Mom snorted and shoved him playfully. “Oh, stop it. You’re happy you’re stuck with me.”
“I’m as content as any man can be,” he admitted.
Mom pointed a finger at me from across the table. “I’m serious, though. We know this job is important to you, June Bug. Don’t do anything that might jeopardize it.”
“I know, Mom. I won’t,” I said.
“Good. Now, when are you going to find a nice young man who will give us grandchildren?”
I groaned. “Oh my God, Mom…”
“You’re only getting older. I’m told the risk of pregnancy goes up after a certain age.”
We had an early home game against the Carolina Hurricane the day after Christmas. While everyone was getting ready in the locker room, Cole stuck his head into my office. He made small talk by asking about one of the other defensemen, then loweredhis voice and asked, “Can I come over after the game tonight? I’ve had fun sharing you with Rhett, but tonight I want you all to myself.”
I groaned internally. There was nothing I would like more than for Cole to come home with me and score his own hat trick in my bed.
I looked around to make sure nobody was within earshot, then replied, “I would give you an emphaticyes, but unfortunately my parents are in town until after New Year’s. They’re staying in my spare bedroom.”
“My place, then?” he asked.
I grimaced. “I really want to say yes. But my dad wants to take me out to dinner.”
Cole started to say something else, but then we were interrupted by another teammate coming into my office to complain about a sore achilles tendon.
As a team employee, I was able to get my parents free tickets right behind the bench. When I turned around, their smiling faces were right there. Dad flashed me two thumbs-up and shouted, “You’re doing great, Juney!” loud enough for the entire team to hear.
O’Malley and a few other players teased me about it later in the locker room after we’d won, 3-2. But I didn’t mind. Based on how often they teased each other, that made me feel more like part of the team than anything else so far this year.
I texted my parents and told them that I would meet them at the restaurant at eight o’clock when I finished up my work at the arena. Two of our second line wingers had new injuries to tend to. Thankfully, they were just minor tweaks, but I still had to catalog everything.
After that, I helped Elias stretch his core muscles in the weight room. Coach Jay popped his head in and asked if everything was okay with the big goalie.
“He’s great,” I replied. “Just going through some extra stretches to make sure he stays that way.”
When he was gone, Elias said, “Thank you. For not telling him.”
I smiled as we got to our feet. “Thank you for keeping up with your workouts so I don’t regret it. Merry Christmas, Elias.”
He grunted, then shocked me by wrapping his arms around me in a big hug. He had a wide wingspan, and a broad chest that was warm and comforting. Once my surprise wore off, I hugged him back.
He seemed uncomfortable after the hug, and mumbled, “Merry Christmas,” before hurrying away. I stared after him with a confused smile on my face.
Sometimes the men with the most terrifying exteriors were the softest on the inside.
26
June
It was dark outside when I left the arena, and there were only a few cars remaining in the parking lot. I was on autopilot, thinking about Elias’s acceptance and how the team was currently in first place in their division. I was also glad that I’d gotten out of work early, because it meant I could get to the restaurant first and have a cocktail before my parents arrived. I was looking forward to a little bit of peace before they grilled me again about when I would give them grandchildren.
Only when I was a few feet away from my Bronco did I realize it wasn’t my Bronco. It had red trim.
Cole slid out of the driver’s seat and smiled at me. “Why, hello there.”
I crossed my arms and smiled back at him. “How long have you been waiting for me?”
“Long enough that I began wondering if this was a bad idea. Glad I stuck it out.” He gestured at the vehicle. “I never got to show you the car I bragged about on our first date.”
