Page 228 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

“Oh, I’ve been asked to find out what Garrett’s doing for New Year’s,” Calvin suddenly asks, making me frown.

“Why? By whom?”

He chuckles. “Darcy. Apparently, they had a thing.”

I nod. “Yeah, they did. Garrett doesn’t do repeats, though. He might be a nerd, but he’s basically a hockey player when it comes to hookups.”

“Well, I think Darcy might be looking for another round.”

“He’ll be disappointed.”

“I’ll try and let him down gently,” Calvin teases.

“Nah, Garrett can do his own dirty work.”

He grins at me.

“Last I heard, he’s heading home to celebrate in New York.”

“Fair enough. Now, you really need to go.”

I exhale heavily.

“Anyone would think you don’t want to go,” he mocks.

“I’ll…I’ll miss you. I hate leaving you behind.”

Anguish fills his eyes as they bounce between mine.

“I’ll miss you too, darlin’. But you’re gonna have the best time with your folks.”

My chest expands, because he’s right. I just can’t help feeling like I’m leaving a bit of me behind.

“It’s only three days, and you’ll be back. What are you…”

He trails off, quickly glancing away from me as if he’s nervous.

“What am I what?” I ask.

“Um…doing for New Year’s. Did you already have plans?”

I shake my head. “I’ve never really been much of a New Year’s person. I’m usually in bed before midnight. It’s one of our busiest days of the year.”

He nods. “How about you do something this year? The team owner always puts on an event. It’s usually pretty good. Or if you don’t want to, we could have an early night together.”

A smile pulls at my lips at the thought of celebrating the start of a new year with him at my side.

“I’d love to celebrate with you.”

“At a party, or at home?”

“Can I decide later?”

“Of course. No rush.”

He leans over the center console of his fancy car, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck and tugging me closer.

“Gonna miss the shit out of you, darlin’,” he confesses before brushing his lips against mine.