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Sure, there were ways it could work. Caleb had pointed those out. The trip wasn’t bad by car. There was a train. Hell, Aaron knew people who commuted from southern New Jersey or Philly for work in NYC, and that could be a couple hours each way, every day. And it wasn’t just hockey players who had to travel—many people did that and had good relationships. Aaron’s arguments were stupid. Caleb was a good man, and Aaron had walked away.

Aaron shuddered, just as he’d done when he’d returned home from New York early Saturday morning. Realizations slammed into him, pushing his emotional buttons.

He grabbed the phone and sent a text to Pam. Thanks for the invite. I’m gonna take a rain check. I need to think.

He sent it and powered the phone off. He didn’t want to be persuaded to come over or see anything else about Caleb. It was time to decide what to do about the man he was in love with.

Chapter Twenty-Six

CALEB was exhausted yet elated as Grant drove them into Foster Grove from the Albany airport on Friday afternoon. After sweeping Boston the night before, there were a few days before the second round of playoffs could begin—thankfully, a couple of matchups were headed into at least five games. He had to rejoin the team Monday for the morning skate, but he could take the weekend off and not impact his teammates.

He’d been awake most of the night worrying about his plan. Despite the fact that he knew in his heart it was perfect, he might still get shut down. If he was, Caleb resolved to let Aaron go. He had to make the last attempt, though, because he didn’t want to be stuck with a what-if years from now.

Grant had driven up to Albany in Caleb’s SUV not only to pick up his boss, but to bring him luggage for the weekend in the hopes that the trip was a success. If it was, Grant would rent a car to return to NYC, and if not, they’d go back together. The first stop was his parents’ house to make a quick change of clothes so he’d be in something different than one of his game-day suits. He picked something similar to their dinner at FG Plate—a sweater-and-jeans combo.

Leaving Grant at his parents’, he sped to the elementary school parking lot and arrived with a few minutes to go before the final bell. Violating school rules, he didn’t check in at the main office and instead headed directly for Aaron’s classroom.

“Caleb?”

He stopped as he heard Pam’s confused voice behind him. She was coming out of the staff lounge, carrying a stack of folders clutched to her chest.

“What are you doing here?”

“Going for it.” He grinned at her and turned back to continue his mission.

Her shoes clicked on the tile floor, following him.

The door to Aaron’s classroom was open, and Caleb stood quietly, watching as the class read from a book he couldn’t see the title of. A different student read each page, and Aaron offered word corrections if they pronounced something wrong. Aaron looked tired but still seemed vibrant in front of the class.

Pam put her hand on Caleb’s shoulder as she stood behind him.

As the reading continued, one of the boys looked over and saw him in the doorway. Initially the student went back to his book, but he kept looking over at Caleb every few seconds, until he finally raised his hand. Caleb wasn’t looking to interrupt, but his quiet watching was about to be discovered.

“Yes, Charlie?” Aaron asked before the next student started to read.

“I think Mr. Carter is here to see you.” Charlie pointed at the door.

“I don’t—” Aaron turned to face the door and his mouth dropped open.

Caleb couldn’t tell what Aaron was thinking as he saw a mix of emotions play across his handsome features. Caleb’s face heated as all eyes in the room turned to him. He had to do something. Standing there, gawking at Aaron, wasn’t going to accomplish anything.

“Sorry to interrupt.” Caleb stepped into the classroom and addressed the students. “I needed to see Mr. Price, and I got here a little early.”

“Is everything all right?” Aaron sounded—and looked—concerned and confused.

Caleb stopped to consider and cocked his head. He met Aaron’s gaze. “Well, I’m not sure yet.”

Aaron swallowed hard, and Caleb wondered if Aaron’s mouth was as dry as his was. He hadn’t planned to say anything in front of the kids. They were young, after all, and he didn’t want to make a fuss. The silence stretched on as Caleb didn’t quite know how to continue.

“Are you going to help Mr. Price not be sad?” Charlie asked.

“Charlie, that’s not—”

“I hope so.”

Pam stepped around Caleb into the room. “Why don’t you two go, and I’ll finish up the last few minutes with the students?”

Caleb smiled quickly at his sister before fixing his eyes on Aaron and extending his hand. Aaron looked to his desk, the papers and the messenger bag on the back of the chair.