Page 39 of Line Change

“Can’t say that’s my problem.”

Yes, it is. Who the hell am I kidding? I haven’t slept well even at home since Sutton began sleeping in the guest room.

“Right. Sure, man.” He pats me on the arm before getting to his feet and heading down the aisle.

I roll my eyes but follow him off the plane. A few minutes later, I’m climbing into my SUV and heading home, to Sutton. I shouldn’t be this excited to see her because we’re just friends, and this marriage is fake. But I can’t help how I feel. Even if there is an expiration date on it.

When I step into my condo forty-five minutes later, I’m greeted by Bert and Ernie who weave their way through my legs.

“Hey, guys.” I lean down and pet them. “Where’s your mama?”

Leaving my suitcase in the hallway by the door, I take off my shoes and walk farther into the house, the cats following behind me. I find Sutton lying on the couch fast asleep with the TV on, playing the reality show she likes. The soft glow from the lamp on the side table is the only other light source.

I memorize the sight—her stretched out on the couch, a blanket tucked around her, her hair loose around her face. She looks peaceful, like she belongs here. I rub my chest. I can’t get attached to her. I mean, I can, but then my heart will break when this is over. She’s turned me down. She doesn’t want this to be more than fake. And even if she did, I’m leaving. I can’t ask her to go with me. Her life and career are here. Mine no longer will be at the end of the season. Or you could hire someone, convince your mum to be okay with it, and stay here, with her.

With a resigned sigh, I step into the living room and gently tug the controller out of her hand, turning off the television before leaning down and rubbing her arm. “Sutton, love.”

“Mmmm,” she mumbles, blinking her eyes open. “You’re home.”

“I am. I just walked in.”

“What time is it?”

“After eleven.” Our game in Dallas today went into overtime. So even though it was an early afternoon game, by the time we got on the plane, it was already almost eight central time.

“That was a good pass to Hunter.”

I grin. “You saw it? You watched the game?”

“Of course.” I know it was only an assist, but I’m a defenseman, and we don’t get many points a season. “I watch pretty much all the games. That way I know if there’s something we should be worried about.” I deflate a little when I realize she watches the games because of her job, but she still saw my assist.

I clear my throat. “Before I forget, would you be up for a video chat with my mum early tomorrow afternoon? I know it’s last minute.”

“That works. I need to do laundry and run some errands, but otherwise, I have no plans.

“Okay, I’m thinking maybe two or three.”

“Sounds good. Text me if I’m not home.” She yawns again. “I’m going to go to bed. Night.”

“Night.” I try to hide the disappointment in my voice as I head back to the front door and grab my suitcase before making my way into my room. I’d hoped we could watch TV together, hang out, but I understand she’s tired.

“Hi, Mum,” I greet her when she picks up the video call the next afternoon.

“Hi, Bash. You doing okay, yeah?”

“I’m good. I have someone I want you to meet.” I gesture for Sutton, who walks over. “Mum, this is my girlfriend, Sutton. Sutton, this is my mum, Elizabeth.”

“Oh, it’s wonderful to finally meet you.” Mum squeals, clapping her hands.

“Hi, Mrs. Henderson. Nice to meet you.”

“No, no, dear, please call me Elizabeth or Liz, or even Mum.”

Sutton shifts next to me, and I reach over and tug her onto my lap. She’s stiff for a few seconds but eventually relaxes into me.

“So, tell me about yourself, Sutton, because Bash here has told me nothing.” She glares at me, and I chuckle.

“Bash, eh?” Sutton peeks at me over her shoulder before turning back to the screen. “There’s not that much to tell. I work in public relations and marketing. I’m originally from upstate New York. I’ve lived in Florida since I came here for college.” She taps her chin. “I have two cats.” She lets out a nervous giggle.