“Stop staring at her before Moore sees you,” Theo growls as he steps into my line of sight.
“Out of the way, Novak.”
“Not until you stop eye-fucking her in public.”
I can’t even deny it. I take another sip of my drink as Theo moves, in time for me to see Rohan and Irsia joining her.
“Spuddy, you’ll get caught if you don’t reel yourself in.”
“Maybe I want to get caught,” I mutter, twisting my body away so I stop gawking at Alia. Resting both elbows on the ledge, I pretend to observe the crowd. Theo shifts to stand next to me.
“We’re too close to getting into the playoffs, man. Now is not a good time to stir shit up.”
“Why do you think I haven’t opened my fucking mouth?”
I’ve been tempted though. Every time I’m around Moore, I bite my tongue so I don’t say something stupid. The guilt of going behind his back has transformed into a need to admit I’m head-over-heels for his cousin.
“I’m tired of hiding how I feel.”
“Which is?”
“I like her.”
“No shit,” he snorts.
“Theo, I’m serious about her.”
My declaration sobers him up instantly.
“Did you tell her?” he asks.
I shake my head morosely. Given how little time we’ve had together, I haven’t found the right opportunity to lay it all out on the line. I like my chances, though. Alia trusts me. She’s shown me her vulnerabilities and let me in. I sense no emotional distance between us despite the limited time we manage to steal for our visits.
When we do meet, I feel at peace. With or without sex, time spent with Alia is my comfort zone. She sees beyond the image of a hockey player with a prolific history with women to the man who wants quiet dinners, long drives, sunsets on the deck, and someone to come home to. She makes me feelwanted.
All evening, we’ve exchanged covert glances and secret smiles. But it’s no longer sufficient.
I’m growing frustrated at having to pretend we’re friends when all I want is to draw her into my arms and tell the world she’s mine. To stay away from her when she’s right in front of me is absolute torture.
After years of avoiding feelings, of wanting no complication that would distract me from hockey, I’ve fallen headlong for a woman who’s completely captivated me. The idea of not being with her is like getting stabbed in the lungs.
I didn’t have her past, but her present and future? Mine.
Before Theo can question me further, our teammates join us and I find myself dragged into a conversation I’m barely interested in. I nod along as they jump from hockey to the upcoming calendar photoshoot and eventually to everyone’s plans for their summer off.
“We’re thinking of the Amalfi Coast,” Mateo tells us. “Emily’s been wanting to go on a long trip, and we need time away from all distractions to focus on us.”
Some of the men in the group murmur in agreement, like they’ve had similar discussions with their spouses as well.
“Italy is great,” one of them chimes in. “Let me know if you want me to hook you up with a place. I’ve got an uncle with a farmhouse near Ravello he rents out all summer.”
“What about you, Spuddy?”
I shrug as I sip my drink. “I’ll probably visit my folks for a bit.”
I wonder if Alia will join me. I’d love to show her my hometown. I’m already picturing her in cute cowboy boots and denim cutoffs at the Stampede. It’s mayhem, but fun. We could sneak a kiss or more on the Ferris wheel. I could win her one of those overpriced stuffed animals and snuggle her under the blanket as we watch the fireworks at night. It’s so cliché, it’s right out of a 90s romcom. But the idea of experiencing that with Alia makes me giddy. I wanteverythingwith her.
I catch the swish of a blue dress and automatically my spine straightens. The scent of lemons and mint hits me and my eyes close instinctually as I breathe her in, trying desperately to imbibe the only part of her I can in public.