Page 33 of Snowed in with My Pucking Ex
Spencer and I hurry up the steps to the training facility since we were just dropped off in the nearest parking lot. Talk about a way to make an entrance. A few people stare, including some of the Blizzards showing up for morning skate. I wave, my cheeks warm from what they must be thinking is a totaldivomoment. I’m anything but a divo (aka man version of diva), and I pride myself on being laid back. I wonder if the GM or any of the other faculty saw us arrive as well.
“So, this option they offered. Contract buy-out with an extension agreement. What all does that entail? I was trying to read through each team before we landed, and I ran out of time. Does it mean what I think it does?”
“Walk with me,” he says, and takes the folder. “Yes, they’re willing to fork up the full amount of cash to buy your current contract out from the Pines. However, they want an addendum in place stating you’ll consider an extension with them before you decide to retire or go to another team at the end of your term.”
I open my mouth to speak, but he holds his hand up, so I’ll wait, as he continues, “But that’s not all. If you decide to retire or, God-forbid, are injured and can no longer play, they want you to consider a position on their faculty. Other teams also asked for you to consider a non-playing position with them if you decide to retire when this contract is up as well.”
My mouth pops open. “Seriously?”
He nods, “You’ve hit new records this season. Which I’m guessing you haven’t been paying attention to. You’re easy to work with, players admire you, the media likes you…These really are your golden years, Spruce.”
He claps me on the back, coming to a standstill, and asks, “Now what’s it going to be? Do we climb into my rental?” He gestures to the black SUV he’s no doubt had someone deliver here for him. “And, drive to the airport, to fly to another city and team? Or do we take the meeting here, and you end up getting exactly what you’ve been asking for?”
“I don’t know how you pulled this one off, Spencer, but I only need two things. A massive cup ofstrongblack coffee, and a pen to sign the new contract with the Blizzards.”
He grins, clapping me on my shoulder. “That’s what I thought, buddy, and it wasn’t me. This is all you.”
A moment later, a white sedan pulls up beside us. The window rolls down, and a bored-looking teenager pokes his head out. “You Spencer?”
“Yep, that’s me.” He steps next to the car.
“Pin?”
“Five-four-four-zero.”
The kid nods, then hands over a tray with two large to-go cups and a bag. The scent of warm bread, sausage, and coffee permeates the air, assaulting my senses. I nearly groan as my stomach rumbles with hunger. Spencer slips him a twenty with his thanks, and then the kid drives off.
“This is why I pay you the big bucks,” I comment as he hands me my cup. Steam escapes the opening as I take my first sip of the rich, bitter beverage. It works on warming me up instantly, and I’m no longer in a good mood. Now, I’m in areallygood mood, on the cusp of breaking out in some celebratory Christmas carols that I’m sure Spencer wouldn’t be impressed with. Winter, on the other hand, she’d sing with me.
The only thing that would make this day any better would be getting to spend it with the woman of my dreams. All while knowing that I’ll finally be able to offer her a life with me, that she’ll be happy living.
.
Chapter Twenty
Winter
“Hmm,” Dad grumbles as I pass him when I walk through the doorway. He reaches out with his good hand, giving my arm a squeeze of affection. He’s a hugger, and being all broken, wrapped in casts, he can’t do much. Poor guy. “Welcome home, looks like y’all managed not to get frostbite.”
“Thanks, Dad, and nope, I’m fine. Good, even.” The heat hits me as I step inside, and it makes me realize just how cold it truly is outside. He was right to tell us to stay put and not to try and make it back here on foot. I’d have been an icicle by the time we finally arrived.
“Hey, honey,” Mom instantly greets, and wraps me in her embrace.
“Morning, Mom.” I’m glad to see she’s made it home safe and sound, but deep down, I knew she’d find a way. I know Dad must be relieved.
“What’s all the ruckus? I’m watching my Hallmark Hunks in here!” Gram leans forward on the recliner in the living room, staring where we’re all gathered in the entryway. She’s got a knitted blanket over her lap, which she’s tucked herself into, along with her crochet supplies. There are crocheted mini-dicks all over everything around her, probably for her book club later on in the week. My guess is the crazy woman has been up for a few hours already, dreaming up more ways she can traumatize her friends with. Last year, she spiked the cheese ball and brought bourbon pecan caramel candies. She didn’t tell anyone they were full of liquor, and the next thing we knew, we were being called to give everyone rides home because none of the ladies could drive themselves anymore.
“Ahelicopter? What in God’s name is that boy trying to prove?” Pop huffs from the entry to the kitchen. He sips from his cup full of coffee, frowning. His hair is pitched in every direction,telling me he’s been running his hand through it like he does when he’s thinking.
“Winter! I thought I heard something.” Calla comes down the stairs wearing a wide smile. She’s still in her pajamas, so she must’ve stayed the night in one of my siblings’ rooms. Sean will be relieved to know she wasn’t alone, I’m sure.
Apparently, I’ve come home to a full house. “Hi, everyone. Sean had an important meeting or something, so he dropped me off.”
Calla’s brow furrows, “The roads are all cleared? They were a mess last night when we got here.” She moves to the nearest window, staring out at the white wonderland of snow surrounding the farm. Mom’s SUV is out front, caked with muddy snow across the front, so they must’ve had a fun drive.
“Uh, no. He kind of flew off in a helicopter.” I admit, watching as she and Mom grin at each other, thoroughly amused. “Dad, want to explain how Mom’s SUV is parked in the driveway right now, when it wasn’t plowed?” My eyes find him immediately, watching as he shrugs, looking anywhere but at me. He somehow managed to climb up in that freaking tractor to plow it for her! I know it, even though he won’t admit as much.
Jesus, these people.
