Page 66 of Uniquely in Love

Ellie smiled. “Thank you. I… I needed that.”

“Anything,” I promised. “Anything you need, El. I’m always here.”

I meant it.

Hours later,we were riding the elevator back up to my apartment. After leaving the rink, we grabbed burgers and fries from my favorite spot in Seattle. I was grateful that we didn’t have a game tonight, and that I’d been able to spend the day with her.

It felt like old times, except…better, somehow. Maybe it was because we were older. Or maybe it was just because I knew what life was like without her.

“Today was honestly the most fun I’ve had in a long time,” Ellie said, stretching her hands over her head.

Her earlier apprehension and anxiety seemed to be gone, which I was grateful for. “I’m glad.” I grinned. “We should do this again.”

She snorted. “Sure. With your schedule, you’ll haveplentyof time.” Ellie rolled her eyes, and I stepped in closer, cupping her cheek with my hand.

“For you? Of course I will. I’ll always make time for you.” Our faces were a few inches apart, and it would be so easy to kiss her. God, I wanted to. Those soft, lush pink lips were calling my name.

Her tongue darted out, moistening her lips. Did she want this the way I did?

She gave a sharp exhale of breath as her eyes darted from mine down to my mouth, and I leaned in, a breath apart, when—ding.

The elevator doors opened.

Goddamn.

Ellie’s cheeks were pink as she slid out from between meand the wall, and she said nothing as she unlocked the apartment.

“Ellie—” I started, wanting to talk about what just happened. That we’d almost kissed. The fact that I still wanted to kiss her.

She rushed towards her bedroom. Strange that in less than two weeks, it already felt like hers. “I’m gonna catch up on some work. I’ll… Thank you again for today.” Her door clicked shut, and I groaned.

“Fuck,” I groaned as I headed back to my room. Alone, like always. Frustrated and aching because the one thing I wanted was the one thing I shouldn’t.

It was getting harder to hold myself back around her, especially when the only company I’d had for the last few months was my own hand. Hell, the last few years.

Why was I holding back and resisting this, when I knew damn well she was the only woman I’d ever wanted? The only one I’d ever loved.

Was it really so simple as just… telling her what I wanted? Thinking about her small smiles today, the way she’d been so hesitant until she finally got comfortable on the ice, I let my thoughts wander. What if we tried again?

But I knew how dangerous hope was.

How devastated I’d been when she left the last time.

Why did it always feel like one step forward and two steps back with us? When all I wanted washer?

I should have kissed her. I’d known it as soon as the moment passed. When we were younger, I would have done it without thinking. But then again, years ago, everything had felt so easy between us. Nothing felt easy now. Not since she’d walked out on me.

Even though I was a fucking asshole who had done the same thing to her. I hadn’t been around to see the hurt on her face when she’d woken up alone. No, I’d left a note like a coward. And then I’d hightailed it out of town, even though Ihad time off of hockey and didn’t need to be back in Seattle for weeks. I should have stayed with my family.

But I’d known that seeing that look on her face would kill me.

And today, I knew nothing had changed. That I still wanted her just as fiercely as I had months ago, and now with her in my space, everything was worse.

Maybe I needed these road trips for some space. To remind myself why I couldn’t have her. She didn’t want this life. She’d made that clear when she’d ended it.

Seals Singles

Owen

---