Page 91 of The Shot You Missed
“But hockey’s not the only thing in your life now,” Ryder says, finishing my thought.
Hockey’s never been theonlything in my life. Not like it was for Ryder after he lost his parents. But it has been thebiggestthing. How can it not be? My parents sacrificed so much to provide the opportunities that brought me to this point, so I’ve done everything I can to make sure their investment wasn’t in vain. And the guys on my team have become my family. My brothers. When you spend almost every day with people for years, you form bonds that are nearly unbreakable.
But outside of my teammates, I’ve always had my huge, supportive family, and for the last two years, I’ve had the Dungeons and Dragons club with the kids in the oncology unit. But so much of how I filled my time was to distract myself from the lack ofher.
It’s different now.
I still have my family and the kids, and hockey will always be one of the most important things in my life, but all of it is better with her. She gives everything more meaning. I know these guys understand.
Griffin reaches over and squeezes my shoulder. “We should celebrate when we get back. We could reserve a room at a nice restaurant or something. I’ve been in touch with Megan James. Pretty sure they have a day or two off at the same time we do. We could invite her so she and Lola can finally meet. I kinda want to be there to witness it. Something tells me they’re going to hit it off.”
I chuckle, because I think he’s right. Megan’s cool as hell, and Lola is a hilarious ball of chaos. And I do want Indie to spend more time with everyone. The more she gets to know my crew,the more she’ll love them, and the harder it will be for her to leave.
“I’ll check with Indie and Lola, but I’m sure that would work.”
“Good. I’ll set it up,” Griffin says, slapping me on the back. “Now, tell us all about last night. Was it everything you hoped? Did you cry tears of joy as you came? I bet you did. Like full-on sobbing, right?”
“You’re the worst,” I say, shaking my head. Still, I can’t wipe the smile from my face. I’m not sure it’s physically possible. Not with how full to the brim I am with fizzy happiness.
“Not according to Mira.”
“Fucking hell.” Maddox groans. “Stop talking about my sister like that, or I’m going to tie you to the wing.”
Griffin throws his head back and laughs.
We haven’t even been apartfor two full days, but when Indie opens the door, still here, still smiling at me, I feel like I’m able to breathe freely for the first time in years.
“Hey, baby.”
She looks beautiful with her hair styled in loose curls, smokey shadow making her hazel eyes stand out, and every delectable curve is on full display in a little black dress that’s going to test my restraint in a big way. I’ll have to spend the night thinking about the grossest, least sexy things I can imagine, or I’ll be walking around with an obvious boner, and I’d like to avoid that.
Indie’s smile is blinding as she wraps her arms around my neck and goes up on her toes, meeting me halfway for a kiss. I want to devour her. To take her lips and show her how muchI’ve missed her. But she’s obviously spent time on her makeup, and I don’t want to ruin it, so instead, I kiss her slowly, gently. She tastes like strawberries, and I groan, pulling her body tighter against mine.
“Ahem.” Lola clears her throat loudly. Her lips twitch, and she gives me a cheeky little finger wave when I tear myself away from Indie.
“Hey, Lols,” I say, doing my best to discreetly adjust myself.
Lola’s burst of laughter tells me I haven’t succeeded. “Hey, crab boy. Looking handsome tonight.”
Indie smooths her palms over my navy suit jacket and hums her agreement.
“Thanks. You’re looking good yourself. Megan won’t know what hit her.”
“That’s the goal,” Lola says, flipping her dark hair over her shoulder. She’s wearing a silvery little dress and sky-high heels that look painful, but what do I know? “Mama’s getting laid tonight.”
I bark out a laugh and extend both of my elbows. Indie takes one while Lola takes the other, and I escort them to my SUV. “Well, I’m more than happy to bring Indie home with me tonight so you can have the rental to yourself, if you want.”
“Oh, I want. I plan on being loud enough to traumatize the neighbors.”
Indie shakes with laughter at my side, and I join in. My girl may have some confidence issues, but her best friend doesn’t seem to, and honestly, I love that for Indie. Something tells me that Lola often pulls her out of her shell. And that Indie keeps Lola in check when the need arises.
Lola quizzes me about Megan on the drive to the restaurant, and I do my best to give her whatever insider information I have. She’s practically buzzing with nervous energy when we pull up to the valet.
“Don’t hyperventilate, shorty,” I say, once again offering her an elbow after Indie grabs hold of the other.
“Don’t call me shorty, crab boy.”
Indie chuckles and leans her head against my arm as we walk into the restaurant like she’s done it a million times. She’s so beautiful, I’m not surprised when heads turn our way. If she notices, she probably chalks it up to people recognizing me, but I see the appreciative looks she’s getting.
