Page 45 of Drop Pass

“I’m really tired.”

I froze and took a step back. “Right. Have a good night.”

She nodded.

“When you get home from work tomorrow let me know and I’ll help you with your car.”

She paused with her hand on the door knob and nodded once. “Thanks.”

I watched her disappear and turned to my door. Things had gone better than I expected. Part of me wished she had pushed for something more. I would have caved, no matter how wrong it would have been. That woman drew me in more than I would ever admit.

From the first time I saw her, I knew I wanted her in my life. I wanted her. Maybe in another life or another time things could have happened the way I wanted, but I’d used up all the luck I had getting to the NHL. I wasn’t worthy of anymore luck and I needed to remember to be grateful for what I had.

I looked around my large, empty apartment and sighed. I should be grateful for this, and my career.

I just wanted someone to share it with.

My family. That was who I needed here. I couldn’t let myself forget they were the ones that mattered the most.

15

Elena

“Christmas is next week and I need to know everyone’s plans.” Chloe stood a few rows below the rest of us with a clipboard poised against her hip.

She ran through each row making notes as each woman said if they would be out of town, with family, or didn’t have plans. The guys had five days off over Christmas, which was almost unheard of so most of them were taking advantage and going out of town to be with family.

When she got to me, she waited with her pen pointed. “Well? Elena?”

I didn’t think I was a part of this survey. “I have to work so I’ll be here.”

She cocked her head to the side. “Is your family coming up?”

I shook my head. “No, they’ll be in Texas with the rest of the family.”

She wrote something down then moved on to Addi next to me. “You know Eli, Grant, and I will be here.”

Chloe nodded once, wrote a note then moved on.

“Madi, would your parents like to join us?” I looked down the row to see her sister-in-law nodding. It was still strange to me that the guys were willing to hang out with their coach. I thought they would want time away from work as often as possible, but they seemed to really like Coach Romney and Rust even off the ice.

She asked each member of the Pride about their holiday plans but I stopped paying attention. I was too busy watching the guys doing suicides across the ice. They’d been going for at least five minutes without stopping or taking a break.

“Are they in trouble?” I leaned over and asked Addi.

She chuckled. “No, it’s how they stay as fast as some of the younger teams. They do these a few times a week.”

I shook my head. I wasn’t able to watch many practices with my schedule, but since I was on sports my producers did the majority of the research. Plus, they liked me hanging out with the team.

“I would die.”

She nodded. “Totally. Luckily, they’re used to it. I’ve only seen a handful of guys barf in the last month or so.”

I cringed. That wasn’t something I wanted to see. I heard Eli’s babbling and turned to see Lucy helping him bounce on her knees while she was watching the guys.

“How do you like your new schedule?” I asked Addi.

“It’s great. Part of me feels guilty but every time I do Grant reassures me this is for the best.”