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Luke raises an eyebrow, but I ignore it, sitting beside him in front of Coach McCall's desk.
"Good, good. You'll fit right in," McCall says, taking his seat in one of those ergonomically correct roller chairs. "All right, let's get down to business."
Coach McCall, Luke, and I run through some basic hockey operations stuff, team schedules, practices, and procedures. We review the team's goals for the rest of the year and then discuss where I fit in. By the time we finish, I'm anxious for the meeting to end so I can meet the rest of the guys and start playing hockey.
"I do have one question, Ryan," Coach McCall says. I nod for him to continue. "Why Toronto? I spoke to LA's GM, Lou Peterson, and he said you would only waive your no-trade clause to come here."
I smile, thinking of Em. I picture her grin and the way she used to worry her bottom lip when she didn't know what she wanted to do or say. I came to Toronto for her. I came home because I've given her seven years of space, and nothing has changed for me. I came to Toronto because my heart is here.
"I wanted to come home," I answer simply.
That seems to be enough explanation for Coach McCall because he doesn't ask me to explain further.
"Okay then, everything seems to be in order. Do you have any questions before we hit the ice for practice?"
"Actually, I do. I haven't found a place to live yet. I'm living out of a hotel down the street. It's close enough to the arena and everything else, but I'd like to find something more permanent. Any suggestions?"
Coach McCall ponders it while Luke looks at me for a few moments as if trying to decide if I'm an asshole or an okay guy. I meet his stare head-on, hoping to gain his confidence and trust. He nods once and speaks.
"I have a condo downtown. Holly and Avery live in the same building. It's an ideal location for practices and games. If you're interested, I have an extra room and lots of space."
I don't even have to think about it before agreeing. I'd be crazy not to take Luke up on his offer and the chance to be even closer to Em.
??????
Practice went well. I recognized a lot of familiar faces. Chase Wilder and I played together for a few years in junior, and most of the other guys and I have played against each other over the years. The team was welcoming and excited about our chances in the playoffs. There's no question everyone's expectations are riding high. It's Cup or bust. The Northmen are first in the conference and second in the league, only to Colorado.
A few hours later, I'm checking out of my hotel and making my way to Luke's condo. He's right. It's a prime location, tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of a busy city.
My Uber driver drops me off in front of a high-rise with tall glass windows. It's pretty swanky, and I wonder how Holly and Em can afford a place like this. I'm sure Ollie and Ozzie have a hand in this. I called the boys when I got traded. They were one piece away from being shipped off to Toronto, too, but the deal fell apart at the eleventh hour.
I take the elevator up to the top floor and roll my bags to Luke's apartment, wondering if Em is in the building right now. It's been seven years since I've seen her in person. A frisson of excitement pumps through my blood at the thought of seeing her, tasting her, and being inside her again. I'm getting hard just thinking about it.
It's been seven long-ass years since I've had sex. My teammates never understood my willingness to pass up on random hookups with bunnies. But when your first time is with your soulmate, nothing compares. I'm afraid when Em and I finally get back together—and we will be getting back together—I'll be a two-pump chump.
I'll have to work on my stamina.
Swallowing down my arousal, I knock on Luke's door. My knuckles barely hit the door before it rapidly swings open and a feminine squeal assaults me. A tiny but solid, dark-haired woman, who smells of apples, launches herself into my arms.
"Ryan!" Holly wraps herself around me like Gorilla Tape and hugs me like she might not let go. "I've missed you! I'm so glad you're here!"
I smile, trying to peel Holly off me. Luke is giving me his best death stare like he might break me in half if I don't unhand his fiancé.
"I've missed you, Holls." I chuckle. "But if you want me to stay in Toronto longer than five minutes, you better back up. I think your fiancé might murder me."
"Pfff, Luke's a softy, and he knows I only have eyes for him."
Holly prances to Luke, leaning on her tippy-toes before giving him a quick kiss. I'm truly happy for Holly. I can see she and Luke are the real thing. Luke used to be a real man-whore back in the day, especially after he made a comeback from an almost career-ending injury.
If I recall correctly, he was caught red-handed with a bunny and the Norris Trophy in a very compromising position last summer. Seeing them together now, I'd bet my right and left arm he would do anything for her. A pang of jealousy runs through me before Luke grabs one of my bags and gives me the grand tour.
His condo is stunning. It's open-concept with a gourmet kitchen that opens to a dining/living area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. He leads me down a hallway pointing out the guest bathroom and an extra room he uses as an office. When we stop at my room, I'm shocked at the size. It's almost as big as the master with an ensuite and has a king-sized bed centred against a wall, facing large windows.
"Thanks, man," I say, setting down my bags. "I appreciate it. Just let me know what I owe you for rent and I'll e-Transfer it to you."
"No problem. I have the extra space and Holly promised me you're not a pig. We're cool as long as you clean up your shit and don't throw any parties."
Luke leaves me to unpack. It isn't even five minutes before Holly comes bounding into my room and sits cross-legged on my bed. Just like old times.
