Page 97 of Forever Wild
Coach squeezes my shoulder as he stands. “I gotta get home.”
“You’re not staying?” He’s basically a permanent fixture here. He retired from coaching years ago and bought Perry’s, but hockey is in his blood. The same way it’s in mine.
“No. I promised the wife I’d take her to the movies. It’s our fortieth anniversary.”
A real smile tugs at my lips. “Congratulations. Tell Anita I said hi.”
He pats me on the shoulder again. “You should get out of here too. Make a choice from your heart instead of your head. And if I’m wrong and this conversation isn’t about a woman, then you should also call one of those up. Maybe go on a date. I have a hunch you’d look less tired if you were spending more time in bed with a beautiful woman and less time preparing for the season. You can’t spend your entire life doing what’s best for everyone else.”
He’s already gone before the statement hits and another small laugh leaves my lips. But the longer I think on it, the more I miss Everly and wish I had an answer.
A part of me knows Coach is right. I don’t let people in beyonda certain point. Maybe it’s a reaction to my childhood or the effects of being driven to succeed, but whatever the reason, I have kept my personal life simple.
Or I did before Everly. Now that she’s gone, I feel empty. Falling back into my old routine isn’t really an option. I don’t want to date other women, but I don’t want to be this guy who keeps everyone at arm’s length either. I just want her.
And I have no idea what to do about it.
29
NO CONTEST
EVERLY
I look forward to the first home game of the season like it’s a holiday. I love hockey. Even if my brother hadn’t played, I think I still would have been a fan. There’s nothing like the energy of the Wildcat fans when the players take the ice for warmups. Conversations die down and all eyes turn to the men in green skating around the rink.
I know exactly where Ty will fall in the lineup. Maverick steps out first and then Tyler’s right behind him. I usually follow him as he makes his first circle toward the net, but today my gaze lingers until all the other players have taken the ice. Jack is the last one out, like he has to make sure everyone else has made it first before he can. Honestly, that tracks for him. He’s a great captain. Some people lead by example and others do it with empathy. Jack somehow manages to do both.
I take him in unabashedly with so much distance between us it feels safe. He never wears his helmet for warmups so I can see that his dark hair has gotten a touch too long again. It’s slicked back andhis dark eyes focus on everything around him. I swear I can feel him taking it all in like he really thought he’d never get to do this again.
I’m sitting with the wives and girlfriends tonight up on the upper level. Sandwiched between Bridget and Piper, all three of us are focused on the men. It really doesn’t get old. Sure, by the end of the season most wives are ready for a break so they can see their man for longer than a few hours at a time, but for me it could be hockey year-round and I’d still watch every game.
After a few minutes, conversations start back up again. Bridget is currently holding Charlotte, who is taking turns climbing over each of our laps. Not like we mind. She’s adorable in her little Sharp jersey and matching green headband.
“This feels just like old times,” Piper says and squeezes my hand.
“Uh-huh. Right down to you being knocked up.” I glance down at her tiny baby bump. The off-season was productive in more ways than one.
Piper is glowing, and I can’t wait to be an auntie again to another adorable little girl.
When the game is ready to start, the announcer calls out the starting lineup. The arena shakes with applause and screams when he calls out Jack. The fans love him, and as I watch him taking it all in with an almost bashful expression, I almost forget about how mad I am at him and start to fall under his spell again.
There is something sexy about a man who dedicates so much of himself to other people. I just wish I was one of those people in his life.
The first game of the season does not disappoint. The guys are looking sharp. Ty scores in the second period, then Ash in the third. My ear drums hurt from the women around me yelling so much.
Jack doesn’t get any goals, but he looks good out there. Like he was never gone. His presence alone is enough to make a difference. His teammates are always looking to him. If he’s fired up, then so are they. When he says dig deep, they listen. Without him, they’re all still talented players but with him, they’re a team.
When the game is over, I go with Piper and Charlotte to wait for Tyler. I’m carrying a sleepy Charlotte when someone calls out my name.
I glance back to see Jack’s agent, James, walking my way. My heart flutters with nervous anticipation. I haven’t really mentioned to Tyler or Piper how much time I spent with Jack this summer and I feel like my cover is about to be blown.
Piper reaches for Charlotte. “I’m going to change her. Are you good?” she asks.
“Yeah,” I say then turn to greet James. “Hi. How are you?”
I’ve always liked James. He has this way about him where he can tell people off, but they somehow aren’t insulted. He’s polite, but I get the feeling he would know who to call and where to dispose of a body, if needed.
“Good. Good. I was hoping I’d run into you.”
