“Absolutely,” Alvarez says easily.He seems like a nice guy.We could probably be friends.But what’s the point?I’m here until the end of the season.No one has said anything about extending my contract.The team is so stacked that they don’t need me.Jake kinda admitted they took me so they wouldn’t have to play against me.It’s flattering, but that doesn’t mean I fit with their long-term plans.
I realize no one is saying anything and everyone is looking at me.I have no idea what they were talking about.Heat floods my cheeks.
“Sorry,” I mumble.“I zoned out.”
Phoebe chuckles and gives my waist a squeeze.
“It’s okay,” Andie says.“We were talking about hanging out sometime after you’re moved in and back from your road trip.”
“Oh, okay.”I nod.
Phoebe flashes me a grin.She knows I’m not a hanging-out kind of guy.Yeah, I always want to hang out with Phoebe.And usually with my brother and Shelby.But mostly I’m happy being by myself if I’m not playing hockey.Building LEGO, playing video games, playing the piano, nothing that requires other people.It’s not that I want to be alone.I long to be married and have a family someday.But I don’t need a crowd of people, I simply needmypeople.And I truly believe that Phoebe Albright is my person.Now to get her to see that I’m her person in return.I don’t need hockey as much as I need Phoebe.There are grad schools in New Jersey.The local university has a program that looks good.
“Well,” Alvarez says, “we’ll let you guys do your thing.King, the offer stands if you want to carpool tomorrow.Anytime, really.I know things have been crazy with the trade, Phoebe’s wrist, the storm, everything.It’ll calm down.”
I shake the hand he holds out, even though that means I need to take it from around Phoebe’s shoulder.Of course, I put my arm back around her shoulder as soon as the handshake ends.Phoebe kept her arm around my waist like she wants to be next to me.
“Thanks,” I say.“I’m looking forward to having a successful playoff season.”
Alvarez and Andie leave, so Phoebe and I are finally alone in what’s going to be our home.
“Want the grand tour?”she asks.
I nod.“Sure.”
She removes her arm from around my waist and steps out from under my arm.I miss her.
“This is the living room,” she says, sweeping the space with her injured arm.
“You have a fireplace?That’s awesome!”I’m imagining snuggling with Phoebe in front of a fire.I’d be okay having a nor’easter all day, everyday, if it snowed me in with Phoebe and gave us a reason to cuddle.
She walks over and flips a switch, and the fire lights.I prefer a wood-burning fireplace, but appreciate the convenience of gas.My future house will have a wood-burning fireplace—I like chopping wood.I’ll live in the woods, so there will be a ready supply.But for now, gas will do.It’s the snuggle that’s important.I’d settle for a fireplace video on the TV and a space heater.Phoebe’s gray sofa has a chaise at one end, which would be nice to spread out on with a blanket.
“Dining room.”She points to a white wooden table that seats six.“The kitchen is smaller than I’d like, but it’s functional.”
It looks okay to me, but I’m not a professional.It’s clean.I’m sure she’d like to have more counter space and maybe an island.
“It looks good,” I say reassuringly, rubbing her back.She leans against my hand slightly when I rest it at the small of her back.I can’t hold back the grin that surfaces, and Phoebe looks up, catching it.
“What?”she asks.“Why are you smiling?”
I shrug.“I’m happy.”
Her brow furrows, and she tilts her head.It’s adorable, like a dog trying to figure out where the ball went when you pretend to throw it but hide it behind your back.
“Why?”
I reach up to run a finger along her cheek.“Because I’m with you.”
Her lashes flutter and her breath catches.This is it, Ollie.You can do this.I start to lower my head toward Phoebe’s.Her eyes close, and I’m inches away from her lips.Finally.
Knock, knock, knock.
14
PHOEBE
Ollie straightenswith a groan and steps back.What does the universe have against me and Ollie kissing?I’m really feeling there’s some sort of cosmic cockblocking at play here.
