Page 89 of Securing the Pucking Rebound

I stare at his message, my heart picking up speed.

Sienna: Thank you.

I’m still debating inviting him to tag along, but, figuring he’d say no anyway, I try to push those thoughts to the back of my mind as I board the airplane.

Garrett’s flight was scheduled to arrive two hours before mine, but he messaged before they took off to say that they were delayed, bringing our arrival times closer together.

I track his flight, seeing he’s now on track to land twenty minutes after me, before putting my cell on airplane mode and trying to relax.

I’m still feeling weird about last night and all the things Calvin and I didn’t say.

I want to be annoyed that he was so guarded about his hometown and his family, but while I’m hiding my own secrets, it would be hypocritical of me to get hung up on it.

Popping in my AirPods, I pull up my favorite beauty podcast and focus my eyes outside the small window as the rest of the aircraft fills up.

Thankfully, we take off on time, and two hours later, I’m touching down in Idaho, excitement fluttering inside me at the thought of spending four whole days with my family.

I practically float off the airplane, and after figuring out which gate Garrett is going to disembark at, I wait impatiently for the plane to appear.

Sienna: Touchdown, baby!

Calvin King of the ice Keller: Uh…you better not have turned into a football fan during that flight.

I can’t help but snicker at his response. In my head, I can see him pouting as he stares down at it.

Sienna: It’s Thanksgiving. Everyone is a football fan this weekend.

Calvin King of the ice Keller: Not sure how I feel about that. My girl needs to be a hardcore hockey fan, or else I fear it all may fall apart.

My girl.

Is he talking about me specifically? Fuck. I hope he is.

Sienna: Don’t worry, if you were to cut me, I’d bleed Vipers green.

Calvin King of the ice Keller: I’ll never hurt you, baby, so I’ll just have to take your word for it.

My God. This man.

Resting back against the wall with my carry-on beside me, I settle in for a message session with my hot hockey boy while I wait.

Sienna: Any plans today?

Calvin King of the ice Keller: Other than being tortured by Darcy?

Sienna: Aw, you love it.

Calvin King of the ice Keller: Shush, don’t let him hear you say that. He’ll make it even harder. Every inch of me is fucking sweating. It’s disgusting.

My teeth sink into my bottom lip as I imagine exactly what that might look like. Some people might be grossed out by post-workout sweat, but when it comes to Calvin, I don’t think I’m gonna be one of them.

Sienna: Overshare much?

Calvin King of the ice Keller: Don’t worry, he’s promised me an ice bath once he’s finished with me. That should cool me off until I get home.

I frown, not following him.

Calvin King of the ice Keller: What’s happening when you get home?