Page 54 of Remember Me

“I know, I don’t know where the time’s gone.” I shake my head to try and clear it of the thoughts swirling around.

“Come on, let’s go and slap some pucks at Frenchie, that will cheer you up,” Theo says as he comes round to my other side.

Forcing a smile, I clap them both on the back and make my way out to the rink. I need to get this practice over with so I can go home to my girl.

Chapter 38

Charlotte

Waking up alone after one of the best nights of my life is definitely disappointing. Since Jake told me about his tattoo, we haven’t spent a night apart, and even though it’s only been three days, I’m already addicted to feeling his arms wrapped tightly around me as we sleep.

Last night, we had our first official date, and while the food and setting were incredible, what came after was even more special. The level of intimacy we shared came so naturally, searing itself into my heart.

My feelings for him are growing deeper by the day, and I’m powerless to stop them. Is this how I felt before the accident? An incessant need to be in his orbit?

Sprawling out on the bed, I reach over to Jake’s side and bring his pillow to my nose, where his scent still lingers. I love how he smells; it’s so comforting and familiar. I’m pretty sure it’s Christian Dior Sauvage, and just like that, I’m whirling back in time to when I was eighteen years old.

Age 18

“Happy Birthday, J!” I sing as I enter his dorm. It’s his nineteenth birthday today, and the first one we’ve celebrated together in person. Because of that, he decided he wanted to spend it with just me.

The dorm he shares with his roommate, Jacques, is a mess, but that’s guys for you. They never have their door locked either, which is either for my benefit or the endless revolving door of puck bunnies these two seem to have. Honestly, they’re disgusting.

Jake barrels into me, lifting me up and spinning me around as I laugh. College has brought me out of my shell, or should I say, Jake has. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still rather hide away, but he doesn’t give me the chance to retreat—he’s always including me, and I love him for it.

“Put me down, J, you don’t want to put your back out before your next game.” I swat at him and he relents.

“Come on, Lottie, I bench double what you weigh. You’re as light as a feather.” He gives me a teasing smile.

Remembering the gift bag I brought with me, I go to retrieve it and hand it over to him.

“Here you go, I almost forgot.”

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” he says as he literally shreds the paper in seconds. Didn’t have to get him anything, my ass.

I couldn’t afford a lot, seeing as we’re students, but I see his face light up as he opens his first gift. It’s a photo of me and him at his first hockey game where he actually had ice time. I’m wearing his jersey, and we’re hugging so tightly, faces squeezed together.

“Lottie, I love it. Thank you.” He kisses my hair and then tackles opening his other gift.

As soon as he’s unwrapped the second present, which is a bottle of cologne—Christian Dior Sauvage, to be precise—he’s dousing himself in it to the point I actually start to choke on the fumes.

“J, I think that’s more than enough. You want the bottle to last,” I cough out while I waft my hand in the air.

“I’m never wearing anything else, Lottie. This is my scent from now on.”

Oh my god. He still wears the same cologne after all this time? He was true to his word, and now I’m desperate to see him so I can tell him what I’ve remembered.

As I roll back over, I see a note on my bedside table along with an iced coffee waiting for me.

Lottie

Thank you for an amazing first date. I’m sorry I’m not there when you wake up, but trust me: I didn’t want to leave. I’ll be back after morning skate.

Love

J

XXX