Page 77 of Skating to Him

Friday,we slept in and hit the gym with Myles, attempting to work off some of our Thanksgiving meal, and the rest of the day was spent relaxing at home. On Saturday, we worked ahead on our studying and decided to go to The Pavilion car show. Rowan wanted to show off his Mustang.

As we pulled into the parking lot for the strip of shops and big-box stores lining a huge parking lot, my phone buzzed in my pocket. “Shit, give me a minute.” I fished it out and looked at my phone. It was Dean. “Hello?”

“Hey, Tyler. Dean Wilson here.”

“Hi, Dean.” I flashed a glance at Rowan, parking the car at the end of a long line of pristine cars and trucks, old and new, some with their hoods raised and people milling about.

“Did you have a good Thanksgiving?” Dean asked.

“I did. I spent it with the squad and Rowan.” I pinched my lips. I hadn’t told him we were boyfriends. Did it matter though? “How was yours?”

“Great. My wife outdid herself this year with the turkey, and we had both families over.” He chuckled. “It was a little hectic.”

I nodded. When would he cut the small talk? “I’m guessing you have news?”

“I do. I’ve got some firmer dates on the meet and greet with the Blackhawks.”

“Whenever they want me, I’ll be there.” I peeked at Rowan, resting his wrist on the steering wheel of the car, watching me. I did want to make some sort of plans with him for the holiday,but we hadn’t discussed it yet. “Let me get back to you on dates.”

“Sure. They have a home game before their three days off, so maybe the week before would be best?” Dean asked.

With a nod, I said, “Yes, I can swing that.” It would leave me with time for New Year’s with Rowan if we could make it work.

“Okay, let me know your exact dates, and I’ll work on the logistics,” he said. “And, Tyler? Congratulations.”

“Thanks, Dean. Talk to you soon.” I glanced around me at the rows of gleaming cars under the parking lot lights. “Bye.”

“Bye.” Dean hung up the call.

“So, you’ve got a visit lined up with Chicago?” Rowan lifted his brows and faced me.

“Yes, looks like it. They want to meet with me in Chicago the week before Christmas.” I grabbed his hand from the steering wheel and held it on the center console. “Would you want to come to Chicago for New Year’s Eve?”

His eyes grew wide. “Uh…I was sort of hoping you could come with me to Boston.”

“Oh, really?” My heart pattered against my ribcage. Did that mean…?

“I want to come out to my family over Christmas, and I want you to meet everyone.” He kissed the back of my hand. “You’re the love of my life, Tyler. I’ve been thinking the last few days, and I need to do this.” His gaze dipped and came back. “Especially after talking with Leo.”

I swallowed through a lump in my throat.I am the love of his life. This was serious, and who knew where we’d be off to this summer for camps? “We have to make this work, Rowan.” I stared into his gorgeous face, his thick, unruly hair framing it.

“I know we do. I don’t know what that looks like yet, but we’ll find a way.” He choked out a chuckle. “Even if I end up on the East Coast somewhere and you’re in the Midwest.” He dipped his head. “Or, heaven forbid, I end up on the WestCoast.” He brushed his thumb over my knuckles while he stared at our hands, his grin waning.

“All we can do now is enjoy the rest of our season and the days we have left here in college.” I leaned into him and wrapped my arm around his shoulders, pressing the side of my head to his as my heart ached. “I’ll come to Boston for New Year’s Eve. You can take me to a place that makes those drinks you like so much.” I kissed his cheek. “I want to meet your family and your friend Teddy, and I want to learn everything about you.”

He lifted his head, his gaze locking onto mine, and he sniffled. “I can’t wait to show it all to you. And at some point, I’ll make it to Chicago, and I’ll get to meet your family.”

“I’d like that.” It was time I told my family about him. I’d been so busy the last few days I hadn’t even spoken to them. And my mom…was I avoiding it because of her illness? “I’m going to call my family tomorrow and tell them about you.”

“Yeah?” His lips twitched with the hint of a smile. “Do you want me there?”

Shit, I hadn’t thought of that. He could meet them over FaceTime. “Yes, I’ll FaceTime them and you can virtually meet them.”

“Good, I’m ready.” He squeezed my hand. “Now, let’s go take a look at some of these cars.”

“Sure.” I planted a hard kiss on his mouth and then released him and climbed out of the car. As I stood in the parking lot, my gaze ran over the packs of guys, some with girlfriends, strolling around, inspecting engines, and chatting with the car’s owners.

Rowan strutted to the front of his car and lifted the hood. “There she is.”

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