Page 79 of Center Ice

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Page 79 of Center Ice

I slide my arms into the warm jacket, feeling incredibly conflicted about wearing something that is so obviously his while in this arena. It feels so personal, like he’s claiming me as his in a public way, and I’m not certain I’m ready for that.

Leaning back against my seat, I hope that between the hood and the seat back, no one will be able to see the big Rebels logo. Then I sweep my hair over one shoulder, trying to cover the place over my chest where Drew’s last name and number are embroidered.

But ten minutes later, when the players return for the next period, Drew looks up at me, and there’s no mistaking the look on his face when he sees me in his jacket. It says,You’re mine.

Audrey:

Sorry I left the game with your jacket. It’s cold out. I’ll make sure to get it back to you before you leave on Sunday.

Iglance at my phone, noting that Drew hasn’t replied yet, then I look over at Jules where she sits next to me on the couch. She’s on her laptop, getting some supply ordering taken care of. She’s a total night owl, so I know she’s spending her Friday night doing this so she doesn’t have to do it in the morning.

“Did you decide when you’re headed back to Maine?” I ask.

“I think I’m going up next week. We’re doing the kitchen cabinet install next Monday and Tuesday, and I want to be there for that. I’ll probably head up on Sunday, and just stay for a couple nights.”

“Are you regretting taking on this project yet?” I tease. I’d warned Jules that a project renovating a historical home on the coast of Maine was going to be more trouble than it was worth. All of our other projects so far have been local in the Boston area, and the distance and her need to be there to see that things are being done properly mean she’s got to go up there frequently.

“Nah,” she says. “I don’t mind the drive, and this is going to be such an amazing property to add to our portfolio.”

I glance back at my phone when another text from Drew comes in.

Drew:

Game’s over.

Audrey:

I know, I watched the end at home. Congrats! That was an amazing goal at the end!

Drew:

Thanks. I’m going to shower and then come over.

Audrey:

You’re really not going out to celebrate with your team?

Drew:

I’d rather see you.

Audrey:

It’s late, Drew. And I really need to sleep.

What Ireallyneed is for him to go make nice with his teammates so that the team bonds with him, and management wants to keep him around for another contract.

Drew:

That’s fine, I need to sleep too.

“What is that face you’re making?” Jules laughs. “It’s like smiling skepticism?”

I tell her about Drew’s texts. “They’re having a stellar start to this season, and he should be spending time with his teammates after this win.”

“Audrey.” She says my name so sternly my back stiffens. I feel like I’m a little kid again and in trouble. “A professional hockey player who just scored the winning goal in the home opener wants to come over and spend time with you rather than going out and celebrating. What the hell is wrong with you that you’d say no to that?”

I press my lips between my teeth. “I just know how important it is that he gets off on the right foot with this team. I still don’t know what happened in Colorado, but I don’t want him to have that experience here. And…”


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