Chapter 6
Ronan
“Look, if you’re not gonna let it go then let’s drop the gloves and have at it.” Liam, our defenseman, says, throwing down his stick, “I’m tired of hearing about the poptarts.”
“First of all, I’m not fighting you.”
“Why? You're scared to mess up your pretty face?” He taunts. I roll my eyes.
“No, Fitz— not scared. I’m a lover, not a fighter.” I throw my arms wide, mask on top of my head.“Why do you think I'm a goalie?”
I’ve taken enough beatings to last me a lifetime.
“Secondly, it’s the principle of it. You’re a dirty little thief. So stay away from my locker snacks.” I point my stick at him.
“What’d you call me—“ He starts skating at me but Tate gets between us holding his hands up.
“Let’s all calm it down. Ronan, you gotta let it go man. It’s been—what, a year?”
“Yes!” Fitz throws his head back. God he can be so dramatic.
“I can’t prove it but I know he’s been in my shit since then. My snacks go missing every time I’m in the med room.”
“Whatever. You’re paranoid.” Fitz skates off, always trying to have the last word.
“No, I’m not! I’m gonna expose you and Ripley with your little two man operation!” I shout after him. Tate just stares at me.
“Are you doing ok?” He asks, as we skate off the ice together.
“I’m fine.” I snatch my helmet off and scrub a hand through my hair. The blonde sweat soaked strands stick up in different directions. I sigh.
“Okay.” Tate places a hand on my shoulder, “And if you weren’t, that’s okay too. Playoff pressure is no joke, so if you need help then let’s make sure we do what we can to keep you at one hundred percent.”
I glance over at him, spotting the sincerity in his eyes. “Appreciate it. I’m fine though.”
“Okay.” Tate lets it go easily. “Matty wanted to know if you’ll catch for him this weekend.”
“Of course. The kid’s a great pitcher.” I nod, the movement making sweat drip in my eyes.
I take my time changing and hitting the gym for a post practice lift, knowing Emalyn will be late editing the shots she got from the practice today.
At eight pm sharp, I lean a hip against the cold wall outside her office.
I pull out my phone pretending to be scrolling.
I don’t even have to unlock the screen because the door swings open, right on time.
There, those brown eyes speckled with green that always brighten when they land on me. I grin.
“Hey, sunshine.”
“Hey, Ro.” She pulls her office door closed as I push off the wall, extending the to go cup. Her face softens. “For me?”
“Everything. Always.” I mutter, passing the chamomile tea with a drizzle of honey to her. She ducks her head the way she always does when I’m a little too honest. I redirect.”How are the edits coming?”
“Great. I’ll have to work on them more on my flight tomorrow.
” She says as we slowly walk together toward the parking lot, our shoulders bumping on every other step.
Neither of us moves away. We don’t move closer either.
I push the door open with one outstretched arm and hold it for her to go ahead of me.
As she passes me she asks,“You wanna know something funny?”
“What?” I ask, my eyes falling to her lips as she brushes past me on her way out.
“You’re always here when I’m leaving late.”
“Oh, Emalyn.” I shake my head. She really doesn’t get it.
We cross the lot to the last remaining cars.
Her hand moves a curl away from her face just for it to fall back again.
I don’t give her the answer she’s looking for.
Instead, I hold her eyes while slipping the keys from the front pocket of her purse — where she always keeps them— and click the unlock button on the key fob.
She rolls her eyes and takes them from my hand, fingers brushing mine as she does.
Once she’s in her little sports car, I lean down with one hand resting on the top of the car.
Her lips part as she blinks up at me. I take a slow, controlled breath. My hand taps the roof of her car.
“Drive safe, sunshine.”
I shut her car door gently, watching as her car starts up and slowly peels out of the lot.