I raised a brow. “Don’t be surprised if I start taking lessons.”
He laughed, the sound low and warm, and took my hand in his. “We can’t do this tomorrow… but make time for me Wednesday?”
My pulse skipped. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Chapter twenty-nine
Mel
Tuesday passed in a blur of rink-side reports, hydration updates, and quiet glances exchanged with Sean in passing. We were professionals in motion, orbiting each other in the middle of Cup-week chaos, holding tight to the silent promise of seeing each other soon.
Today was no different.
Thirty minutes before the end of the day, my phone buzzed.
Maria:Quick meeting upstairs before the team travels tomorrow. Third floor, multipurpose room.
I grabbed my bag and headed up, expecting a rundown of logistics and routines. But when I walked in, the room was full—players, staff, and the team president, Felix Wilson.
Some people remained standing, and I did too.
Felix Wilson stood at the front, shared words of encouragement, then stepped out.
Sean took his place, calm and impressive. He spoke about grit and what this Cup meant to Tahoe West. His voice was steady, but his eyes kept flicking toward me. I felt warm creeping up my neck.
When he finished, people filtered out.
I lingered, waiting for him. While he wrapped up conversations, I chatted with Maria. When he finished, I said goodbye, and we walked out together.
The sunset was gorgeous for late June, the air a mix of car honks and distant alpha chatter.
“You promised we’d hang out Wednesday, so here I am.”
He chuckled. “You’re excited.”
“That spontaneous bike ride, tattoos and leather jacket—straight fire.” I hooked my arm through his.
He gazed sideways at me. “Should I worry about this wild side that I’ve woken up?”
I smiled. “You might need a taming potion to keep up.”
He laughed, full and unguarded. “Mel Boyd, my favorite kind of wild.”
At the garage, I paused and turned to him. “I need to take my car home—I won’t be back until Sunday. Can you follow me?”
He grinned. “Lead the way, girlfriend.”
So, he did. A very sensible boyfriend.
My house was quiet again. I’d already packed for Florida, and not knowing what Sean had in mind for tonight, I should be ready for anything. It made sense to leave from his house tomorrow.
I brought out my suitcase.
“I’m taking my baggage to your place, I figured it’d be easier to head out from there tomorrow.”
“Smart, thinking ahead,” he said, taking it from me and loading it into his trunk.
It felt simple. Easy. Like something we’d done a dozen times.
