Page 53 of The Closed Off Captain

A wave of loneliness crashes over me, surprising me; and I take a step back. “That’s great. Have a good time. I’ll see you Sunday at game night.” I turn around and head to my car. After dropping my bag in the back seat, I look back and see that Gunner is still standing where I left him. Only when I start my car and pull out does he head to his truck. My audiobook keeps me company as I drive home, but I have a hard time following it. Eventually, I turn it off and just drive in silence. I pull up in front of my house, double checking to make sure nobody is waiting for me this time. I climb out of the car and get my bag but then still when I see headlights pulling up behind me. It takes me a moment to realize that it’s Gunner’s truck. I stride over to his truck, and he rolls down the window. “What are you doing here, Coftman?”

“Just making sure no crazy people show up here tonight.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “I told you I was fine.”

He meets my gaze. “I wanted you to stay at my house, but you refused. The least I can do is make sure my fiancé gets home and inside safely.”

I’m tired, my face hurts, and I’m so over all of this nonsense. “Fine,” I snap. “I’m home safe. You can leave now.”

His door opens, and he climbs down, once again towering over me. He doesn’t say a word; he just walks up to my door. With a huff, I follow him and unlock the door. “Here.”

“What?” I turn back to him and see two pills in his hand. I glance up at him in surprise.

“For the pain.”

I reach out and take the pills. “Thank you.” I sigh softly. “And thank you for making sure I got here safely.” He nods and without another word walks back to his truck. I head inside and lock the door behind me and then kick off my shoes as I make my way into the living room and drop onto the couch. I close my eyes and lean against the seat. The quietness of my home closes in around me, and I feel suddenly so alone and lost. I’m not used to feeling this way. “This is ridiculous. I am a successful woman, working for a one of the most successful teams in the AHL.” I say the words, but they’re lacking the power they usually do. I blame it on being tired and in pain. Once I take the pain pills, I head back to my room. I take my laptop but leave it on my desk. I’m too tired to face it tonight.

It only takes me a few minutes to get ready for bed. Once I’m there, I expect to fall right to sleep, but I don’t. Instead, I stare up at the ceiling and wonder if I’m destined to be single my entire life. It’s never really bothered me before. I’ve always been career driven, and I’ve never really been the kind of girl to dream about my wedding someday or plan how many kids I want. But lately, I’m feeling my singlehood more. I push those depressing thoughts from my mind and make a mental list of what I need toaccomplish tomorrow night. My phone dings on the nightstand, and I frown as I pick it up.

Gunner-are you still up?

My frown deepens, wondering what’s wrong. He never texts me, especially this late at night.

Chloe-yes

My phone rings a moment later, startling me so much I nearly drop the phone. “Hello.”

“Chloe,” his deep voice rumbles through the phone. “I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Are you okay?” I ask quickly, sitting up.

“I’m fine.” My heart begins to slow. “I called my mom to tell her I’m coming to the games tomorrow and Saturday, and she asked if you were coming.”

He doesn’t say anything else. “Okay. Did you tell her no?”

“No.”

My eyebrows rise. “Um and why not?”

“If we’re trying to sell the fiancé thing, this would probably be the way to do it. I mean, if we were really engaged, you’d probably come with me for the weekend.”

“Not if I was working,” I feel the need to point out. He doesn’t say anything, and I close my eyes. “What time are you leaving?”

“At one tomorrow.” I think through what I have to get done. “I can drive, and you can work in the car.”

A lot of thoughts run through my head, but one of them is that this probably would indeed be a great time to take pictures of us with his family. That would really help his case on social media. I’m not in the mood to argue with him. “Fine. I’ll be ready at one.”

“Thanks, Chloe. I owe you one, and I’ll get you back in time to visit your grandma on Sunday.” He doesn’t say goodbye; he just hangs up. And just like that, my weekend is booked solid. I’m notsure what to think about that, so I don’t. Instead, I plug in my phone so it can charge and roll over and go to sleep.

Chapter 25

Chloe

I’m busy at my desk working when somebody knocks and opens my door. I look up at Gunner in surprise. “Is it one already?” At his nod, I quickly finish what I’m working on and begin packing up. I grab my purse, laptop bag, and overnight bag.

As soon as I walk around my desk, he steps towards me and takes my bags from me, leaving me with just my purse. I almost don’t even notice; he does it so often. “I just have to drop this off with Corey,” I tell him as we walk. He nods and leads the way to Corey’s office. “Hey Corey,” I say as I breeze inside his open door. “Here’s that list for the auction.”

“Thanks, Chloe.”

---