Chapter 18 Tate
I lean back on the patio couch next to my outdoor fireplace. Bedtime ran long, due to Matty's ability to chat about anything and everything just to avoid going to sleep.
He’s taken the move so well and I know his buddy next door has had everything to do with it.
I light up a cigarette. A habit that’s been coming back to haunt me this year. The smoke curls in the air. I should be sleeping. We have a home game tomorrow and then we head right out for a three day away game series.
Allison has to travel with us for the press conference scheduled. I guess we can thank Fitz and Quade’s media coverage lately.
I hear a door close next door and the jingle of a leash. Allison. I don’t turn. Just because she is bringing the puppy out to do its business doesn’t mean she wants to talk. I don’t want to crowd her.
I run a hand through my hair, trying to tame the waves and my acute awareness of her nearby. Shit is it weird if I don't say hi first?
“Hey.” She says softly, saving me from my inward spiraling.
I glance up at her and feel like I am hit by a freight train at the sight of her.
Her beautiful blonde locks are in the messiest knot on her head and she’s wearing my old UT hoodie that I left on her couch after the TJ and puppy fiasco. “Couldn’t sleep either?”
“Not tonight.” I breathe. I realize I'm just staring at her. I blink a few times, trying to come out of this daze she unknowingly put me in. Smoke curls in the air. Rambo is panting softly. He lays his head down on her boots.
“Sorry about the smoke. I've been trying to quit. Again… just picked it up again after my dad died this year.” I clear my throat awkwardly. “Not that it’s an excuse.”
“Just a reason. I get it.” She gives me a small smile. There’s no judgement on her face. Something like relief flushes in my chest. I hadn’t realized I cared about her reaction as much as I do.
I stamp out the cigarette.
I notice the little vest and booties Rambo has on.
“Cute.”
“Huh? Oh.” Allison flushes a light pink across her cheeks and nose when she realizes I meant the puppy. “Yea, I just didn’t want his little paws to be cold. Hudson loves him, you know?”
“Just Hudson?”
Alli blushes deeper, her eyes flicking to mine then away. She shrugs one shoulder.
“I guess he’s growing on me too.”
I scratch the puppy behind the ears when he comes to lay his head on my knee.
“Hudson mentioned you shared some stories with him. About the dogs you trained for the ranch.” Alli says. She brushes her hair behind her ear. “It really inspired him. He’s been using treats to teach him tricks.”
“I’m glad.”
“You’re good with him.”
“I just… listen. He’s a good kid.” I clear my throat. “I like that he knows I’m here for him. When he needs it.”
“It means a lot to him.” Her hand falls to my shoulder. My gaze meets hers, instantly getting lost there. Her hand lingers a moment longer before she lets it fall back to her lap again.
A comfortable silence fills the air between us. I take a moment to look her over. Her guard is down between us, just like the night on facetime. This time though, with her cold pink tipped nose and my hoodie swallowing her small frame, she’s here in front of me.
My gaze lingers on the side of her face for a beat. I’m not sure when she snuck past my own defences, but there’s a warmth nestled deep in my chest. A spot just for her.
Something that makes me want to make this thing between us tangible. She makes me feel something that I never have before.
“Are you traveling with the team? I heard- well the whole locker room heard-Ronan say Emalyn would be going this time.”
She lets out a soft laugh.
“Yea, he’s always loved her out loud.” She shakes her head, making a few strands fall from around face. “I am going. Though I’m not sure what to do about this little guy.”
“So, I had an idea... You can say no—obviously…” I start.
“Obviously.” She teases bumping my knee with hers. Neither of us moves away.
“Gloria, She’s Matty’s nanny for when I’m away. The team set me up with her and she came very highly recommended.” I scratch the side of my temple, hoping I'm not coming off too pushy for casual. Starting to hate that word. “If you’d like, Hudson and Rambo could stay here. With Matty.”
“Oh, that’s kind of you. I’ll have to make sure Hudson’s comfortable with that and let you know.” She gives me a glowing smile, and I preen under her approval like a damned peacock.
“Sounds good, Alli.” I let my knee rest against hers, the slightest pressure anchoring us to each other.
“I should get some sleep.” She says, throwing a thumb vaguely in the direction of her house next door. Rambo perks right up when she stands.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Tate.”
I watch her back until she pauses at her back door, giving a small wave before she disappears inside.
I watch the lights slowly turn off as she makes her way upstairs. Being around her settles something in me. It’s like coming home to a place I hadn’t realized was waiting for me.