Page 35 of Puck Drop
“I think we should keep us a secret for a little longer, Lo,” I finally manage to get the words out.
He frowns at me, but he doesn’t look mad. Maybe a little sulky. “Why?”
I take a deep breath in and tell him the truth.
“Because I can’t afford to lose my job in case they decide to enforce that rule with the players, too. I am not qualified to do anything else, and I need to be more established with the Aces first.”
Logan takes a moment, his eyes locked with mine. I let out a sigh of relief when he nods in understanding. “Fair enough. Forhow long should we keep it a secret?” he asks. “Another week or two?”
I shrug with indecisiveness. “Maybe a couple of months?”
It is his turn to let out long sigh but doesn’t argue with my request.
“Why is everything always so complicated with us, Lizzie?”
That’s a good question. It’s almost as if the universe doesn’t want us together.
ELEVEN
Logan
“Look at ya,”Sebastian teases. “Looking all snazzy and shit.”
I snort at his comment before eyeing him up and down in return.
“Look who’s talking,” I point at him.
We are all dressed in expensive suits while we wait for the bus to arrive and take us to the airport. We have a game in D.C., and, as per the team rules, we are required to be dressed to the nines.
“I know,” my buddy rolls his eyes at me. “I’m changing as soon as we’re on the plane,” he informs me in his most serious tone. “I don’t want to catch hell for being all wrinkled up when we land there.”
“Yes, I plan on doing the same.”
“Fuck yeah,” a few of our teammates call in approval.
“I don’t get what the point in wearing a suit even is,” one of them continues.
“The ladies love men in suites,” someone responds. “I’m not taking mine off until the game.”
“We have no ladies on the plane, fucker,” another player from the back grumbles, making us all laugh.
We all get serious when the door opens abruptly.
“Bus is here,” the team’s PR calls out. “Best smile on!”
Bags in hands, we start filing out the door, one by one. The press is here, and as soon as we make an appearance, our names are being called, everyone wanting an exclusive picture or, better yet, a quick interview. Some of us smile and wave, while the rest just keep on walking, looking straight ahead, their focus solely on the bus at the end of the sidewalk.
With sunglasses firmly in place, I step outside. Safe in the knowledge that no one can see where I’m looking, I let my eyes roam over the small crowd of people. No matter how much I try to pretend they don’t affect me, I can’t help the smile starting to form in the corner of my mouth. I’ve always wished for recognition as a hockey player, and I worked so hard for this moment, I don’t see why I shouldn’t enjoy it.
I get closer to the bus when something catches my eye. I turn my head to get a better look, unsure if maybe I’m seeing things. But no, right there, with a nervous smile on her face, is Elizabeth. She notices me looking, and waves at me without lifting her arm. It’s just an awkward movement of her fingers from where she’s clutching her chest.
“Lizzie,” I yell out before I realize what I’m doing. On instinct, I move to walk toward her, ready to pull her into a hug.
The smile drops from her face, and I notice her glancing around nervously. That’s when I remember that we’re not supposed to show that we are in a relationship. Clearing my throat, I try to maintain the grin on my own face, but I’m not really feeling it anymore. I finally make it to the bus, hand the bag over to one of the handlers who rushes to store it away, then walk up the steps in one smooth move. Spotting an open seat by the window, I head for it.
No sooner does my ass hit the cushion when Sebastian drops in the seat next to me. He doesn’t even try to pretend like he never heard me calling for my girlfriend.
“Lizzie?” His eyebrows go up and down. “It’s official now?”
