Chapter 36
Gavin
“Ihaven’t been up here since I helped you move in all that equipment.” I follow Haddy across campus to the science lab.
Since I’m still on the bench, I’ve got plenty of time (and energy) to help her pack up her things, and we’ve been moving into our new house.
The semester is over, and yesterday she defended her thesis to the committee. I would’ve liked to sit in on that and listen to her being gorgeous and smart. It always makes me smile.
She said now all that’s left is for them to decide if she passed. How could they not?
“Some master’s degrees require an experiment, and then you just write up the results.
” she explains as we enter the building.
“Since mine is mostly theoretical, backed by the data Daniel and I collected and the information provided by the institute, I basically argued in support of the strong correlation between wind currents and the seasonal outbreaks of the disease.”
“Have I told you how hot it is when you talk science?”
Her cheeks turn pink and she shakes her head. “You’re so crazy.”
“It’s true.”
“I’m going to miss Daniel, even if we did have to use translation apps to communicate.” She’s back to being Science Haddy. “He invited me to visit the institute again, but when he saw how pregnant I am, he politely nodded and wished me good luck.”
“He sounds like a good guy.”
Her hand is on the door to the lab, and she sighs. “If only we could go for a few days…”
It hit me hard, and I pulled her to me. “We’re going to go. Once Lucy gets here, we’ll start making plans, figuring out what we need to do. Dr. Barry can help us with the timing.”
“I never thanked you for paying back the IPW.” Her chin dips, and I know it’s an adjustment for my independent girl to let me take care of her.
Ever since my injury, she’s come a long way with letting me spoil her. I think her dad had something to do with it.
Still, she has her moments. “You didn’t have to do that.”
I catch her chin in my fingertips, causing her to meet my eyes. “You had to give up your scholarship to have my baby.”
Her pretty blue eyes twinkle. “Our baby.”
“It was the right thing to do, Hads. I had the power to help you, and I wanted to.”
She reaches up to slide her thumb down my lips. “Because we’re a family now, and I’d do the same for you if the tables were turned.”
“Wrapping up, Haddy?” Timothy’s voice interrupts our moment.
He opens the door to the lab, and I do my best not to show my annoyance with his presence. Haddy gives me a little “be good” pinch.
“Yep,” she answers brightly. “Defended my thesis yesterday. Now I’m just waiting for the final word.”
“Wow.” Timothy’s brows rise. “You’re really pregnant.”
I want to pop him in the mouth for that crack, but Haddy takes it in stride.
“I sure am!” She puts a hand on her belly and rubs it up and down. “She’s an active little lady.”
“Hey there, Tim.” I step up beside her, putting a large hand on her shoulder. “What’s your deal here, anyway?”
“My deal?” His tone is so condescending, I want to pull that sweater over his head backwards. “Do you mean my field of research?”
“Sure.” I stand straighter, emphasizing our height difference. “Let’s go with that.”
“Tickling.”
The room falls silent, and I’m not sure if he’s making a joke. I glance at Haddy, who’s biting her lip and lining up the things she brought here. She could’ve warned me.
“I’m sorry… Did you say tickling?”
“I did.” His tone is defiant.
“No offense, but what are you researching when it comes to tickling?”
“None taken, hockey boy.” This guy. He has the balls to slap my shoulder, and I gotta hand it to him, I’m impressed by his bravery. “Have you ever wondered why you can’t tickle yourself?”
“Not really.”
“And how there are some people who aren’t ticklish at all? While others can barely stand to be touched in certain places?”
My eyes narrow. “Is that something you can study?”
“Yes, it is.” All of a sudden Timothy is as excited as Haddy gets about wind. “The results are directly correlated to increasing tactile responses in babies with autism spectrum disorder. Basically, we’re making autistic children laugh.”
That stops me. I lower my arms, finding a new respect for this nerd.
“Well, hell, Tim, that’s pretty fucking amazing.” I shake my head. “You never said you were helping babies, too.”
“You never gave me the chance.” He sniffs like he’s offended, like he wasn’t the one always leaving the minute I showed up. “I wanted to share the lab with Hayden because of the crossover nature of our work.”
“Does that really cross over?” Nice try, Mr. Rewriting History.
He wanted to share the lab because he’s got the hots for my future wife, and we all know it.
He shrugs. “We’re both working to help children.”
I look over at Haddy, who’s continuing to pack without joining the conversation. She’s very focused… and possibly trying not to laugh.
“That’s very cool, Timothy. Keep up the good work.”
“You’ve never used my full name before.” He blinks a few times.
“I was wrong about you.” I hold out a hand to shake. “I’m sorry I underestimated you. If you ever want to come to a hockey game, just let Haddy know. We’ll get you in for free.”
“Thanks…” I can’t tell if he’ll do it, but I pick up the box of Haddy’s things.
“Good luck with your studies.” Haddy steps forward to give him a polite hug.
I notice she’s been very different around him this visit, and I’m not sure if it’s for my benefit or if something happened.
Then he stops her. “I thought it was shitty that they took your scholarship away… and your crown.”
That seems to break the ice.
She steps forward, lifting her left hand. “I got something way better than a pageant crown.”
“Oh…” He seems surprised when he inspects the ring. “I guess this means I was wrong about him.”
“One of the most important things we can do is admit when we’re wrong. And apologize.”
He seems to be turning this over in his mind. His jaw works, and he puts his hands on his hips. Finally, he seems to make a decision.
“I’m sorry, Hayden.” Then he looks at me. “I was wrong about your intentions. I hope you’re both very happy.”
Neither of us speaks until we’re on the other side of the door. Then as soon as it closes, we fall back against it quietly laughing.
“Damn, Princess, you put that boy in his place.”
She shakes her dark head. “I’ve had enough of his condescending attitude. He needed to apologize to you.”
“I wasn’t sweating it.” I shift the box onto my hip as we walk down the hall. “But who knew a guy like that could be doing such good work? You should’ve warned me.”
“I don’t know.” She holds the door for me. “I guess it’s some form of redemption.”
I glance back, muttering under my breath. “Never judge a dude by his fanny pack.”
The time has come, and I’m finally off the damn bench.
I got back to lifting weights and skating and jogging and doing all my usual training as soon as I could after the accident so I wouldn’t lose any ground. Still, I can tell I’ve been injured and away when I’m on the ice. My reflexes are a little slow, and I’m not as quick to steal the puck.
It’s frustrating, but Donovan is there with the pep talk. “A few more games, and you’ll be back on top.”
The bruise above my eyebrow went from blackish purple to bluish purple to greenish purple to yellow before finally fading away. Now all that’s left is a scar, which Haddy says is hot.
Sometimes when she’s straddling my lap, riding my cock, she traces her lips over it while I’m sucking her breasts, and I like having a bit of an edge.
Mav sends the puck my way, and I quickly get my head back in the game. I pass it to Saxon when the sharp tweet of a whistle interrupts our practice.
“Get over here and meet your newest teammate,” Coach yells at us in his deep, growly voice.
The three of us exchange a look before skating over to where a tallish guy with light brown hair stands waiting to meet the team. He’s six-two, and he’s got a friendly, yet cautious expression.
It’s a good sign. The Champions are a close-knit team, so the last thing we want is an ego to show up on the roster.
“This is Owen Stone. He was called up from the South Carolina Stingers. He’s one of the best forwards in the minor leagues, and I expect you all to get him up to speed.”
“Good to meet you, Owen,” Don is the first one to skate forward and shake his hand. “Welcome to the big time.”
Owen exhales a laugh, and Mav glances at me. I’m pretty sure we’re thinking the same thing. North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama. We’ve probably got a lot in common, and not just moving from one side of the country to the other.
“Owen?” Mav skates up to him. “I’m Maverick Murphy, right winger. This is Gavin Knight, defense. How’s it going?”
He shakes Mav’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard of Gav and Mav… Or Mav and Gav…”
I can feel his consternation, and I reach out to slap the top of his shoulder. “Either way is fine.”
“It’s Mav and Gav.” Mav’s tone is flat, and I can’t help a chuckle.
He’s such an only child.
“Where are you staying?” Mav asks.
Owen shakes his head, looking side to side. “A hotel room down the street for now. I haven’t been able to find a place that seems right for my situation.”
“What situation is that?” Now that I’ve met Maverick’s mom, I understand a lot about where he got his inquiring mind.
He has a very friendly way of getting all the information from people.
“My little girl is living with my sister Heather back home. I’m trying to find a way to move them both out here, but I don’t know the area too well.”
“You don’t say?” Mav glances at me with a nod. “Let’s talk after practice. I might be able to help you with that.”
Shaking my head, I exhale a chuckle. It’s like we’ve come full circle with a new player joining the fold.
The last of our things are moved, and we’re officially in our new home.