Grant #2
“Revolting.” I roll my eyes, and she grins from ear to ear. It’s a shot in the heart. “Between mushrooms and anchovies, you disgust me.”
“Says the guy who eats hot dogs. That’s sick, Grant. And so is your pickle preference on your pizza.”
“That’s not sick. That’s the proper way to—hey.” I laugh when she tries to kick me. “Violence isn’t the answer.”
My reflexes are quick, and I grab her ankle. In the midst of her flailing, her legs hook around my middle. I lose my balance and topple on the couch, almost landing directly on top of her.
She tries to free herself out from under me, but between my cackling and the blanket that’s twisted into a knot, we’re both stuck.
“You’re so heavy,” she gasps. “And here I was thinking you’d be light because you aren’t as tall as the other guys on your team.”
“I’m a short king, Amelia. The weight is from the crown I wear.” I’m talking into the couch cushion, and I jump when she touches my ribs. “Watch it! I’m ticklish!”
“I’m blaming you for getting us into this mess.”
“You’re the one who took me down! When your coaching days are over, you’re going to have a future in MMA or WWE or whatever it’s called. You’re strong as hell.” I put my hand on her knee. “Are you okay?”
“More than okay.”
“What I’m hearing is you’re glad I crashed your day off.”
“Yeah.” There’s a hint of a smile in the confirmation. “I am.”
It takes us a minute, but when we finally get untangled, I’m hit with a new wave of laugher. Her hair is falling out of her bun and framing her face. Her cheeks are bright red, and the crease on her forehead tells me she also ended up with a face in the cushions.
“All of this over a hot dog.” My eyes sweep over her, checking to make sure I didn’t hurt her during our tumble. “Are you sure you’re good?”
“I’m fine, but we need to worry about you. You’re the NHL player with the big contract.” Amelia touches my forehead. “You have a mark there.”
“Doesn’t hurt. Must be from the pillows.” I brush my thumb along the inside of her wrist. “I’m going to pop the pizza in the oven.”
“Thank you.” This smile of hers is softer. “I appreciate it.”
With a salute, I head to the kitchen, but make a detour for the foyer. When I’m out of sight, I dig through my coat and pull out my notebook.
It’s filled up over the years. I never imagined I’d need a new one, but we’re getting close to that point. I get lucky when I open a junk drawer in the kitchen and find a ballpoint pen. Uncapping it, I turn the notebook to the page where I last left off, and begin to write.
Unbelievably strong legs—former hockey player, obviously. Would murder me in a squat challenge
Okay with frozen pizza. Pepperoni when mushroom (fave) isn’t available
I open the freezer, and when I pull the pizza out and put it on the counter, I add another line to the list.
Altitude Bros brand. Maybe local company? *Check if they deliver to DC
I go through the motions of preheating the oven and waiting for it to warm up before sliding the pizza on a sheet pan. I bring the pizza back to the living room when it’s finished cooking, and we devour the whole thing.
Amelia puts on a movie that features storm chasers who willingly drive into tornadoes, and we follow it up with a new episode of the reality show she mentioned earlier.
Before I know it, it’s past ten p.m. Amelia is starting to yawn, and my early alarm is getting closer.
“I should head back to my hotel,” I say. “My flight boards at six tomorrow morning, and you’re already half asleep.”
“What are you talking about? I’m wide awake.” She covers her mouth as she says it, and I laugh when she yawns. “Okay, fine. I might be a little tired. Do you want me to drive you?”
“I’ll call an Uber after I change.” I smile and stand. “Meet you in the foyer in five minutes?”
“Make it six.” Her smile dips to a frown. “Five is too soon.”
Eternity is too soon.
I grab my clothes from the dryer and change in her guest bathroom. I take my time on the walk to the foyer, my own smile drooping when Amelia looks at me from where she’s leaning against the wall.
“Thanks for a great day,” I say. “I had a blast.”
“This unexpected visit was the highlight of my week.” She hesitates. When I step near her, she reaches for me. She wraps her arms around my waist, and I run my hands up her back. “Thank you for spending time with me.”
“Spending time with you is my favorite thing in the world.” I sigh and rest my cheek on the top of her head. “Be good until I see you again, Lia.”
“Hopefully that’s sooner rather than later.” Amelia pulls away, but only an inch. Her nose practically bumps mine, and I want to kiss her more than I’ve ever wanted to do anything else in my life. “I wonder if you’ll have any new tattoos.”
“You’ll have to give me a thorough check to find out.” With a final squeeze, I step back. I slip on my coat and touch her cheek one last time. “Later, Lia.”
“Bye, Grant.” She turns her head, relishing in my touch. I can tell it’s the last indulgence she’ll allow herself. “Be safe.”
Out in the hallway, I blow out a breath. I pinch the bridge of my nose and rest my head against the wall.
Just like always, I’m counting down the seconds until I’m going to see her again.
My pathetic heart hopes she’s counting down too.