Page 151 of Slap Shot
“Means the world coming from you, Mads.” He cups my cheeks, stroking his thumb down my jaw. “I’m glad y’all got to come tonight. I know it ’s a school night, but I like having you here.”
“You were unbelievable. That shot? I gotgoosebumps, Hudson, and I don’t know a damn thing about hockey. I can only imagine how excited you must be.”
“It’s called a slap shot. It’s not really effective so close to the goal—I’ll save you from a statistics lesson—but it’s what my brain told me to do, so I did. It paid off.”
“I’ll say.” I tug on his tie, his mouth near mine. “Is that why you wanted me to meet you down here? So you could give me a hockey lesson?”
“Maybe.” He drops a kiss to my forehead and smiles. “I also wanted to say goodbye before I head to the airport. I’ll be gone for a few days, and I’m going to miss you.”
“You mean you didn’t ask the league to schedule a two-game road trip immediately following us sleeping together?” I joke, and he laughs. “I’m going to miss you, too.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” He sighs, the ghost of his breath tickling my cheek. “I’ll let you know when I land.”
“We’ll be waiting for you. Me, Lucy. The dogs. Hurry home, okay?”
“I will.” One more kiss to my cheek, and I think my feet have come off the ground. I’m floating, some giddy version of myself I never thought I could be because this is far more fun than my cynical approach to attraction. “Be good while I’m gone, Mads.”
I nod and pull away. I watch him go, painfully aware of how empty I already feel without him by my side.
FORTY-FOUR
HUDSON
Madeline
Sorry about the loss in Toronto last night.
Me
It’s part of the sport. How are you and Lucy doing?
Madeline
She’s asleep, but we made paninis for dinner. They were so fucking good. That press came in handy.
You know what I’m going to say, but I’m going to say it anyway.
Thank you :)
Me
I’m happy to spend money on things that make you happy.
Madeline
Are you on the plane?
Me
Just boarded, and Maverick is already asleep next to me. We’re off to Georgia, then I’ll be home.
Madeline
Are you excited to visit your home state?
Me
I am. My dad is coming to the game. Sucks I don’t get to spend time with him outside the arena, but it’ll be good to see him.
