Page 54 of Uniquely in Love

Everything was different now. I didn’t want her to go back to Portland. Not when her living here meant I got to take her hiking like we had when we were younger and have her at my games.

“We would never.” Brooks grinned. “Now,you, on the other hand…”

Rolling my eyes, I picked up my gloves and helmet, shoving the latter onto my head and getting ready to head out onto the ice for warm-ups.

“Let’s just go play some damn hockey,” I said, starting to understand why Rhodes Larsen was one grumpy son of a bitch after playing on this team for so long. He was probably so tired of them needling him that he’d stopped smiling. Especially considering he was still single and one of the guys who never had a wife or girlfriend at the games for him.

Though, Maverick and Brooks were also single, which might have explained why they felt the need to intrude into my dating life. Or lack thereof. I snorted as I headed out to the tunnel, stick in hand—freshly wrapped, just the way I liked it—and ready to go.

Nothing else mattered.

Not my new roommate, and not how much I wanted to kiss her at any given moment.

Definitely not.

EIGHTEEN

Ellie

NOW

Iwasn’t sure what I expected when Owen had told me I’d be sitting in a box with a bunch of the wives and girlfriends of the team, but it hadn’t beenthis. The box was absolutely insane—there was an enormous spread of food and drinks on the counter, and everything looked like it was brand new. A few high top tables sat in the middle of the room, and there were stairs leading down to the seats that overlooked the 100 level and the ice. It was an amazing view—from here, I’d actually be able to see the plays versus the last game where I couldn’t see much. I’d ended up looking up at the jumbotron a lot, but this time, I wouldn’t have to.

“This is just… wow,” I mumbled to myself.

Someone had escorted me up here, and now that I was actually in the suite—one full of wives and girlfriends of players—I couldn’t help but feel intimidated. Because they were all supposed to be here, and I was just crashing the party. I noticed that none of them were wearing their man’s jersey, though most of them had some sort of Seals branded gear on. Really, they looked like they were going to the bar versus a hockey game.

It made me feel a little self-conscious in my attire. Lastgame, I’d bought a jersey from the Seals shop on my way in, but this game, I was just wearing a pair of jeans, my favorite sneakers, and a turtleneck underneath a Seals Crewneck that Owen had lent me. It still kind of smelled like him, though, so at least there was that.

“You must be Ellie.” A redhead smiled at me. She was wearing an oversized Seals jacket with the number twenty-six on the sleeve, and had an adorable baby bump showing. “I’m Lauren Kovac.” The name clicked, and I realized she must have been Stefan Kovac’s wife. He was the Seals captain, and had been playing with the team for the last decade, drafted right out of high school.

“Oh.” I didn’t think anyone recognize me. “Hi. I guess I didn’t realize anyone would know who I am.”

She nodded. “Stefan told me you’d be joining us. Owen wanted to make sure you didn’t feel left out.”

God, did he have to keep being so sweet? It made me want to do things I shouldn’t. Like run into his arms and kiss him senseless. Which was definitelynota friend like thing to do.

“This is all kinda overwhelming,” I admitted. “Like, I can’t believe I’m actuallyhere.”

She ran a hand over her belly. “Our boys take care of us. We don’t rent out a suite every game. Most nights, we just hang out in the wives’ room, but this is a special occasion.”

“I’m getting spoiled, honestly,” I laughed. “Last time, he got me a seat right behind the player’s box.”

“He’s a great guy, your Owen.”

“We’re not—” My cheeks warmed, but I didn’t deny that he was mine. Even though he wasn’t. I just nodded. “I don’t know what he told you, but we grew up together.”

“Not much, honestly. He’s pretty closed off about his past. But he’s such a warm, easy-going guy, always laughing and cracking jokes with the team.”

A grin split my face. That sounded like him. “He’s a great friend.”

She hummed. “Yeah. I’m sure he is.”

Movement on the ice distracted me as the guys came out for warm-ups, circling the ice in their bright blue jerseys. My eyes instantly tracked the ice, looking for the man whose body I knew like the back of my hand.

Just like last game, it was hard to pay attention to anyone but him. He had this contagious grin on his face as he skated around the back of the net with a puck. I imagined what it would feel like to be down there, with the ice under my blades and the cool air in my face as I raced down the ice, but it was gone in a flash. I hadn’t skated in a long time. No matter how much I loved seeing Owen in his element, that didn’t mean I was going to lace up a pair of skates and join him.

“Warm-ups are always my favorite,” Lauren commented, watching me stare at the players. “I love watching them stretch.”

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