“You’re positively buzzing with happiness. What’s up?”
I quickly fill her in on everything that’s happened, from my sister’s deceptions to the paternity test to moving into a new house with Drakos.
“Am I crazy to move in with him when we despised each other a short time ago?”
“Does it feel right?” She cocks her head and studies me intently.
I consider her question, but not for long. I know the answer. “Yes, yes, it does. Plus, it’s the best thing for Noah.”
“But is it the best thing for you?”
“I don’t know, but I have to try.”
“Then you have your answer.”
She gives me a quick hug followed by a radiant smile. “I’m happy for you, Aria. I think you’re making the right decision.”
“That means more to me than you can imagine.” She’s my only friend in this town, and her opinion is gold. I’m feeling better, but first the Icehawks have to get through these next two away games, and we need to tell Noah the truth about his father.
I’m nervous as hell about all of those, but I’m also delighted, and I guess that says it all.
Chapter 28
Trajectories
~~Drakos~~
The trajectory of my life has changed completely. A few short months ago, all I cared about was hockey, partying, and hooking up with random women. Now I’m a dad and a homeowner, and I’ll have a live-in girlfriend. This is the first time I’ve thought of Aria as my girlfriend, but she’ll be living with me in an exclusive relationship and sleeping in my bed, so what else would I call her?
Imagine that. I have a family, or at least the start of one. And I have hockey. Life is pretty damn good. It’ll get even better if the Icehawks advance to the next round, which is going to be tough, but not impossible. We lost in Dallas, which brings the series to three losses and two wins for us. One more loss and Dallas moves on to the conference finals while we vacation in Hawaii. I love Hawaii, but I’d rather be playing for a title.
After our loss in Dallas, we flew home and arrived in Portland around 3:00 a.m.
Aria is waiting up for me, and I head that direction. Noah is sleeping, and we’ll have to be very quiet. I don’t want him to know I’m staying with his mom until we tell him the truth about me.
I drive to Aria’s apartment, looking forward to seeing her as I’ve never looked forward to seeing anyone who isn’t a relative.
Is this how it feels to have someone to come home to after a tough loss? We’d led up until the last minute, when Dallas scored two goals and won the game. This loss was brutal, but we’ll bounce back. We don’t have a choice. Regardless, nothing can dampen my high spirits.
I knock lightly on the door, but no one answers. I try the doorknob. It’s not locked. Slipping inside, I leave my suitcase near the door and tiptoe into the living room. The television is on with volume low. Aria’s bundled under a blanket and sound asleep. I gaze down at her fondly, and a slow smile crosses my face. She’s so peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful. I’ve been around more beautiful women than I can count, yet none of them hold a candle to Aria. The first time I laid eyes on her was way back when the team was introduced to the media before we played our first season. Her natural beauty drew me in. My interest in her was short-lived once I read her initial scathing article attacking me.
Now our conflicts seem like years ago, and I’ve forgiven her. She did what she did to put food on the table. Maybe she sold her soul to the devil temporarily, but she came to her senses and did the right thing by refusing to further compromise her ethics. I respect someone who learns from their mistakes and becomes a better person.
A wave of tenderness fills all my empty spaces, areas that’ve been barren since a bomb decimated my entire family. I never thought I might feel unbridled happiness again except on the ice, but I do. Right now, in this place, I feel as if I’m finally where I’m meant to be.
My heart feels full enough to burst in my chest. I’ve found my missing pieces in Aria and Noah. I love my son with every fiber of my being. I’d give my life for him.
And Aria?
I stare down at her sleeping form. She looks positively angelic, but I know better, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can look at her forever and never grow tired of gazing at that face.
Aria stirs slightly but doesn’t wake. I bend down and scoop her into my arms. She snuggles against my chest. She feels so damn fucking good, like I could do this forever.
And then reality hit me like a bolt of lightning from out of the blue.
I love this woman, from how she cares for Noah to her ability to put me in my place to her unbridled passion when we’re making love.
Making love?
