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Idon’tthinkI’llever get the sight of Willow floating around the ice out of my mind. Nor do I want to. I’ve never seen her so comfortable, so beautifully serene.
I could tell she wanted to talk about us before we were interrupted, but I wasn’t going to push it. And she hasn’t brought it up again.
“Pippa mentioned you’ve got a few big days ahead,” she says as we arrive at Pippa’s building. “That starts tomorrow, right?”
“It does. Wednesday’s our first game of the season, so tomorrow’s a biggish day.”
“Wow, your first game? I thought she mentioned you’d already been playing?”
Her nose scrunches and I can’t help but laugh at her puzzled expression. Hockey can be a lot.
“We have been playing, but they were preseason games. This is the real deal.”
“Right, okay. Great. I shouldn’t be distracting you then.”
“You’re never a distraction. But I might have less time now. No, that’s wrong; I willdefinitelyhave less time. Our schedule is pretty hectic.”
Willow smiles and shakes her head, trying to hide the disappointment that’s clearly displayed on her face. “I get it. No problem. This is your life. I can give you some space until—”
“No.” I cut her off abruptly, a wave of panic rushing through me. “It’s hectic but I’ll find time. Players have families, wives, girlfriends, friends. It’s not a solitary life.” I probably didn’t have to protest that much, but I needed to drive my point home.
And it works, because this time when she smiles, I can see it in her eyes.
“Let me know. Maybe we can just catch up over the phone or FaceTime,” she says, trying to keep it casual, even though we passed casual months ago, maybe even years ago for me.
This woman is the only one I’ve ever had feelings for, and making time for her is the easiest thing in the world. It’s winning her back that I’m struggling with.
“We’ll work something out. But for now…” I grimace and point out the window to where Pippa’s standing like she’s ready to scold Willow for being late. “Your mom’s waiting,” I joke, making Willow groan when she sees what I mean.
“I’m sorry.”
“I get it. She still doesn’t quite trust me. I wouldn’t let my daughter anywhere near a guy like me,” I joke again, but a strange feeling passes through me.
“That may be true, but she’s my sister, not my mom. She’s supposed to support my decisions.”
“She’s just looking out for you.”
“Literally.”
We both stare at Pippa and laugh when she raises her hands to her hips.
“I probably should go,” Willow says between giggles.
“Yep, you should. I get the feeling she’s about to pull a baseball bat from somewhere and assault my truck.”
Willow bites back a smile. “It’s possible. I’m sure she’s still pissed about you making her pick me up.”
“I didn’tmakeher. I guilted her. There’s a difference.”
“Either way, I’m getting out so I can keep you safe.”
“Aww, you care.”
“I do. This is a beautiful truck.”
She bounces her eyebrows as she departs, and I relax even more. It’s nice seeing playful Willow again. I need to do more to bring it out of her.
I’m anxious the next morning waiting for Willow’s text, wondering if I did enough to jog her memory yesterday, or if I should be dropping more hints.
