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“Yes. Yes.”
I’m truly not ready for what happens next. Caleb molds himself to Reed’s body, squeezing hard, then kisses Reed’s cheek. “I go get the blocks.”
Unable to speak, I look at Reed. He sets Caleb down and crouches in front of him. “Okay, but we eat before we play.”
Caleb runs out of the kitchen, and we’re left standing uncomfortably. He plates the food and hands it to me with a cup of coffee.
It’s too late. The puck is in the net, and Reed has scored both of our hearts.
Chapter Thirty-One
REED
Tired and worried doesn’t begin to cover how I’m feeling. I got up yesterday at five and went to practice before going to hang out with Caleb. All day, I dreaded the conversation I need to have with Brooke about why I was forced to leave boarding school, how I spent my time for those two years, and then the debacle at Broadhurst University.
Class was uneventful. Study hall went by fast, having so much work to catch up on. No matter what, I have to keep my scholarship. If Brooke reacts like she should, to my past, it shouldn’t be a problem—she’ll discard me into the nearest dumpster.
For our Midnight Madness games, we have a team dinner at seven. Last night, it was at a local Italian restaurant where the breadsticks are like loaves of bread and the bowl of dipping sauce is the size of a soup bowl.
Wynward grabbed the seat beside me. “When I’m off the injury list, I’d love for you to be my winger.”
“Nah, man. Janik and Golden are yours. I can’t put up with your fancy ass.”
We both laughed, but I understood. He’s better than Dawes, my current center, at this point and if we make it to the Frozen Four, Wynward and I on the same line would be unstoppable.
As I arrived at the arena, my familiar routine took over, pushing my past thoughts to the outskirts of my mind. However, just as I thought I've left it all behind, I saw Coach and like a mirage, Brooke and Caleb suddenly appeared before me.
I know it would be better for Coach to learn of my relationship with his daughter from me before he finds out on his own. But it may be a moot point after I fill her in on my past.
I’m one hundred percent in love… what? No. I like her. And Caleb is awesome. I love the way he pulls his bottom lip inside his mouth when he’s thinking. His little teeth bite the skin of his chin. And how he says my name. Weed. Not to mention when he snuggles under my arm while we watch a movie or read a book.
The game moved at the speed of light. Signs with my name littered the crowd both times I scored. There was no time to lose focus. It was back and forth all night, but we squeaked out a win, 4-3.
I got home at three this morning and was so exhausted that I slept until eight, but now, I’m wide awake and waiting on the proverbial shoe to drop. Questions swirl through my mind.
How do I begin to tell her what happened?
Will she believe me?
Will her face show her disappointment in me?
Will she be able to look me in the eye? Or will I be able to look in hers?
After a couple of hours, I can’t think any longer. I should have gone to the hockey complex to celebrate. We’re still undefeated in conference play, halfway through the season. And it would have been the distraction I needed from thinking about the conversation Brooke and I will have later today.
I take a load of laundry down to the basement, which has a small den, laundry, and bathroom.
When I come back up through the kitchen, there’s a box of donuts on the counter with a postie note on top.
Great game last night.
I yelled so loud in my apartment.
Well, as loud as I could without waking Caleb.
Can’t wait to spend time with you.
Brooke
