I don’t realize I’ve dozed off until I feel Zander’s arms slipping around me. He picks me up out of the truck and carries me up to the apartment. He doesn’t put me down until we reach the bedroom, and doesn’t say a word as he helps me undress and put on my pajamas. Pulling the covers back, he helps me climb into bed, then strips off his clothes to his boxers and climbs in after me.
“Good night, Wildcard,” he whispers, wrapping his arms around me and pulling my back to his chest.
I snuggle into his hold, and I feel a deep sense of belonging. This is exactly what I need - what I’ve always needed. To have someone who makes me feel completely safe and wanted. Who accepts me for all that I am. Who takes care of me and goes out of his way to make me happy.
Who I trust to be there when I wake up in the morning.
Now that I’ve found this - found him - I never want to let him go.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: AWAY GAME
RYLEE
The following Friday,the guys have an away game in Rock Springs, Wyoming, which is around a five-hour drive. They’ve been so busy preparing this past week that I’ve really only seen Zander early in the morning or late at night. Otherwise, I’ve had to be content watching him practice while I take shots of the team and gather more content for the articles.
Since the game is within driving distance, Grace and I decide to go together. The team is planning to stay the night, so we’ll bunk with our boys and head home in the morning. I’m excited at the idea of having a sleepover with Zander away from home - it’s kind of silly, I know, since we sleep in the same bed every night now, but there’s something about being out of town that makes it a little more fun.
“Oh, my God,” Grace sighs as we make our way through Wyoming. “Are we there yet?”
“We’re close,” I say, checking my phone’s map to see exactly where we are. “Another thirty minutes. We’ll get there in plenty of time for the game.”
“Thank goodness. I’m so sick of driving.”
“I could take over for you,” I offer for about the hundredth time on the trip.
“No, no.” Grace shakes her head. “You just sit back and relax. We both know I’m the better driver, anyway.”
I snort. “You keep telling yourself that.”
My phone buzzes and I look to see a picture from Skyler of Gizmo. She’s got his face pressed against hers, and while she’s beaming, he looks ready to do murder. I chuckle.
“Skyler just sent me another pic of Gizmo.” I turn the phone so Grace can glance at it.
She laughs. “Oh, he’s definitely going to pee on her bedsheets.”
“Nah. His grumpy facade is all a front to hide just how much of a cuddle-loving softy he is.”
“You sure have a type,” Grace teases.
I frown, confused. “What does that mean? Zander isn’t grumpy.”
“No, he’s not, but unless you know him, he looks intimidating as hell. Big, buff, and rugged on the outside, but a giant teddy bear on the inside.”
I grin, turning to look out the window to hide it. He is a big teddy bear. My Kodiak.
As I’m grinning down at the picture, I get a notification that I’ve got a new email. When I open it, I freeze.
It’s from Dad again.
From: Colin Doyle
Subject: Christmas Follow-Up
Hi Rylee,
I just wanted to check in again about Christmas since I haven’t heard back from you. The invitation is still open…
I don’t read the rest, closing the email and dropping my phone to my lap with a huff.
