Page 122 of Revenge Puck

“Well, you and your good feeling can do whatever you want. I have to figure out what’s best for me and Finley.”

“I know. I get it. I just wanted to give you the heads up, so you could think about it over the summer.”

“Okay, well, you have more important things to think about tonight. Finley and I won’t wait up for you.”

“You’re that confident that Elle will take me back?”

“I’m that confident that you won’t give up yet, even if she does.”

“True,” I agree. “Let me know when you two are home safe.”

“We will. Love you, big brother.”

“Love you too,” I tell her before ending the call and taking off down the sidewalk in front of the arena. I don’t even bother trying to get a taxi or Uber since the street is packed with fans celebrating, some of which high five me as I run by them.

43

Elle

I’m exhausted by the time I walk back to the hotel. And then, wouldn’t you know it, my stupid keycard wouldn’t work, so I had to come all the way back down to the front desk to get them to reactivate it.

There’s a long line at the reservation desk too, lots of traveling fans checking in after the game, when I just want to go to my room and fall into bed.

And maybe turn on the television to see the rest of the Warhawk’s celebration.

Behind me, I hear gasps and squeals. Turning around to see what the commotion is all about, I glance over my shoulder and my jaw drops.

Preston jogs in heading straight for the front desk still wearing his uniform and…a pair of men’s dress shoes? His hair and beard are still damp with sweat. A red line slashes across his forehead from where he recently removed his helmet.

When his eyes spot me, he stops abruptly. “Cupcake,” he says with a heavy sigh of relief. “I knew…you were staying…here.”

“Preston, what are you doing here?” I ask as all the eyes in the entire crowded lobby are drawn to us.

“I needed to talk to you.”

“Oh. Um, well, congratulations on winning the championship.”

“Thanks.” Leaning over, he puts his palms on his knees to catch his breath, while everyone in the entire lobby stares at us.

“Shouldn’t you be celebrating with the team?” I ask.

“Yes.”

He’s still recovering, and everyone around us seems to be holding their breath.

“So, um, how does it feel? As amazing as before?” I ask into the uncomfortable silence.

“Second trophy…in five years feels…pretty damn good, yeah.”

“I’m happy for you, Preston. I really do wish you the best in California.”

“About that,” he says, holding up a finger. “Give me another second.”

“Okay.”

Straightening again, he says, “I’m going to turn down the offer to play for the Grizzlies.”

I glance around again, noticing all the eyes and ears on us. Nodding my head to the alcove nearby, I reluctantly get out of the long line and lead him over. He towers over me, standing close with his palm braced on the wall above my head. At least no one can hear us. Looking up at him, I say, “I thought…why would you turn down the Grizzlies? You said they were the only team to make you an offer.”

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