60. Chapter 60
Jake
We’re buzzing from our win at our first exhibition game, and it was a shutout no less. Our flight’s early in the morning so we all head back to our rooms.
Lottie texted me during the game to let me know she had gone to my mom’s. It’s just like old times; she would always watch my away games at my childhood home. I wonder if she remembers?
I am extremely needy and desperate to get back to her. Nothing has changed there, I was always desperate to see her after my games, but it’s different now.
My body is thrumming with built up adrenaline and I can’t expel it the way I would have before. Looks like it’s just me and my right hand for company tonight, but when I get home tomorrow? All bets are off, and I am spending the day in bed with my girl.
I shed my suit and grab my sweatpants and phone as I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth.
Codey’s already in bed with his headphones on, doomscrolling.
I shut the door behind me, quickly change, and decide to call Lottie.
It’s late, but hopefully she’s still awake.
She answers on the third ring and her sleepy voice comes through the speaker.
It’s soft and gravelly and makes me yearn to be with her even more.
“Hey, baby, did I wake you?”
“No, you’re fine, I was just drifting off. Congratulations on the win.”
“It was amazing. It was like I was on fire tonight. The only thing that would have made it better is if you were here.” I sound like such a lovesick fool. Oh wait, I am.
“I wish you were with me too, but I’ve got the next best thing…I’m in your childhood bed.”
I instantly switch the call to FaceTime and there she is, in my bed looking so damn gorgeous and sleepy. I’d give my right arm to be cozied up next to her right now. It’s confirmed, tomorrow I am not letting her out of my sight!
“You look so beautiful, baby,” I sigh, wistfully looking at her. Then I notice not only her Harry Potter bear, but Bella in her sweater.
“Thank you for dressing Bella. As soon as I saw it, the memory filled my head.”
My cheeks hurt from how big my grin is—that sweater had the exact effect I hoped it would. I need to think of something else for next time.
I notice her yawn and cuddle into her bear, and I decide it’s time to let her go to sleep. I’ll be with her as soon as my plane lands anyway. “I’ll let you go to sleep. I’ll see you in the morning, ok?”
She yawns again and says, “Goodnight, J.” She kisses her fingers and lifts them to the screen, and I copy her and hang up, whispering, “I love you”.
After a fitful night's sleep, where I tossed and turned for hours on end, I can’t wait to get on the plane and get out of here.
The flight is only an hour and a half, so we’re back in no time, and I’m heading straight to my car.
I hightail it out of the parking lot like I’m being chased by the cops, desperate to get back to my girls.
Yeah, I said girls—Bella’s my girl too. Can’t have one without the other.
Pulling up to my mom’s house in record time, I’ve beaten my teammates here, so the noise levels of dogs barking are insanely loud.
As I open the door, I’m greeted by Bruiser—Codey’s dog—who proceeds to drool all over my suit pants.
Thanks, man, appreciate it. Strolling through the house, saying a quick hello to Mom, I take the stairs two at a time and head to my room.
The door’s closed, so I try to open it as quietly as I can, just in case Lottie’s still sleeping.
Creeping my head around the door first, I see she’s out cold, cuddling her bear, and is that...
my shirt? My heart flips at the sight, and now all I want is for Lottie to wear only my clothes.
Bella’s asleep at the end of the bed, curled in on herself.
Leaning down, I press my lips lightly to Lottie’s and watch her eyes flutter open. When she sees me, the biggest smile graces her face.
“Hey, baby, you sleep well?” She nods and stretches her arms out, reminding me of a cat luxuriating.
As she sits up, I grab her around the waist and throw her over my shoulder, being careful to make sure I don’t jostle her leg too much, and head downstairs. Bella’s hot on my heels whilst Lottie laughs, beating at my back.
“Put me down, you big brute.” She continues to pummel me as I slap her perfect peach of a backside.
As we make it down the stairs, desperate to get her alone, I shout a quick goodbye to my Mom. Then we’re out the door and heading down the steps to my car.
Once I’ve set Lottie down, she glares at me with her hands on her hips
“What’s the matter? Were you not impressed with my athleticism?” I flex my biceps in an attempt to make her laugh. It doesn’t work, but I do see the corner of her lip curl up.
“In your haste to get me out of there like the caveman you are, you’ve left all my stuff indoors, including Bella’s leash.”
I look down and find the little dog huddled against me, tail between her legs. Shit. Picking her up, I hold her trembling body next to mine. When I look at her, I notice why. She hasn’t got her sweater on like she normally would; Lottie must have taken it off her in the night.
I open the car door for her and set Bella down on her lap while I run back inside and grab her things. When I make it back to the car, Lottie has a smirk on her face.
“So, how much time did that actually save you?” Her eyebrow’s raised in question.
“Alright, alright, I get it. Let’s just go home where we can lock the door and be alone.” I pull out the driveway and head for the beach house, which isn’t just Lottie’s, but my sanctuary too.
Another week and another away game. I was awake at the ass crack of dawn and had to leave while Lottie was still sleeping. I hate leaving this way.
We’re in San Jose again, but this is the last one before the actual season starts. Training camp has been tough, but I’ve loved being back doing what I do best. Lottie even managed to come to a home game last week, which was incredible. I scored two goals and an assist in that game, just for her.
This game has been a tale of two halves. The first period, it was like none of us had ever skated before, and San Jose was all over us. We were constantly being checked into the boards, or the puck was stolen from right under our noses.
The second period, after a few curse words from the coach, was much better, and we managed to score a couple of goals, bringing us level with work still to do in the final period if we wanted to clinch the win.
Seeing as we’ve been undefeated throughout the preseason, it would be a shame to lose that perfect score now.
So, we shot out of the tunnel like we had rockets under our skates, ready to put this game to rest. There were a few penalties, and the game started to turn dirty when San Jose realized we weren’t just going to roll over.
In the final seconds of the game, we sealed the deal with a slap shot from Theo, and there was nothing the goalie could do to stop it.
The atmosphere in the changing room after the game is electric, but all I want to do is get back to my room and call Lottie.
I changed in record time and was the first one back on the bus to the hotel.
Call me eager, but I don’t care, it’s getting late and I don’t want to miss my window of opportunity to talk to my girl.
As soon as I’m back in the comfort of my hotel room, my phone is in my hand and I’m dialing Lottie.
“Hey, baby,” I say quietly into the phone.
She looks tired, so I won’t keep her long. I just wanted to see her face.
“Hey, superstar, congrats on tonight's game.” She’s smiling into the camera.
I love her smile.
“Thanks, it was a great game, we all felt really strong. Even if the Sharks did make us work for it.”
“What time will you be back tomorrow?” she yawns, rubbing her eyes.
“We land early, but then we’ve got a gym workout. So, I think I’ll be back in the early afternoon?”
“Ah ok, perfect. Can you get me from your mom’s again?”
“Uhm sure, but you don’t look like you’re there right now?”
“Oh, I’m not. We’re heading over there tomorrow for book club as your mom has her doggy daycare going on.”
“We? Who’s we?” I question.
“Me and Kayla, she’s picking me up in the morning. Hopefully, I can start driving again soon.”
“Ah, I see. No problem, baby. I’ll swing by for you. I’ll let you get some sleep, and I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“I can’t wait. My bed feels empty without you.”
“I’m not going to lie; I’m really missing you. God, I sound like such a sap.”
She giggles. “Yeah, but I like it.”
“Night, Lottie.”
“Night, J.”
We hang up. I drift off to sleep, dreaming of an angel with blonde hair and grey eyes.
The next morning, I’m up early and packing my shit. I can’t wait to get out of here and back home to my girl. I know I still have stuff to do before I can go home, but being back in San Diego is one step closer to being with her.
If my teammates could hear me now.
Codey has already gone down for breakfast, so I’m alone with my thoughts.
There was talk again last night of the expansion draft and the new Texan team.
I’m trying not to worry about it, but knowing I only have a year left on my current contract—and if the price was right the Seals could trade me—well, it makes me nervous.
I’m trying to keep calm and not worry until someone says something to me, and I certainly won’t be mentioning this to Lottie for now. I can’t be certain at this point whether she would come with me if the worst happened.
Overnight bag packed, I head down to breakfast and find the table the guys are sitting at.
Louis has a massive plate of bacon and scrambled eggs that he’s devouring like it’s going out of fashion.
Theo has the same thing for breakfast every morning: an egg white omelet with spinach, ham, veggies, and cheese, and a coffee so dark it may as well be black.
Codey is a smoothie or protein shake kind of guy. And me? I like to mix it up.
Today, I’ve gone for oatmeal with peanut butter and blueberries, and a protein smoothie. I don’t like to have anything too heavy before a gym session where I know I’ll be lifting.
I look up from my breakfast and notice everyone is either scrolling or texting on their phones. When did we all become so unsociable? Deciding to put an end to the doomscrolling, I ask, “How’s everyone feeling about the season starting in a couple of weeks?”
Theo puts down his phone. “I’m pumped. I can’t wait for the roar of the crowds and the fans.”
“I’m hoping we make it to the playoffs this year. We missed out marginally and I’m still sour about it.” Louis mentions. As the goalie, he seems to have taken it personally that we didn’t secure a place in the playoffs, but the team isn’t one person.
“It’s a team effort, man, not just your responsibility. We could have all done more if we’re being honest.” I clap a hand on his back.
Codey grunts his agreement. “Exactly, there’s no I in team. But this year we’re bringing that cup home.”
“Amen to that.” We all fist bump each other and make our way to the bus. On our way to the airport, I check in with Lottie.
Jake - Morning beautiful
Lottie - Morning handsome
Jake- How did you sleep?
Lottie - Like a log, you?
Jake - Would have been better if you had been next to me
Lottie - Aww
Jake - What time are you heading to mom’s?
Lottie - In a bit, we’re going to take the dogs for a quick walk together and then grab some breakfast.
Jake - Sounds great, I’ll swing by for you once we’ve finished our workout.
Lottie - Perfect. Have a safe flight.