Revenge Puck (Shot at Love #1)

Chapter 43

43

Elle

I ’m exhausted by the time I walk back to the hotel. And then, wouldn’t you know it, my stupid keycard wouldn’t work, so I had to come all the way back down to the front desk to get them to reactivate it.

There’s a long line at the reservation desk too, lots of traveling fans checking in after the game, when I just want to go to my room and fall into bed.

And maybe turn on the television to see the rest of the Warhawk’s celebration.

Behind me, I hear gasps and squeals. Turning around to see what the commotion is all about, I glance over my shoulder and my jaw drops.

Preston jogs in heading straight for the front desk still wearing his uniform and…a pair of men’s dress shoes? His hair and beard are still damp with sweat. A red line slashes across his forehead from where he recently removed his helmet.

When his eyes spot me, he stops abruptly. “Cupcake,” he says with a heavy sigh of relief. “I knew…you were staying…here.”

“Preston, what are you doing here?” I ask as all the eyes in the entire crowded lobby are drawn to us.

“I needed to talk to you.”

“Oh. Um, well, congratulations on winning the championship.”

“Thanks.” Leaning over, he puts his palms on his knees to catch his breath, while everyone in the entire lobby stares at us.

“Shouldn’t you be celebrating with the team?” I ask.

“Yes.”

He’s still recovering, and everyone around us seems to be holding their breath.

“So, um, how does it feel? As amazing as before?” I ask into the uncomfortable silence.

“Second trophy…in five years feels…pretty damn good, yeah.”

“I’m happy for you, Preston. I really do wish you the best in California.”

“About that,” he says, holding up a finger. “Give me another second.”

“Okay.”

Straightening again, he says, “I’m going to turn down the offer to play for the Grizzlies.”

I glance around again, noticing all the eyes and ears on us. Nodding my head to the alcove nearby, I reluctantly get out of the long line and lead him over. He towers over me, standing close with his palm braced on the wall above my head. At least no one can hear us. Looking up at him, I say, “I thought…why would you turn down the Grizzlies? You said they were the only team to make you an offer.”

“Not exactly. They were the only team I would have considered a few weeks ago. There was one other team that was interested but never sent the offer because my agent told them there was no point. One I never thought I would want to accept.”

“Who do you…oh,” I mutter in understanding.

“That’s right. The Bobcats.”

“But you won’t play for them because of Christian?”

“I couldn’t imagine playing on the same team as that…as Christian. But you are more important to me than a grudge. More important than anything else. I’m going to play for the Bobcats because that’s where you are, and I want to be near you.”

“What? No, Preston. I can’t let you do that. This is a huge decision! Years of your life, right? Don’t do this for me.”

“Why not?”

He moves closer so our bodies are nearly flush, making it harder for me to think. What were we talking about? Oh right, moving to Greensboro. “Because you shouldn’t! Think about yourself, about Maya and Finley.”

“I have thought about them. Maya doesn’t want to move but, in Greensboro, Finley will have more time to spend with Christian.”

“Oh.” I deflate several inches. “So you’re moving for them. It was stupid for me to think…”

“No, Elle. I don’t know what decision Maya will make. I’m leaving it up to her. It’s time I step back and let my sister make her own decisions. But I’m going to sign this contract as soon as I get it, even if Maya stays in D.C., just to be near you. I love you, and I know you may not be ready to forgive me yet, but I’m not going to give up.”

He loves me? Those words cause warmth to spread through my chest, even if I know it won’t last.

“But…” Struggling to figure out a way to prevent him from doing something he’ll regret if we don’t work out, I decide to go with activating his hair trigger temper. “I guess you haven’t seen the photos of me and Christian yet. And you know I came with him to the game…”

“I have seen the pictures. And I talked to Christian about them and why you came with him to D.C. He told me the photos were taken right after he found out he was a father, and he needed a friend then and today. Just a friend, right?”

“Yes. That’s…I thought you would assume the worst.”

“I did. I did, but I’m not jealous of him anymore. What we have isn’t something he can compete with, right cupcake?”

I nod, unable to say the words.

“I love you, Elle. And no matter what answer you give me today, I’m not giving up on you or us. Ever. You’re the end game for me. I’ll be here waiting for you, however long it takes.”

With that pronouncement, Preston’s lips brush lightly over mine just once. It’s more than a kiss. It’s a promise of more whenever I’m ready. Then, with a grin, he turns to leave.

I grab a handful of his jersey to pull him back.

His eyes widen in surprise, and I tell him, “I love you too.”

When Preston just stands there looking stunned, I go up on my toes to cup his cheek, pulling his mouth back to mine because I want to show him that I don’t want to wait even a second longer to be with him.