Page 18 of The Decoy

By the time I pull my truck into the winding drive of my house, it’s half-past midnight.

The iron gates swing open slowly, revealing my home. It’s completely dark except for the low landscape lights illuminating the columns near the front door. I hit the garage door opener, pull my truck inside, and turn off the engine, letting out a long exhale.

The minute I unlock the side door leading to the mudroom, a heavy set of paws skitters across the floor.

Buck runs to me, his tail thumping against the wall like a drumbeat. His straight ear is pinned straight up, while his floppy ear bounces as he lets out a happy whine.

“Hey, buddy,” I grunt, dropping my bag onto the mudroom bench and stooping down despite the ache in my lower back. I wrap my arms around him, letting him shove his wet nose into my neck while I scratch behind his ears. “Miss me? Did you watch the game?”

His tail thumps harder, then he gives my cheek a swipe of his tongue before turning to lead the way into the kitchen, clearly expecting his post-game treat.

“Yeah, I know the routine,” I mutter with a grin.

I walk into the kitchen, triggering the under-cabinet lighting sensors. The warm glow illuminates the counters, letting me see where I’m going. I grab a couple of peanut butter dog biscuits from the jar on the counter, tossing them to Buck, who catches them mid-air, then fill a large glass of water from the fridge.

My body is screaming at me to go straight to bed, but my mind is wired after seeing Ellis.

I grab my phone out of my pocket, take off my coat, and lay it over one of the barstools. Then I walk into the living room, toss a few oak logs into the fireplace, and light it up. Within seconds, orange flames flare from the wood, casting light and warmth into the room.

I sink into the soft couch cushions, stretching my legs out toward the fireplace. Buck immediately climbs up beside me, resting his chin on my shoulder, letting out a contented sigh.

I lift up my phone and stare at the screen.

Her tight end.

I can still hear her voice in my head, which is ridiculous. I’ve just played in front of a massive crowd of people screaming my name and others, yet one flirty comment from Ellis Renwick in a hallway has my heart racing faster than that last drive.

I unlock my phone and open our text thread.

Brody: Made it home. Buck was waiting for me and checked me out for injuries with a wet nose and a lick. Hope you made it across the bridge without getting stuck in traffic.

I take a selfie with Buck, the two of us mugging for the camera, then set the phone on my chest, not really expecting a reply. It’s getting close to one am, and she must be exhausted by the time she gets home.

But only seconds pass before my phone vibrates.

Ellis: I just got home too. I also got a thorough sniffing from Oshie to make sure I’m safe. Or because she smelled the sliders on me. Either way, she’s demanding a snack now.

A slow smile pulls at the corner of my mouth as I look at the selfie she sent with Oshie. The dog is cute, but there’s no denying how sexy Ellis looks even though she has an innocent smile on her face. I type back quickly.

Brody: Sounds like Oshie and Buck have the same playbook. Glad you made it home safely.

Ellis: Thanks, you too. And hey, seriously, amazing game tonight. The whole suite couldn’t stop talking about it. My dad even told Mr. Grant that they were lucky they extended your contract last season.

I know people watch me, obviously, but something about knowing her father was watching me, while his daughter stood beside him, pregnant, added a heavy layer of reality to…everything.

Brody: High praise from one of the big guys. Tell him I appreciate it.

Ellis: I will. Now get ice on those ribs. Don’t be stubborn about it.

Brody: I’m literally resting on the couch with my dog staring at a fire. I’ll ice before I go to bed.

Ellis: Uh-huh. Sure you will. Night, Brody.

Brody: Night, Princess.

I lock the screen and set my phone next to me.

The quiet hum of my house settles over me, broken only by the crackle of the fire and my dog starting to snore next to me.