Page 74 of Strange Love

“It is.” I chuckle in agreement. “It’s crazy how you can go from being so close to someone to having no idea what to say to them. I hate it.”

“It’s me, Ivy Girl,” he says tenderly. “You can tell me anything.”

Hearing that familiar nickname sends a wave of emotions through me, and the dam breaks; the tears I’ve been holding trickle down my cheeks.

“Hey, hey, don’t cry,” Corey reaches out and gently wipes away a tear from my cheek with his thumb. The simple act transports me to a place that feels more like home than anything I’ve ever known. Right person, wrong time. Then I remember he’s here with a date and quickly pull away and try to gather myself.

“Sorry,” I mumble. My stuttering apology barely makes it past my lips as I frantically try to gather my thoughts and regain composure. “How long will you be staying?”

I have to leave tomorrow,” he responds, his voice tinged with a hint of regret. It’s not surprising. I know he’s reaching the end of his college career and surely has a lot of things to wrap up.

“I’m sure you’re busy,” I say with a small smile, trying not to let disappointment show in my eyes. “I’ll let you get back to your date.”

His brows knit together in confusion before he turns to look over his shoulder. His gaze lands on the redhead at the bar, chatting with his mom. He shakes his head and lets out a soft chuckle.

“That’s Amanda,” he says.

I hate Amanda.

He continues, “She’s here to do a piece on me for the team." A glint in his eyes betrays a hint of excitement.

“With the university?” I can’t help but feel relief flood through me at the thought that she isn’t here for romantic reasons.

“No,” Corey says with a slow shake of his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “She’s here to do a write-up for me when I get introduced to my new team in Edmonton.”

I stand frozen, my jaw hanging open in shock. Corey always dreamed of playing hockey in Edmonton— the same city where his idol made his mark.

“Corey, are you serious?” I nearly scream, barely able to contain my excitement as I jump up and down and clap my hands. “You’re going to Edmonton!”

“I am Ivy Girl,” he confirms with a beaming grin. “I just found out about it last week. Since I was already planning on coming home for this wedding, they thought sending someone from public relations out would be nice.”

My heart swells with pride and joy as I instinctively launch myself into Corey’s arms, hugging him tightly.

“I’m so proud of you,” I tell him, my voice choked with emotion as tears stream down my face.

At that moment, I know deep in my bones that I made the right decision to let him go, because if I had been there in Boston, feeling scared and alone and uncertain, it would have been a distraction for him. And now, seeing how happy and fulfilled he is, I couldn’t be more excited or proud of another human being.

Corey’s embrace is strong and unyielding, lifting me effortlessly off my feet as he spins me around, and I let out a squeak, his favorite reaction. His laughter fills the air, infectious and joyful. As he sets me down gently, a fond smile graces his features.

“Thank you for always believing in me,” he says sincerely. My heart swells with love for this man who has always been my rock, even when he wasn't here.

“I never stopped believing in you,” I assure him, my voice full of conviction.

For a moment, we gaze into each other’s eyes, communicating without words.

And then Corey speaks again, his voice low and vulnerable. “I never stopped believing in you either.” The admission is like a balm to my soul, reassuring and comforting.

Suddenly, his mouth crashes against mine. It’s rough and raw and perfect. He grabs my face in both hands, holding me steady as he deepens the kiss, running his tongue along my lip and capturing it gently between his teeth. I moan into his mouth and then grip the back of his head tightly, pulling him closer so that our bodies are pressed together, and it feels like heaven on earth.

Corey pulls away from the kiss, his body tense as he steps back. His head shakes slightly, and he mumbles, “I’m sorry. I didn’t plan that. I got caught up in seeing you again.”

My hand instinctively rises to touch my swollen lips, the lingering warmth of his kiss still tingling on them. I fight back tears, knowing he saw it as a mistake while I saw it as a lifeline for my aching heart, the breath my lungs have been desperate for.

With a brave front, I offer him a soft smile, though my voice trembles with emotion.

“It’s wonderful to see you,” I say, trying to push down the lump in my throat. “I can’t wait to watch you play on television.” As the words leave my lips, memories of cheering him on at past games flood back, and my heart swells with pride and longing all at once.

“Take care, Ivy,” he says as I watch him walk away again. He doesn’t take my heart with him this time. It’s impossible since it’s been with him for five years.