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14
Nick
Igave Sydney lots of space, mainly because I could hardly stand being in the same room with her. Not because I hated her or anything. Quite the opposite, in fact.
I was so in love with Sydney it fucking hurt. Just catching a hint of her shampoo, a sideways glance, a quick smile, and my heart swelled in my chest.
Knowing I couldn’t have her stung even worse than getting cut from the team.
And there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.
“You sure you want to go?” I asked Sydney for the tenth time. “It’s really cold tonight. We could just stay home and watch another movie, go to bed early.”
“No, let’s go. You told Jackson and Harper we’d be there and you don’t get to hang out with your friends that often. Besides, you’ve talked this tour up so much, there’s no way I can miss it now.” She flashed me a wan smile, squeezing my hand.
“Okay, if that’s what you want to do.” I squeezed back, barely resisting the urge to pull her to me and kiss her until she changed her mind about us.
We headed downstairs and made nice with my parents for a few minutes, then hopped in my SUV and drove over to the beach. I parked in the lot closest to the lighthouse and killed the ignition. Sydney and I sat in the dark for a minute, the only sound our breathing and the soft crash of waves against the shore.
“You ready?” I asked, glancing over at her. Her profile was illuminated by the moon, outlining her high cheekbones and full lips.
She nodded, her chest rising, then falling with a resigned sigh.
It was going to be a tough night.
Together we walked across the parking lot, then down the sandy path leading to the lighthouse. Couples and families huddled together in clumps around the lighthouse, laughing and chatting, waiting for the tour to begin. Sydney shivered next to me, hunching down lower in her coat. Instinctively, I wrapped my arm around her narrow waist, drawing her into me for warmth. She didn’t move away, so there was that.
“Sydney, Nick, over here!” Harper and Jackson waved to us from a refreshment table set up near the entrance to the lighthouse, both of them beaming like it was the most wonderful time of the year or something. I blew out a deep breath and put on my best game face, pretending to be happy.
“Hey, guys. Great to see you.” I bro-hugged Jackson and side-hugged Harper; Sydney did the same, all with a smile that only I knew was less-than-genuine.
“I’m so excited to get the tour. I’ve been hearing about this for a year,” Harper said in a bubbly voice. “We’re even going to film part of it for our show.”
“Great idea,” Sydney said, smiling. “I like the use of local landmarks in shows; it really speaks to the character of a place. And Starlight Bay is stunning, so why not show it off?”
“Right? I can’t believe I’d never even heard about it before last year. It’s a real gem.” Harper beamed up at Jackson and a sharp stab of envy twisted in my gut. I wanted Sydney to look at me that way, dammit. Like she did before I fucked it all up last night.
“Nick? You want something to drink?” Jackson waved his palm in front of my face, trying to get my attention.
“Huh? Yeah, sure. Syd, you want something?”
“I’ll take whatever you’re having, thanks.” She met my gaze, but her tone was cool and distant.
This night was not going well.
Jackson and I got in line, leaving the girls chatting together.
“You okay, dude? You seem a little off. Like nervous or something.” Jackson’s dark brows knitted with worry.
I shrugged off his concern. “Nah, I’m good. Just a little tired. Mid-season slump. You know the drill.”
Jackson nodded. “How long you think you’re gonna play?”
“No idea, man. As long as they keep paying me, I guess. I say my prayers every night that I don’t get injured. Barring that, I’ll keep going as long as I can. How’s civilian life treating you?”
“Better than I thought it would. The job’s pretty cool and Harper’s great. So I can’t complain. Sure, it’s not as exciting as the NHL, but it’s a whole helluva lot less stressful. Life on the other side’s pretty good, whenever you want to make the move.” He cut his eyes at me, gauging my reaction.
“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. Four hot chocolates?” I said, placing my order.
