Page 52 of Hooking

It’s been several weeks since I’ve ventured out of the house. My blood pressure has been as bipolar as the Washington weather lately and with the fact that I still getting persistent contractions on and off throughout the day, I’ve decided to play it safe and stay inside. Yet, my mother has insisted I get out of the house for a little shopping, lunch, and then later tonight, the game.

That’s another thing; I haven’t seen Channing play for months, and I’m excited to see him live and in action in real time. We make our way to the restaurant and as soon as we approach the entrance, my name from the behind catches my attention.

“Cassidy, Mrs. Reynolds,” Vince says as he leisurely strolls to us, waiting at the hostess booth.

My mother’s eyes narrow as she excuses herself to use the restroom while we wait for our table to be ready, leaving me alone with Vince. He looks as good as always. His hair is slightly longer, thanks to the approaching playoffs I suspect. His eyes are bright and light and for the first time, he looks happy. Lighter. Yet, looking at the man I thought would be my husband, I can’t help but think how he doesn’t hold a candle to Channing.

“What brings you into town, Vince? Arizona’s playing in Boston tonight,” I say, not focusing on him, but looking for the hostess who has yet to return.

He shoves his hands into his pockets as he rocks back on his heels. A boyish grin on display. “I got traded to Carolina a few days ago, just before the trade deadline actually. We play the Skipjacks tonight.”

Ah, so that’s why he’s here.

“Good for you,” I say, with a fake smile.

“I didn’t think I’d run into you, but do you think we should talk for a moment?” he says nervously. “Since we have a moment alone.”

I don’t want to, yet part of me wants to hear what he has to say. I nod as my feet move toward the waiting area next to the café’s entrance.

“I guess congratulations are in order,” he says, as he takes a seat next to me. “I’m guessing that it’s Halloway’s?”

“Well, considering you chose bimbos over me, the person who was supposed to be your wife—” I start to say but trail off as I catch a glimpse of remorse on his face. “Sorry, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I said I was going to hear you out, so—”

“I deserved that.”

“You kind of did but continue.”

“I owe you so many apologies, Cassidy. I had a problem I didn’t want to admit for years, but recently, I’ve been mandated to get help. I’ve realized that I’ve been a bit of an asshole, but it’s too late,” he says, his head falling between his shoulder blades. “You deserve so much more than I could have ever offered you. I see that now.”

I take a deep breath as I look at his sulking form. “Did you ever love me enough to consider putting aside those problems?”

“I loved you, but I loved the pills, alcohol, and women more,” he says, honestly. “And for that, I truly am sorry.”

“Thank you,” I say, just as Mom comes over.

“Table’s ready.” she says, eyeing Vince with distaste.

I turn to look at him, pulling him into a hug and feeling a million times lighter than I did before we started this conversation. “Thank you again. I wish you all the best, Vince.”

“You too.”

Later that evening, my parents and I sit in the owner’s box, waiting for the team to take the ice for warm ups. I’ve been feeling good since my lunch with Mom. It was even better when I got home, and Channing greeted me with his head between my legs, only for me to return him a favor after he delivered me not one but two earth-shattering orgasms.

The lights of the arena dim, and the music ramps up as the opposing team takes the ice for warm ups, followed by the Skipjacks a minute later. I walk down to the glass with Sydney, Camden, and Everly as we watch the guys warm up.

Brooks does his usual skate by, stopping in front of us doing some fancy stick work with a puck before skating away and shooting it toward goal. Usually, Channing would be right behind him, but for some reason, he’s kept his distance. I tape on the glass in hope a to get his attention, only for him to scowl at me and skate back toward the bench and exit the ice.

Weird.

We hang by the ice a little while longer, watching the guys warm up. Some who know us stop by, tapping the glass to say hello, but my mind is no longer focused on them. It’s on the man who has completely ignored me and left the ice abruptly without a word.

I take my seat in the suite and pull out my phone to text Hayley. She’s down on the ice with the guys, so maybe she can find out what’s wrong with him.

Hayley: Not sure what’s wrong with him. He’s been in a mood since he left the locker room. I’ll try to pick Brooks’ brain during first intermission.

During the entire first period, I’m on the edge of my seat. Every time Channing takes the ice, it’s like he’s out for blood. Checking Vince into the walls. Even spent some time in the sun bin for tripping and high sticking. I know they have bad blood, especially now that Channing’s with me, but he usually strives to play a clean game.

The horn spins, signaling first intermission, and I eagerly wait for Hayley to text me back. Something’s wrong, I can feel it. I go to the bathroom and get a water before taking my seat again. I glance at my phone, hoping there’s a message but no luck. I take a deep breath, trying to relax my mind, but my stomach tightens from the unknown.

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