Page 32 of Snowed in with My Pucking Ex
I can’t believe how big it is in here; we could comfortably fit another four people. Their firm must travel a lot for business to have this level of luxury and to be able to loan it out for a ride on quick notice. Spencer didn’t just get us a helicopter ride; he practically got us a small plane with how secure and roomy it feels.
Winter confirms, “That’s the one, my parents’ house. Thank you.”
We lift off fairly quickly, making my stomach drop at the sudden change. Winter grabs my hand for support, and it makes me feel ten feet tall. We’re not up in the air for long; it seems like the flight takes maybe a total of three minutes tops, before we’re lowering back down to the ground.
Chance gives Spencer the okay, and he opens the door. We get unbuckled from our safety belts, and then I climb out first. I hold out both of my hands for Winter, gripping her hips tightly to lift her to the ground. I don’t release her right away, needing to feel her luscious curves against my bulk one more time before I have to leave her. I wrap my arms around her tightly, carrying her away from the helicopter.
She stares up at me, grinning as I walk. She’s thoroughly amused I’m not letting her go yet. I murmur, “Thank you for yesterday. And for last night.”
She blushes, nodding.
My fingers move to her chin, tipping her face up so she’ll meet my gaze. “This is just business. I’ll be back. And Winter? This thing between us is not finished. I want you in my life.”
“Sean, I mean…The helicopter, and everything-” she gestures to the aircraft behind me.
As if I don’t know how extra this is. Hockey players are known for being more on the low-key side when it comes to showboating, and this doesn’t fit the mold. But neither does she. She’s somehow more, and I don’t know how to explain it, but my heart somehow already knows it.
“I know. Life can be overwhelming, but I promise this isn’t a normal thing. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Until then, stay warm and don’t work yourself too hard.” I glance up, noticing the mistletoe hung from the porch, nearly right above us. It was all over the cabin, too, but I’d ignored it in the face of being a gentleman. Now, however, I can’t wait any longer, so I plant my lips on hers.
“Whoa! Simmer down now,” is yelled from the porch, her dad’s deep voice interrupting us.
I pull away, chuckling, and press one more kiss to the tip of her nose. The move makes her smile. “I’ll see you soon. That’s a promise.” I repeat, and then nod to David. I swore to keep his daughter safe, and I’ve kept my word. I’m not about to shy away from kissing her now, so he needs to get used to seeing me treat her like she’s my whole world, because she is.
“Be careful!” She calls as I take off into a jog back to the helicopter.
I wave, blow her a kiss, and then climb back inside. Spencer closes the door, meeting my gaze with his brows raised. I know he’s probably got plenty of questions and opinions he’s chomping at the bit to discuss, but he keeps them to himself for the moment.
We lift off as he’s handing me a manila file folder full of papers. “You’ll want to see these.”
I open it, already expecting the folder to hold the offers that’ve been coming in from various teams he mentioned yesterday. Right on top is one from the Noelville Blizzards. The same team whose arena I’ve been using to train at while I’m home visiting Mom.
“What?” I ask with surprise. I had no idea that they were interested in me. I’m at their arena often to practice, and no one has mentioned anything. Not even in passing.
Spencer nods, flashing me a grin. “I know. There are several more, but when I saw that come through, I knew you’d want to see it as soon as possible.”
“And the ride?” I question, having no idea where we’re headed, only that I’m still in my clothes from yesterday, and I could use a shower. Maybe a gallon of coffee if we’re being realistic. I peer out the side, watching the village pass below, and then we’re heading toward Noelville. Or the airport. Or who knows with Spencer in charge at the moment. There’s no telling what he’s cooked up and has me agreeing to today.
“We have a meeting with their owner and GM in forty-five minutes. I figured it’d give you enough time to review the other offers and decide if you want to show up for our meeting or not.”
I quietly flip through the various teams and what they’re offering the Pines for my trade deal. This entire situation is out of the ordinary; you never hear about scandals like this in Hockey. In football? Yes. They’re known for being problematic, with owners micromanaging everything and making terrible financial decisions. The potential bankruptcy and emergency trade deals with the Pines are going to be all anyone is talking about in the hockey world.
I’ll be happy when all of the fuss dies down, and it's back to business as usual. I still can’t believe the team and everyone arebeing so chill about working together to get everyone where they want to go. I need to find out what’s happening with my buddy, Jake, and the rest of my teammates.
I glance through the other contracts, scanning the main points so I don’t miss the most important things I care about. Spencer will have scoured them closely already, so he’ll let me know the fine details on whichever option I decide to take. Two separate teams have three different players listed; they’d be willing to trade straight across to get me on their team. They probably believe they can make up the other two players’ spots they’d be missing for cheaper than what the remaining balance is on my contract. Four teams are offering up a player, plus some cash. Their numbers aren’t a full contract buyout, since they’re offering a player in my place as well. Then, three teams are offering a full contract buyout.
Finally, there are the Noelville Blizzards and the Seattle Storm. Both teams are offering the Pines enough money to buy out my remaining contract, along with a contractual option of an extension for me, which I would have to agree to. I didn’t consider that the teams might want me to sign on for longer; if anything, I was expecting the opposite and to be pushed into retirement.
We’re landing in no time, it seems, since Noelville is so close to Noel Falls. I lean forward, saying, “Thanks, Chance. You have no idea what this ride means to me. Want me to sign anything for you or the partners you spoke of?”
“Do you mind if we get a selfie? My kids aren’t going to believe this.”
“Of course. Are they young?” He looks old enough to be my father, but I don’t want to assume.
“No, they’re older than you, I’m sure. My boys have been to several games, though, and to know I got some time with youwithout a crowd will have them running out to get their pilot's licenses.”
We all laugh, and then I lean in, letting him snap a few selfies. Spencer helps out and climbs in the back to get a better photo of us, and then I autograph a few papers for him. We say our goodbyes and hop out.
“Take care, we’ll be rooting for you!” He calls out as we wave and then closes the door.
