Page 76 of Uniquely in Love

Miss you all. Talk soon.

TWENTY-FOUR

Owen

NOW

Being in California was really putting things in perspective for me. Especially when I watched my teammates call their wives and girlfriends, turning in early from the bar each night.

Last night, I’d met up with Beau. Brooks, Mav and Reid had all jumped on the opportunity to go to the California Cougars game with me, and I was always happy to see him play for once. Our seasons overlapped, and it was unfortunate that I couldn’t make it down to see him on the field more. He’d always been one of my best friends, and I was still grateful that hadn’t changed after his sister and I had broken up.

But would it change everything if we started seeing each other again? And what would happen if it ended badly this time? Our families were so close. Our moms were best friends, for fuck’s sake. It would tear our families apart if something happened between us. I’d already been on the outside for the last five years, barely wanting to go home. Avoiding seeing the guys or spending time with the group because I knew she’d be there.

And now I was all alone in my hotel room, staring up at the ceiling. It was quiet. It didn’t smell like Ellie’s shampoo. She wasn’t sitting on my couch, leafing through papers or reading a book. I was alone. And I hated it even more than usual tonight. Disappointment flooded through my veins. This wasn’t enough. Not anymore.

Maybe that was why I picked up my phone, typing in a text. I was making more of an effort to be present in the cousins group chat, but I wanted to talk to her, too.

Owen

Hi.

Ellie

How’s it going?

Good.

I caught the game tonight. Nice shot on goal. Bummer that it didn’t go in.

Yeah. I’m trying not to beat myself up about it. There’s always next time.

At least we’d won, though. That was better than our first road trip game. Sure, losing in overtime was better than in regulation, but it still sucked.

Also, I forgot to tell you this the other night, but thanks for giving Sophia my number. We hung out, and I had a lot of fun.

No problem. Coach asked, and it was the least I could do.

Sophia and I were friendly, but I wouldn’t have called us friends. Not when Coach Donovan made it exceptionally clear to every guy on the team to stay away from his daughter. Not that I was looking.

I’d only ever had eyes for one girl.

Ellie’s words flashed through my mind.This life, Owen… This life was meant for you. You’re so smart, but you’re so good at hockey, too. And you love it.

I loved you,I’d wanted to tell her.

But I’d meant what I told her, too. Because as much as I wanted her—I always wanted her—I couldn’t start something if she couldn’t tell me the truth. It was bad enough that she was in my space, overriding all of my thoughts. Smelling so fucking good all the time and looking so pretty. Plus, there were those tiny little sleep shorts and the way her nipples poked through her thin tank tops.

I groaned at the thought, resisting the urge to palm my cock until my aching erection subsided.Fuck me.I was a damn fool. All I wanted was to kiss her again. And again. And again.

No matter what she said, no matter how much her words rang true, I couldn’t keep lying to myself that I didn’t want her anymore.

You were always destined for this. I couldn’t hold you back.

When you get home… I think I’m ready to talk.

I miss you.

I miss you too, Skater Girl.

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