Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
We started the game and had control of the puck right away. I went with it, passing it back and forth to Justin before he took a shot and scored the first goal. We circled together in a hug as the crowd went wild, and I suddenly felt great about this game. We kept it going and won three goals to their one, and everyone chanted after the game ended. We decided on the bar, and Justin sent Tori a message telling her the plans before we showered and dressed. We did the after-game press and headed to our cars to meet the girls at the bar.
They were already there, and we headed to the table through the crowds of fans. They stopped us to congratulate us, offered to buy us beer and asked for pictures. We spent some time with them and then headed to the table where drinks were waiting for us. The girls wrapped themselves around us, and I laughed as I pulled Elyse close.
This woman was mine and living in my home. I was going to make this work with her. We had a few drinks and appetizers and watched the replays, yelling at each other as the fans cheered us on. I left the bar holding Elyse’s hand, and we went home as I grinned. I locked the door and took her right to my bed, where we celebrated the fact that we were living together.
I was busy with practices and games throughout the week, and time flew by. I felt like I blinked, and it was the night before we were flying out for a week. We had dinner at home that night and were in bed early, making love like we were saying goodbye forever. I left early the following morning after a long kiss in bed, promising to keep in touch.
I felt better knowing that she was there though Elyse did have a busy week ahead. She was painting a lot and getting some stuff set up in galleries with Tori’s help. I was proud of her and told her so, but I also reminded her to be careful. Her past did bother me, and the fact that the killer was never caught made me worry about Elyse. It didn’t seem like they ever saw her or knew her, but there was so much press behind the crime. I was happy that she seemed to be healing from the event and hoped that would continue. I loved her and wanted to protect her.
We talked as much as we could while I also focused on the games. We won every single game but one, and the travel between cities was exhausting. I loved playing hockey, but the travel periods were rough. By the end, I was ready to go home and sleep for a day.
I asked a few of the guys how they balanced hockey and families. They explained that every moment was full, and they kept their focus on what was in front of them at that moment. It didn’t come without some exhaustion, but they all said they wouldn’t trade it for anything. I saw the way their kids were involved in events and realized I wanted that for myself. Elyse and I hadn’t discussed it much and I wondered if we should, picking up my phone to call her in my free moment in the hotel room.
She didn’t answer, and I left a message before dropping the phone on the mattress. Elyse was busy this week and I knew that, but something seemed off. I chalked it up to her growing career and closed my eyes, letting everything I had in my head swirl together for several moments. Justin said Tori seemed fine and the girls were glued at the hips. I reminded myself of that before taking a small nap before the game that night.
I couldn’t get ahold of her the following morning and stared at the screen. There was a slight time difference, but not enough that we were in different parts of our day. I headed down for the skate and asked Justin if he heard anything, but he swore that nothing was going on. We also agreed that they’d keep a secret if they deemed it necessary, but he told me not to worry. She was trying to build her career and likely using the alone time to get a lot of painting done.
Chapter 20
ELYSE
I SPLASHED COLD WATER on my face, drying it gently. This flu was lingering, and I cursed my luck. I had stuff to do. My phone chimed, and I stumbled to my bedroom to see that Tori was messaging me. She was headed over for lunch and helping me take some stuff to a gallery in a borrowed moving truck.
I wasn’t sure if I could handle feeling this way.