Chapter Forty
TOMMY
“You have to be the only person I know who would want to come to the beach at the height of winter,” I whisper into Jenna’s ear as she looks out over the horizon.
The moon reflects off the water, glowing against her cheeks.
She scrunches up her nose. “I don’t care much for the sun. I’m a fall and winter girl myself.”
I look around us. We’re the only crazy people for miles, buried under thick winter coats and sitting on a single plaid blanket, eating sandwiches.
It’s been a few days since Jenna and I made it official, and tomorrow, her brother arrives for the holidays.
When I asked Jenna where she wanted me to take her for our second date, expecting her to suggest the movies or a cutesy restaurant downtown, I probably shouldn’t have been shocked when she told me Coney Island.
I’ve never been here, but I have to admit, she was right about the spectacular light displays.
“You’re like a magpie or something,” I tell her, reaching across the blanket and interlacing our fingers as we both sit, staring out at the ocean.
“What?!” She bursts out laughing. “Why do I remind you of some random bird?”
I don’t immediately answer, taking the time to appreciate the way she giggles in my presence. Seeing the relaxed side of Jenna is relatively new to me. And while I love every part of her personality, even moments when she scorns at me, seeing my girlfriend light up like this is something special.
“Magpies like bright and shiny things,” I reply. “They’re attracted to sparkles.”
“You know that’s a myth, right?” she volleys back.
“Myth or not,” I cast my hand out across the shining ocean and then around me at the twinkling lights. “The sentiment is still the same, and I’m willing to bet that Christmas is one of your favorite times of the year.”
Beneath the dark sky, I see the way she blushes as she says, “Maybe.”
I release a sigh, kicking some sand out with my boot.
“Oh, don’t be such a Scrooge!” she announces, pressing her palm into the center of my chest.
I collapse onto my back, and she hovers over me.
Her hair falls around us both, shielding us from some of the biting wind that has turned the tip of her nose pink.
“How was practice today?” she asks. “Are you feeling ready for the big game against the Scorpions?”
We’re nowhere near the end of the season, but Saturday’s home game against one of our oldest rivals is paramount.
“All the guys are feeling the pressure. Especially Archer. If he can keep their forward, Jessie Callaghan, at bay, then we have a shot at coming away with the W.”
She nods her head in understanding. I fucking love that Jenna is into hockey and sports.
Reaching up, I slowly pull at the zipper on her coat, memories of the way I teased her with her sports bra roaring back to life.
She blushes and places her hand over mine. “When we get back to my place. It’s way too fucking cold out here for sex.”
Looping my arms around her back, I roll us over until I’m on top. “I love you. So fucking much. These past few weeks, even the past few days … they’ve been some of my best, and I just want you to know that.”
“I know, and I’m having the best time.” She kisses the tip of my nose, and I can’t help but whimper, already desperate to leave and get her in bed. “Have you spoken to your mom?”
I shake my head, a knot forming in my stomach. “No. I left her a voicemail, asking her to call me back. I haven’t heard anything since.”
Jenna doesn’t take her eyes from mine. “Give her time. I bet she’s still in shock and wondering what to say when she calls you back.”
So much of me hopes Jenna is right. It was a standard recorded message rather than my mom’s voice, which makes me worry that she changed her phone number since she last tried to contact me.
“I asked her to come watch our game against the Scorpions. I figured it would be a chance for her to meet my girlfriend, and if your brother doesn’t murder me when we tell him about us on Christmas Day, I want you to wear my jersey. With the name I’ll be playing under next season.”
Jenna cups my face in her gloved palm, concern flooding her eyes.
“What?” I ask. “I thought that was standard practice—for a player’s girl to wear their name.”
“Yeah, it is,” she replies. “But that’s not what’s worrying me.”
I breathe a sigh of relief.
Jesus, who are you, and what have you done with tough Tommy? Now you’re practically having a breakdown over a girl’s facial expressions.
“Your mom,” she continues. “How will she afford the airline ticket to get here? Travel at this time of year is especially expensive.”
I smirk down at her. “I don’t know if you’re aware, but I’m kind of a big deal, and I earn around seven million dollars a year, plus add-ons. I have her airfare covered.”
She swats me in the chest. “Why do you always have to be so cocky?!”
“Because you drive me wild and it’s my natural defense mechanism,” I retort. “Plus, I still think you love the old Tommy just a little bit.” I squeeze my thumb and forefinger together, my shoulders vibrating with laughter.
Jenna stays silent.
Shit. I said too much.
She shuffles out from beneath me and stands up, flicking her long hair from her collar.
“Jen, I’m not trying to push you into saying it back. I just …”
She steps forward as I rise to my knees. Placing a hand on my shoulder, she sets a kiss against my lips. “I know you aren’t trying to push me. I just need to use the bathroom and call my brother to let him know that I can get him from the airport.”
With that, she begins walking toward a bar across the street from the beach, and I’m left wondering why the fuck I can’t control my mouth every time I’m around this girl.
Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my phone to check for a reply from Mom but come up empty-handed.
I’m about to repocket my phone when a group message flashes across my screen, and I click on the notification.
Jack
Welcome to the world’s greatest group chat, Tommy.
*Jack renamed the group chat: Tommy’s Turned into a Simp.*
Archer
He’s with Jenna right now—I can feel it.
Me
I don’t want to know what you’re feeling, if it’s all the same to you.
Sawyer
So, Tommy is the latest victim of Jack’s group chat. Don’t worry, buddy; last season, he changed the name to something like Stop Boning My Sister when he witnessed dressing-room sex between Archer and Darcy.
Jack
I just vomited at the memory.
Archer
Christ. That was the hottest sex of my life.
Jack
I actually might hate you.
Archer
But your sister doesn’t, does she?
Me
If this is what it’s like, making friends with teammates, then I think I’ll pass.
Sawyer
This is precisely what it’s like.
Archer
So, come on then, Tommy. Tell us, are you with Jenna right now?
Me
Yep. We’re on a date, but it’s cold as fuck, and I want to go home …
With my girlfriend. Obviously.
Archer
Why go home when you can bang in public? As I once told Jack and Sawyer, there’s this Acer tree in the Japanese Gardens. I haven’t taken Darcy there yet, but it’s really romantic.
Jack
IF YOU FUCK MY SISTER AT ONE OF YOUR FORMER PLAYBOY SPOTS, I WILL SHOVE MY STICK WHERE THE SUN DOESN’T SHINE.
Me
What the fuck is this group chat?
Sawyer
It’s unhinged and disturbing. I’ve tried to leave multiple times, but Jack just adds me back in. I fear the same fate may be bestowed on you too.
Jack
No one appreciates me around here. Or the hard work I put into our friendships.
Archer
I appreciate your sister.
Jack
You’re a father now, Archer. Grow up.
Jack
Anyway, I’m actually messaging you all for a purpose.
The game against the Scorpions on Saturday.
When we secure the W, I think we should all go out and celebrate.
Former Scorpions Captain, Zach Evans, is coming to Brooklyn to watch the game with his family.
Between him, Jensen Jones, and Jon, we’ll have three Scorpions legends present to watch their former team burn. *evil face*
Sawyer
Ooof. That’s a bit presumptive. I mean, I have every faith in our team but … Jessie Callaghan and Curtis Freeman. Both are having crazy good seasons.
Jack
Nah, Tommy’s got Jessie and Curtis covered, right?
I look up and see Jenna strolling back toward me. She’s all smiles and rosy cheeks.
Sitting down next to me on the blanket, she places a hand on my shoulder and whispers into my ear, “I’m getting there, Tommy. I promise.”
If I wasn’t wrapped in layers of clothing, I swear my heart would burst straight through my chest.
Me
Sorry, you’ll have to clarify. Jessie and Curtis who?