My guy. I like the way that sounds.
ClickTease: Really good. I didn’t expect things to work out so well.
GlideControlZ: I’m really happy to hear that
Sitting back against the headboard, I smile down at the message. Damn, how did I get so lucky to find this guy, as well as Zander? I might not be interested inGlideControlZromantically anymore, but he’s proving to be such a good friend, I can’t imagine navigating this situation without him.
ClickTease: Busy Monday ahead of you?
GlideControlZ: Eh, not too bad. Work, then going to try and steal some time with my girl. You?
ClickTease: Pretty much same. Got to get ready for work. Hanging out with friends tonight, but also hoping to have some one-on-one time with the fella.
GlideControlZ: I’m sure he’s eager to have the time with you too
ClickTease: Lol, he better! Why wouldn’t he, though? I’m fucking brilliant.
GlideControlZ: No argument here.
I chuckle at that. We chat for a few more minutes about nothing in particular, and then I tell him goodbye so I can get ready to head to the rink. I shoot my mom a quick text since it’s been a few days since I checked in with her.
Rylee: Good morning! Hope you have a fabulous day
Mom: Good morning, sweety. You seem to be in a good mood!
I grin. She has no idea.
Rylee: I’m in a great mood! Just getting ready for work. Love you!
Mom: Love you too! Have a good day
As I go through my morning routine and get dressed, my heart is racing with excitement at seeing Zander. It’s ridiculous, especially since we live together, but I’m all gooey and soft on the inside because of him, which makes my brain a little gooey and soft.
Honestly, though? I don’t care. I’m happy. Really, really happy, and I want to make this feeling last for as long as possible, because a part of me is afraid that, if and when this feeling goes away, so will Zander. It’s happened to me so manytimes in my life already - my dad and Aiden. Miles. Whenever I think things are good, that I’m happy, it all comes crumbling around me. The men in my life always let me down and prove they’re not worthy of me.
They never try to fight for me.
That’s why it’s so hard for me to let go. Giving up control is terrifying, and letting anyone get too close too fast is out of the question. Zander has made it this far, pushing past my walls despite my resistance, and now that he’s in, I’m scared of the damage he can do.
Yet, I’m not willing to let him go. Not now… maybe not ever.
“All right, guys, just scrunch in together a little more. Pretend you like each other.”
The three players I’m photographing chuckle then sling their arms over each other’s shoulders. They’re newer members of the team, and haven’t seen much time on the ice outside of practice, but I’m determined to give everyone a chance to shine for the group article. I’ve spent the majority of today’s practice focusing on this trio, taking candids as they scrimmage with the team’s main players and asking them additional questions to the ones I already had in my formal interviews with everyone.
These group pictures are the culmination of my day’s work with them, which I’m pleased with, but there’s a part of me that’s frustrated because I don’t have time to take pictures of the entire team in action. I was hoping to do some of that today, damn it, but maybe I’ll have time during their first game. Of course, I’ll need to be careful if I do that, because if I get anyone from theother team in the pictures, they’ll have to sign a release for ICON and that’ll be a pain…
“All right guys! Circle up!”
At the sound of Coach’s booming voice, I jump a little, startled. I hadn’t realized I was so lost in my thoughts. I smile and thank the three guys and wave them off so they can join the team for their coach’s final words before they break for the day. As my gaze drifts to the gathering group of players, I spot Zander standing at the edge of the pack. He’s pulled off his helmet and grins at me, shooting me a wink that makes me blush. Dropping my eyes from him, I quickly turn so he can’t see that I’m grinning like an idiot and gather up my things before hurrying out of the stands into the stadium hallway.
Once I’m away from the rink, I release a long breath and try to calm my giddiness. Christ, I’m acting like I’ve never had a guy’s attention before. I get plenty of male attention on a regular basis, but this is different because it’s Zander. Why is it different? I honestly can’t say.
All I know is that it is.
He’s different.
It’s not at all like how I felt with Miles. Even when I was a teenager and was crushing on him so hard, I didn’t feel like this. Like the world is brighter, somehow. Like I’m more… myself.
