Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 54091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 270(@200wpm)___ 216(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
“Messed up your knee?” He gestures at the knee brace.
“Yep.”
“That’s no damn good.”
There’s a thick metal support post ahead, but he’s still driving at top speed, heading straight for it.
“You see that, right?” I ask.
He turns the steering wheel hard at the last second. “I know this place like the back of my hand. Been driving these tunnels for years.”
He picks up a remote and pushes a button. “Time for a little elevator ride.”
We ride the elevator up, and as soon as the doors slide open, he floors the gas pedal again. I’m going to be lucky if I get to will call with nothing more than my knee injured.
There are still a few people in the arena’s lobby, but they wisely give the driver a wide berth. I give as many apologetic looks as I can.
“Will call’s closed,” the driver says. “You sure this is where you’re supposed to go?”
“I’m s—”
I stop when I see a woman with long dark hair sitting on a bench. Her hair is curtaining off her face, but I know it’s her. Mara. My pulse pounds as we get closer.
She looks up and sees me, breaking into a smile.
“She’s here for you?” the driver asks, slowing down.
“Yeah.”
He whistles. “Lucky man.”
When he stops, I get out of the vehicle and walk over to Mara.
“Surprise,” she says, her eyes questioning. “Hopefully a good one.”
“Are you kidding? Nothing could beat this. I can’t believe you’re here.”
I wrap my arms around her waist and she hugs me around my shoulders. Her soft body and light citrusy smell make me forget my bad mood from the loss.
“I know it’s crazy,” she says, pulling away to look into my eyes. “You’ll be home tomorrow. And it’s Friday night, so I couldn’t leave until after work and I just got here. Also Canada. But here I am.”
I cup her face and kiss her. The kiss lingers for a few seconds until a horn beeps.
“It’s a family venue,” the driver cracks. “You two want a ride back down to the tunnel?”
I consider. “No, thanks. We’ll get a ride.”
“You got it, Mr. Abbott.” He touches the tip of his hat. “Have a nice night.”
He takes off, quickly reaching breakneck speed.
“What the hell?” Mara stares after him. “He has to be going at least twenty miles an hour.”
“Yeah, it was an interesting ride up here.” I smile at her. “Worth it, though. You wanted my body bad enough to fly to another country for it. I’m touched.”
There’s a wicked gleam in her eyes. “Will I be touched, though? That’s what I want to know.”
I grab her around the waist and pull her against me. “Damn right you will. I’ve been thinking about touching you every minute since I left.”
A little worry line appears between her brows. “I’m so here for it, but is there a restaurant at your hotel? So I could maybe grab a sandwich? I’ve only had a bag of airplane peanuts.”
“We’ll order room service.”
Her face lights up. “Yes, please. Are there any fluffy white hotel robes? I’ve never stayed at a place nice enough to get a robe.”
I put my arm around her waist. “We’ll get you a robe. Later. Right now, I’d rather get you out of your clothes.”
We start the walk to the arena’s exit, and as I hold the door open for her, her eyes lock onto mine.
“Thanks for being happy I came,” she says. “I thought you might think it was too much.”
I give her a serious look. “It’s been a hard week, and it means a lot to me that you’re here. More than you know.”
I call us an Uber, and she snuggles into my chest as we wait for it to arrive. I only have my suit jacket, and it’s freezing, so she tucks her hands inside the jacket.
Not only have I been frustrated about not playing all week, but I’ve also been worried about her because of the guy who sent the email. The police still haven’t found him. She’s been staying with Dex, but I don’t know how long she’ll want to keep doing that.
The team’s hotel for this trip is understated on the outside, but very nice inside. I checked in earlier. I already have my key card. Teammates occasionally have their wives or girlfriends stay with them after a game on a road trip, but I never have.
It feels fucking amazing, walking across the hotel lobby with Mara at my side. I’m not playing any games with her—I like her a lot, and I want her to know it. I sent flowers and have been keeping in touch every day with calls and texts.
This is her version of not playing games—she wanted to come here, so she did. I’m going to be making sure she’s happy about that decision.
As soon as the door to my room is closed behind us, a switch is flipped inside me. I feel like a lion stalking its prey; I’m hungry for her, and I’m not feeling patient.