Page 57 of Skating to Him

He freed me and looked into my eyes through my face mask. “I guess that explains?—”

“No, it explains nothing. She’s fine now. It’s not why I’m…” Fuckin’ A, I was about to blab more shit. What was wrong with me today? Was I missing Rowan that much? Yes, I fucking was. I needed him out here with me. I scowled. I couldn’t out Rowan to Ace. “There’s more shit going on, but I’m not at liberty to talk about it just yet.”

He sucked in a breath. “Okay, buddy. You know I’m here when you’re ready.” He patted my shoulder. “Just, uh, find a way to sync with Burns, so I don’t have to do all the work winning the games this weekend.” He arched a brow and smirked at me.

“Sure.” With a soft snort, I nodded. I had to pull my head out of my ass. Burns wasn’t the problem. It was me.

As Ace skated away, I up-nodded Burns. “Come on, let’s go again.” This time, I’d skatewithhim instead of forcing him to follow my lead.

After classes,I sat on the couch in the squad house, reading a few chapters for my class on biomedical image processing. This shit was amazing, and I couldn’t get enough. I bit into anapple, devouring the words on the page. Could I work as a biomedical engineer after my hockey career was over?

My phone buzzed on the cushion beside me. I picked it up and scanned the quiet house. Everyone was still out at classes. I answered the call, setting it on speaker. “Hello?”

“Tyler, I have good news,” Dean said.

Oh shit, I hadn’t even looked to see who it was. My pulse sped up. “Yeah? I’m assuming this is about Chicago?” Would it be weird to see if he could help me bring Rowan there?

“It is. But I have more news than that. First, the Blackhawks would like to have a meet and greet over the Christmas break. I told them you’d be home anyway, so…”

“Sure. Not a problem. Just let me know when.” I closed my book and set it on the coffee table. “Any news on Rowan’s prospects?” I’d been spending short amounts of down time with Rowan all week, so I knew about Rowan signing with him.

“I can’t tell you that, and you know it.” He chuckled.

Brushing my fingers in a circle over the couch cushion, I said, “But I can put in a good word for him when I’m visiting the Blackhawks facilities, right?” Would it be weird?

“I can’t stop you from telling them whatever you want.” He sighed. “But you should know the Bruins are showing interest in you too.”

“What?” Popping my eyes wide, I dropped my mouth open. “Are you serious? I might get scouted by two of the best teams in hockey?”

“You might.” He huffed a laugh. “So far, they’re just making inquiries, so don’t get your hopes up too much.”

“Yeah, okay.” I fisted my hand. Though, if I had a choice, I wanted to start my career in Chicago and be close to Mom. “Let me know what the specifics are when you work them all out. Right now…” I thought for a minute. Would I be spending the whole break in Chicago? What about Rowan? Would he want to visit me, or would he invite me to visit him? Shit. “Right now, I’ll bein Chicago for the first part of the break. I’m not sure about the rest.”

“Okay, I’ll let them know,” he said. “I’ll be in touch.”

“Sure. Talk to you soon, and thanks.” I hung up the call and set my phone against my chest. I wasn’t sure what the future would hold, but I was sure I wanted Rowan in it.

Friday afternoon,I followed Rowan onto the plane. He was walking without a brace now, just a compression bandage. He was healing fast and would be starting some physical therapy with our trainer next week.

I walked to a row of seats toward the back and tapped Rowan on the arm. “How about here?”

Turning his profile to me, he said, “Looks as good as any seat.” He swayed his head, looking behind me. “Should I let Myles in first?” He smirked.

“Yes, please.” Myles squeezed by us and slid into the window seat. Beaming at us, he said, “Thanks.”

I piled in next to Myles and Rowan took the aisle seat. It was a short flight to Denver, so I wouldn’t need to piss. I hoped. I buckled my seatbelt.

Ace slid into the row in front of us, turning to us. “Hey, Tyler, you doin’ okay?” He eyed me.

“I’m fine.” I glanced at Myles and then Rowan. I hadn’t let either of them know what had happened yesterday in practice.

“Okay, well, it looks like Rowan has permanently taken my seat between you two.” He hooked a brow.

“Oh, sorry, Ace. Did you want to sit here?” Rowan unbuckled his seatbelt.

With a hand wave and smirk, Ace said, “Naw, I’m good up here. I’m hoping nobody sits by me, and I can have some peace and quiet.” His gaze snapped to mine. “Hodge, we’ve got this tonight, right?”

“We do. Don’t worry, Ace.” I flicked my gaze at Rowan. He’d be watching from the bench tonight. I’d be playing for him.

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