself.

I stopped by his room, grabbing the blow dryer from my bag. Wielding it like a weapon, I crept into the bathroom. Tyler was sitting on the floor, looking down at his phone. I plugged the blow dryer in, ready to flick it on.

My fingers worked through his scalp as I lifted his hair, letting the warm air hit in long enough to dry it out. A couple passes later, it was still damp. I debated leaving it go for the time, but decided to finish the job.

Finally, even the undersides were dry. I shut the dryer off, unplugging it and placing it gently down on the counter. Tyler's head jerked as I tapped. He looked up at me blearily. I laughed.

"Come on, sleepyhead. We have a city to explore."