Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
MARCUS
“ Y ou want to go out with us tonight, Cap?” Bode asks, dropping down into the seat in front of me. After a win in Phoenix tonight, we’re spending the night before heading to Salt Lake tomorrow. One more road game then we’re heading home.
Fucking finally. I hate long road trips. Always have. I never like being away from the girls. I feel bad having to have others stay with them.
And now? Now I don’t like being away from Harper.
Having had to leave only two days after our date, I didn’t get enough. One night together will never be enough.
“I’m not really feeling up to going out.”
The win tonight was hard fought. Phoenix battled with us to the very end. Only when Dax caught a breakaway at the end of the third period were we able to seal the victory.
“A win like that deserves to be celebrated.”
I shake my head. “No way, Bode. I’m wiped. I want to go to my room, see how the girls are doing, and crash.”
He rolls his eyes at me. “Okay, how about instead of going out, we play some video games and call it a night? Is that better?”
“I’m game,” Dax says, dropping into the seat next to me. “Too much adrenaline to go to bed.”
“Hell yeah!” Bode holds out his fist for a bump. “That was a fucking awesome goal.”
“C’mon, Marcus. It’s not like Bode is going to let up easily.”
“I guess so. But we’re going to your room. When I want to leave, I want to leave.”
Bode throws his hands up. “You got it.”
Noah, Graham, and Jasper get on the bus and take the seats opposite us. “Video games in Bode’s room,” I tell them.
Graham looks confused. “Why is Cap inviting us to play video games? Anyone else think that’s weird?”
I flip him the bird. “We’re playing video games because I don’t want to go out and this is the only way to keep Bode off my ass.”
Graham and Noah both nod. “That makes more sense,” Noah tells me. “I’m always game. Especially if it means kicking your ass.”
“Har, har,” I deadpan.
The bus pulls out of the parking lot at the rink and heads to our hotel. The guys are all chirping who is going to beat who as I pull my phone from my pocket.
Harper
Hey. You guys looked good out there tonight
Marcus
Did we?
Stop it. You know you looked good
I know. But I like hearing you say it
What else do you like hearing me say
I can think of one or two things
Are you alone?
No surrounded by idiots gif
Poor baby
Please feel bad for me
I have to keep these guys in line
Too bad. I was hoping you could call
Fuck. Now I’m wondering if I can get out of this. But Bode calls my bluff the minute we’re back at the hotel.
“You can’t back out now. We need you for even pairs to match up.”
“You only have two controllers,” I point out.
“Round robin style. Each group plays another and then the victor from each will play each other.”
“You realize you’re missing one group, right?” Jasper tells him.
“Nah. I think you and Cap need to battle it out to see who will play the other team. That’s only fair.”
Pressing the up button for the elevator, I give Bode a look. “How is that fair?”
“You’re the Captain. You have an unfair advantage.”
“In video games?” When the doors open, I step inside and press the button to the fifth floor. “How do I have an advantage? ”
“Dunno, you just do.”
Bode ends his argument in a way only he can. I shake my head at him when the elevator dings on my floor. “I’m going to change and check on the girls. Meet up with you in a few.”
“No backing out!” is the last thing that’s shouted at me as the doors close. One of the perks of being the captain is I get my own room on the road.
Thank fuck.
Because the last thing I want to do is chat with one of the guys. Not that I don’t love my team, but after a win like tonight’s, I need silence in order to decompress.
Marcus
How were the girls tonight?
Emma
Good, as usual
Spent most of the night working on their books they’re writing for school
Were they able to get them done?
Done, colored, and ready to read to the class
Thanks. Appreciate it
I smile to myself as I loosen the knot in my tie when I enter my room. The girls had picture books to write and illustrate for their upcoming project. It was all about puppies, chess, and hockey .
A weird combination if you ask me, but puppies playing hockey and chess?
I’d read it.
Changing into a pair of athletic shorts and a red Knights hoodie, I slide into my tennis shoes and head back upstairs.
Marcus
I wish I could call you instead of hanging with the guys
Harper
You’ll be home soon enough
In three days
Feels like forever
Feels like it since I last saw you
It’s been a week
A week too long
It’s amazing how easily she’s slotted herself back into my life. When we’re not together, we’re always texting.
I can’t wait to see you
Me too
I’ve got the girls Friday night, but want to do dinner and hang out after bed?
Hanging out? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?
If it gets you to come over, we can call it whatever you want
I’ll see you then
Locking my phone, I knock on Bode’s door. I can already hear shouts before Jasper pulls open the door. “Thanks for showing up. I won twenty bucks from Bode.”
I laugh, closing the door behind me. “Glad I could help you win.”
“I thought for sure you’d bail,” Bode tells me, slapping a twenty into Jasper’s palm.
“The chance to kick Bode’s ass in video games? I’ll always show up for that.”
Bode snorts. “Whatever you say.”
“At least you’re not getting me drunk this time.”
“You could barely hang last time,” Dax points out, as he is drinking from a bottle of water.
“Is this you trying to hang?” I push his legs out of the way and drop down onto the bed.
Noah and Graham are currently battling it out, their little characters driving all over the road. They’re yelling at one another, elbowing each other’s sides to try and win.
I laugh and take out my buzzing phone, hoping it’s Harper.
Mom
Great game tonight
You skated hard
I’m excited to see you and the girls soon
Marcus
We’re excited to see you too
They’re really excited to show you their new books they made
I heard all about it when Emma called me tonight
Let me know if you need me to pick you up from the airport
Sheila is driving us home, but thanks, son
Sounds good. Enjoy the rest of your trip
Something stirs deep in my gut. The one thing I’m not looking forward to? Telling her about Harper. That’s something that I’ll need to figure out. Because she has not liked her for a long time.
Seven years to be exact.
But right now, I push that to the side and take the controller that Noah tosses my way as he concedes his loss to Graham.
I have a feeling neither of them will really be losing based on the look they share.
“You ready to lose?” Bode asks me as he fires up another game.
I burst out laughing. “Oh, Bode. I needed that laugh.”
“You’re a dick. Prepare to have your ass kicked.”
“Damn. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you like this,” Jasper says from his spot on the chair.
“Like what?” I don’t look at him, but can imagine what his face looks like. He might be the one person who is grumpier than me .
“I don’t know—happy.”
I smile at him, giving him a quick side-eye so I don’t lose focus. “Something about beating Bode brings me so much joy.”
“Damn. See if I invite you guys over to play video games again.”
“You know,” Noah starts, “it means Bode loves us because he’s skipping a night out with a girl.”
“I’m beginning to question why.”
Bode easily overtakes me with his character but then I take it right back. The two of us go back and forth until he edges me out at the last minute.
Jasper laughs before he takes his spot to play. He’s stuffing his phone into his pocket. “Who are you talking to?”
“Why am I talking to anyone?” he asks.
“Because you were laughing at your phone,” Dax agrees. “You two are happy tonight. It’s weird.”
“Anyone else think Dax is starting to sound like Bode?” I ask.
“Hey! I do not.” Dax looks affronted. “Do I?”
“Not a bad thing, Dax,” Bode tells him.
“Great, now I know it’s a bad thing,” Dax whines.
“I want to go back to this whole Jasper and Marcus being happy.” Noah diverts the conversation back to me and Jasper, causing us both to groan.
“Why are you so interested?” I take Jasper’s seat in the chair by the window and kick my feet up onto the table.
“Are you and Harper an item now?” Graham asks me. “Is that why you’re so happy?”
The game pauses, quieting all noise in the room. Shit. This was not something I wanted to discuss with the guys right now.
Things are still new with Harper. Do I want them to be more? Yes. But I don’t want to jinx anything. Call it my superstition. I had hoped to keep things between the two of us, but based on all the faces looking at me, I won’t be able to keep them at bay.
“It’s still new.”
“That means there is a thing.” Noah waggles his eyebrows at me.
“Jesus. You’ve all been spending way too much time together.”
Jasper gives me a knowing smile and I send the attention right back to him. “What about Jasper? He’s looking pretty smug over there.”
“Dick move, Cap. Dick move.” He flips me off.
“You’ve been smiling more too. It’s weird,” Bode comments.
“You know we can smile, right?” I ask him. “Mouths are made to smile.”
“Not yours,” Bode says. “Either of yours.”
“If I have to tell, so do you,” I tell Jasper.
“I want it on record I hate you all.” Jasper rolls his eyes at us. “I signed up for a dating app.”
I don’t know if it’s possible, but the room has gotten even quieter. It takes a lot to get this group of guys to shut up.
“You signed up for a dating app?” Bode is appalled. “Dude. You’re a hockey player. You know how easy it is to pick up women, right?”
“Somebody slap him upside the head for me.”
Noah does the honor for me.
“Hey! What was that for? It’s not a lie.” Bode rubs the back of his head.
“Can you maybe not be such a sleaze all the time?” I scoff. “Maybe Jasper wants a connection with someone.”
“Alright,” Noah starts, “Marcus is happy. Jasper is happy. Bode doesn’t want a relationship if it were to smack him in the face. That leaves…”
“No.” Dax starts shaking his head. “No way. I do not want you guys hooking me up.”
“Why not? It’s not like we’ll let Bode set you up.”
A weird look washes over his face. “I don’t need you guys to set me up.”
“See?” Jasper unpauses the game before him and Dax get back to it. “Everyone is happy.”
Happy.
It’s a foreign feeling. I mean, I’m happy with my life. I love Sam and Sadie. But the happiness of being with Harper? It’s different.
Like it’s something just for me.
Pulling out my phone, I let the guys go back to whatever conversation they’re having and text Harper.
Marcus
You make me happy, you know that?
Harper
I do?
Yes.
Is there a reason you’re telling me?
No point in hiding it
I don’t want to screw up with you
Wow
An adult relationship. I like it
What can I say? I’m a single dad. No beating around the bush
Well, you make me happy
“See, there’s that smile again,” Bode points out as Dax and Graham face off in the final round. “You really are in a good mood.”
My phone buzzes again. This time, I see a photo come through. Before I open it, I wave my goodbyes.
“Since I lost, I’m heading down to bed. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” I point to Jasper. “Your job to make sure they stay in line.”
Jasper groans. “Fine.”
Once I get out into the hallway, I head toward the elevator to get back down to my room. I pull up the picture Harper sent.
Fuck me.
She’s wearing my jersey while blowing me a kiss.
Harper
Thought this was good luck tonight
Marcus
I’ve never looked so good
Damn right
You gonna wear that to your second game of the season?
Second? What makes you think I haven’t been to more ?
I smile to myself as I flick the room key over the lock and head inside. It’s your run-of-the-mill hotel room. Nothing fancy. I’ve gotten used to them over the years. A place to rest my head on the road.
Spill, Mrs. Evans
Mrs. Evans? Is that what you’re calling me, Mr. Evans?
Yes
You know I never changed my name, right?
Are you trying to distract me from the question at hand?
You forget I have twin girls
I can spot a ruse a mile away
Fine. I went to the game in Vegas
My thumbs can’t move fast enough.
The season opener? You were at the game in Vegas? Why? You hated me
Again with the eye roll emoji
I didn’t hate you
Really?
Well, one step up from hate
But once I knew the reason you left, it was hard to hate you
Logically going to the game was the next thing to do
As one does
That hockey fan is still buried in there
Sigh…she is
This means you have to come to a game
And not hide away
I’m definitely not going to the WAGs suite
I have seats for the girls
Maybe you can take them?
Really?
Would you want to?
Yes
Then it’s a date
Well, you know what I mean
A family date
I can’t wait