Page 110 of The Breakaway

I nodded in agreement. Rob had intercepted the puck and set up the game-winning assist with a perfect slap pass.

Maddie threw an arm over my shoulders and squeezed. We didn’t rush up like we used to. Rob and I didn’t have a secret meeting place. We didn’t want to make things weird. So, I waited with the commoners up in the lobby until he emerged from the locker room, changed and showered. The best part about this was that he drove us all to Ranchmans.

Crystal and Maddie chattered about the game while we travelled the couple of blocks. Enter stage one of our routine, where Rob played devil’s advocate and told them why their assessment and suggested strategy adjustments were all wrong.

Then came stage two, where Rob parked his truck and threw an arm around me, walking into Ranchmans and greeting his teammates. Stage three was the awkward glance and head nod Logan and I exchanged, and stage four was my favourite. WhereRob’s hand found the small of my back, guiding me to a booth in the corner.

As the night went on, we laughed and talked with Crystal, Maddie, and a few of Rob’s teammates—they came to us.

Rob leaned in, his lips brushing my jaw. “Ready to go? You have early rehearsal tomorrow.”

I grinned. “It’s okay, we can stay a little longer.”

“What if I don’t want to stay a little longer?” he murmured, nipping at the skin of my neck.

I blew out a breath, trying to hide how much the feel of his lips and teeth affected me. I pulled back, cupping his face in my hands. “I don’t ever want you to miss out on this because of me.”

Rob wet his lips and circled his hands around my wrists. “Shar, I love hockey.”

“I know.”

“But I love a lot of things.” I raised an eyebrow, and he dropped his hands, pulling me closer. “I love the way you stretch your legs out when you sleep.”

I laughed, but Rob put a finger to my lips. “I love that sound you make when?—”

“Rob!” I hissed, pushing him further into the booth.

“Okay, lovebirds. I think we’re going to head out.” Crystal reached out and gave me a side hug.

Maddie blew me a kiss. “I’m just going to run to the washroom. Be right back.”

Crystal nodded and stood, retrieving her coat and walking over to the main Outlaws table to say goodbyes.

Rob waved to both of them then grinned, running his hand over my thigh and slipping it between my legs. “I told you, hockey has never been my only game plan. I love it, and I want to play as long as I can?—”

“You’ll play, Rob. None of this ‘if they think I’m good enough.’”

He picked up a nacho and put it in my mouth. “There. Chew on this so I can finish my sentence.” I feigned indignation, and he laughed. “I love hockey. But it will never come first. You’re not my backup plan, Shar.”

I swallowed, then took a drink of water, the words sinking into me like water over dry ground. My heart swelled to bursting. “Okay.”

“Okay, what?”

“Take me home Thompson. You can’t say something like that and then expect me not to want to tear your clothes off.”

“My place or yours?” His eyes glinted.

“Lily’s gone for the weekend. She’s got some gig with her new band.”

“Thank you, Lily.” Rob reached for his coat, then stood, pulling me up from the bench of the booth.

“Rob, you want one?” Rory held up a shot, but Rob shook his head.

“All you, bud!” He waved, nestled his hand against my back, and walked me to the door.

Epilogue

Maddie

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