Page 56 of Say It Isn't Snow
Shortly turns out to be two minutes later. Trevon gets a text and ducks out of the room. He comes back with a familiar face I wasn’t expecting to see.
“Is that you, Bouch?” I rise to my feet with a hearty chuckle. “It’s been a minute.”
Theo Boucher bumps his fist with mine, brown eyes widening in amused delight. He ruffles his hair, the dark blond thicker on top and faded on the sides.
We’ve known each other since we played on the same team in college. Me and our other teammate, Alex, were both drafted before we finished out our time in the NCAA. Once Theo graduated, he became a free agent and met Trevon through me. We’ve shared him as an agent ever since and have kept in touch.
“What’s up, bro?”
“Is this team a Heston U reunion tour?” I joke.
“They started with the best, obviously,” Theo replies.
I snort. “You and Keller were sick wingers. Our line felt unstoppable. I thought you still had a year left in Colorado?”
He shakes his head. “My contract was up for renegotiation, but I was looking for a move to bring me closer to my dad.”
I nod in understanding. It becomes crystal clear that my decision to sign with the Mayfield Mavericks is the right one. It keeps me where I want to be with Holly, I respect the ownership, and I’ll get to play with an old friend as my teammate once again.
This new team is my opportunity to turn what happened in Seattle with Chet into an inconsequential blip on my player record because I’m far from done with hockey.
“Welcome to the Mavs family,” Micah crows. “We’re gonna hit it hard next season and build something together.”
“Glad to be a part of it,” I say.
“Want to grab lunch after this and catch up?” Theo asks.
I grin. “Can’t. I’ve got plans tonight. I’m heading out of the city as soon as I leave here.”
“Plans?” He lifts a brow.
“Taking my girlfriend out to dinner to celebrate.” It feels damn good to say it.
“Hang on, what girlfriend? You? Since when?” Theo follows me out of the conference room.
My chuckle echoes down the hall. “You’ll meet her soon. I’ll see you at practice, Bouch.”
He claps me on the shoulder. “It’s gonna be good to skate with you again.”
“Hell yeah.”
Two weeks ago, I thought my career was toast. So much has changed for me in that time that I feel like a new man leaving the building. I ride my good mood all the way back to my hotel and hop right in my rental car to hit the road.
CHAPTER 19
CALEB
I drive straightto Mayfield from the city, heading for Blissful Bites Bakery to take my girl out. The shop is exactly what I’d picture for Holly’s business, the pink cottage exuding her signature charm and style.
“Sorry, man. We’re about to clo—Oh. Hey, Caleb.” Leo relaxes behind the counter when I enter. “What’s up? What are you doing in Mayfield?”
“I’m here to see Holly,” I say.
“She’s in the back,” Leo says. “Through that door.”
I nod gratefully when he lets me head for the kitchen. Pausing on the threshold, a soft smile tugs at my lips at the sight of her.
She’s laser focused on her work. Her pink hair is swept up in two buns wrapped with thin red bows, and she has another one of her brightly festive aprons on, this one covered in a gingerbread men pattern. Her lip is caught between her teeth as she decorates a set of champagne bottle cookies.
