I scratch the puppy behind the ears when he comes to lay his head on my knee.
“Hudson mentioned you shared some stories with him. About the dogs you trained for the ranch.” Alli says. She brushes her hair behind her ear. “It really inspired him. He’s been using treats to teach him tricks.”
“I’m glad.”
“You’re good with him.”
“I just… listen. He’s a good kid.” I clear my throat. “I like that he knows I’m here for him. When he needs it.”
“It means a lot to him.” Her hand falls to my shoulder. My gaze meets hers, instantly getting lost there. Her hand lingers a moment longer before she lets it fall back to her lap again.
A comfortable silence fills the air between us. I take a moment to look her over. Her guard is down between us, just like the night on facetime. This time though, with her cold pink tipped nose and my hoodie swallowing her small frame, she’s here in front of me.
My gaze lingers on the side of her face for a beat. I’m not sure when she snuck past my own defences, but there’s a warmth nestled deep in my chest. A spot just for her.
Something that makes me want to make this thing between us tangible. She makes me feel something that I never have before.
“Are you traveling with the team? I heard- well the whole locker room heard-Ronan say Emalyn would be going this time.”
She lets out a soft laugh.
“Yea, he’s always loved her out loud.” She shakes her head, making a few strands fall from around face. “I am going. Though I’m not sure what to do about this little guy.”
“So, I had an idea... You can say no—obviously…” I start.
“Obviously.” She teases bumping my knee with hers. Neither of us moves away.
“Gloria, She’s Matty’s nanny for when I’m away. The team set me up with her and she came very highly recommended.” I scratch the side of my temple, hoping I'm not coming off too pushy for casual. Starting to hate that word. “If you’d like, Hudson and Rambo could stay here. With Matty.”
“Oh, that’s kind of you. I’ll have to make sure Hudson’s comfortable with that and let you know.” She gives me a glowing smile, and I preen under her approval like a damned peacock.
“Sounds good, Alli.” I let my knee rest against hers, the slightest pressure anchoring us to each other.
“I should get some sleep.” She says, throwing a thumb vaguely in the direction of her house next door. Rambo perks right up when she stands.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Tate.”
I watch her back until she pauses at her back door, giving a small wave before she disappears inside.
I watch the lights slowly turn off as she makes her way upstairs. Being around her settles something in me. It’s like coming home to a place I hadn’t realized was waiting for me.
Chapter 19 Allison
“Ugh, I have nothing to wear. I need to double up on those pilates classes at Paige’s studio.” I huff over the phone.
“Girl, shut up! You are a curvy queen.” Emalyn shouts, her voice echoing through my room since she’s on speaker. “Go put on those pants I got you. The tight ones that make your ass look magical.”
I giggle at her antics.
“I don’t know, those take me like fifteen minutes to squeeze into.”
“Oh, I got it. You’re worried about how long they might take to get off if— sorry,whena certain hockey daddy—“I dive for the phone and take it off speaker.
Matty and Hudson are just down the hall. God forbid they overhear anything. Hudson is already so attached. I can’t be selfish when it comes to him. TJ has failed him left and right. If Tate is a healthy male role model for him then there’s no way I can mess that up for him. He’s been let down too many times.
Not to mention the way I see Matty watching me with a wistful look on his face. Like he’s imagining I am his mom too. He slips upsometimes and calls me mom. Mostly just copying Hudson.
