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She breathes heavily, her hair a sexy mess, and she’s never looked more beautiful to me.
She kisses me, so deeply that for a second, I think that she wants to go again. But right after she stands up and starts picking up her clothes all over the room.
Then she looks at me with a sigh, “I’m nervous about traveling with you.”
I look at her and nod. “I appreciate you getting to know my lifestyle. It means a lot to me.” She bites her bottom lip. “I am willing to see if this lifestyle can work for Alissa and me, but I want you to know that I’m a bit skeptical.”
I pat the spot on the bed beside me, and she joins me. Holding her close, I whisper softly into her hair, “I love you. I love Alissa. I also love hockey, but you two are now my priority. I don’t know what that means for my career at this point, but I need you to know that.”
Her breath catches and I wipe a tear that falls down her cheek. She looks at me, her blue eyes shining. “You really mean that?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
I nod, feeling the weight of my words. “Like I said, I don’t know what that means exactly. But I’m willing to figure it out with you and Alissa. I want to be around for you both. This can be a trial run for us to see if we can make the NHL lifestyle work. If not—”
I pause, gathering my thoughts. I can feel Emily’s eyes on me, silent as if she’s holding her breath.
“I can consider retiring. That’s how serious I am about us. I can always explore other options, like coaching—”
Before I can finish, Emily jumps up and wraps her arms around me, pulling me down on the bed. “I can’t ask you to do that, but the fact you’d consider that really means the world to me, Andrew. I will travel with you and keep an open mind to see if it can work for Alissa and me, okay?”
We both nod and we lay like that, content. After a while, Emily sits up, kisses me on the cheek, and begins to get dressed.
“You really can’t stay?” I ask Emily, my voice filled with disappointment.
“I wish I could,” she says calmly, putting on her bra.
“Ah, you’re no fun,” I tease, turning my back on her and pretending to go to sleep.
“Judging by the noises you were making in this bedroom just a little while ago, I know that’s not true,” Emily retorts playfully.
I toss a pillow at her, and giggling, she leans down to kiss me.
Chapter Twenty-Six
EMILY
“I’ll miss you, boss!” Helena says, hugging me tight.
“I’m not your boss anymore. Call me Emily!” I say, patting her back.
We look at each other, both smiling happily. My brother agreed she’d be my best replacement as manager. She’s trained and ready to take on the responsibilities, and Matthew, Danielle, and Anna better pay her their respects.
“Helena is the new boss, now. Show her the same respect you did to me,” I say, firm.
I bid my final goodbyes to everyone. I barely got to know Matthew, so the blow is softer, but Danielle and Anna sting a little, as the girls were the mascots of the store.
Dan waits for me at the door, alongside mom, dad, and Alissa. They’re taking me to the airport, where I’ll be joining Andrew/
I already know I am going to cry during the goodbyes.
“If that loser hurts you, just call me, and I’ll be right there,” Dan says, giving me a bear hug.
“I know, Dan. I know,” I say, pulling away and already feeling my eyes starting to tear up.
Dad puts a hand on my shoulder and begins to walk me toward the car.
“I always wanted your mom to be a hockey wife, you know?” he says, all dream-like.
“I was happy being a teacher and coach’s wife!” mom kisses him on the cheek.
