Chapter 10
The roar of the crowd in the Stockholm Olympic Stadium is near deafening as we wait anxiously for our turn in the parade of athletes.
It’s been absolute chaos since the moment we arrived earlier this afternoon. But it’s been the best type of chaos. Athletes from across the globe have all gathered for their chance to walk in the parade with their country.
I crane my neck, attempting to search for a set of blue eyes I haven’t seen yet today. When I woke up this morning, Luke still had his arm wrapped around my stomach, but that’s not the appendage that caught my attention.
I’m well aware that men have a tendency to wake up with morning wood, but as he snored softly behind me, I couldn’t help but wonder what he might be dreaming about to make him stand at attention when he was still unconscious.
For a solid two minutes, I lay there and basked in the comfort of being in his arms. I may have also rubbed my ass against his dick, trying to wake him in the process. But when he moaned and held me tighter, I knew I needed to get out of there before I turned around and climbed on top of him
He said he needed time. So as quietly as ever, I slinked out of bed and met my teammates for breakfast.
That was nearly twelve hours ago. Time’s up, buddy.
I’m kidding. Sort of.
You’d think at my height I’d tower over most people, and I usually do, but in a sea of Olympic athletes, I’m not even one of the tallest people here.
Standing on my tiptoes, I hold onto Liv’s shoulders as I continue to search for Luke and his teammates.
“Anything?” Liv asks while peering up at me.
“There’s too many people!”
My eyes search but it’s all a blur. Colors start blending together and you wouldn’t believe all the ridiculous headwear happening around here.
I’m about to give up when I feel a hand on my shoulder.
“You’re going to hurt yourself up there, Smith.”
It may be loud as shit in here, but I’d know that voice anywhere.
Letting go of Liv, I slowly turn and am met with the most dazzling smile. Luke’s face is lit up like the fourth of July and it’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen.
The cobblestone streets of Stockholm lined with historic, colorful buildings don’t hold a candle to the beauty that is Lucas Morgan.
“Hi.”
It’s the only thing that comes out of my mouth. Under normal circumstances, I’d have some snide comeback at the ready, but I’m stunned silent by how good he looks right now.
All of us are decked out in the same outfit.
We’re dressed from head to toe in the most stylish Ralph Lauren apparel: an iconic American flag wool sweater covered by a crisp white, wool winter coat with wooden toggles complete with matching white trousers.
Some of us are also sporting red, white, and blue knit hats and mittens.
But Luke doesn’t blend in with the sea of American colors.
Not at all. His blue eyes pop against the white of his jacket and the blue neck of his sweater.
He’s not wearing a hat and his chestnut hair is tousled in the most effortless way while the five-o'clock shadow that covered his face yesterday has grown in a bit, making him look rustic and handsome as hell. And then there’s that damn smile.
It’s not even the perfectly straight, white teeth that I’m focused on.
It’s the two dimples in his cheeks that cause me to nearly fall to my knees in front of him.
“Hi back.” His eyes are still locked on me, even after I very obviously checked him out for the past thirty seconds.
I shiver from the intensity of his stare and to my surprise, he starts rubbing his hands up and down my arms.
“You cold?” He continues to move his hands along my arms and I’m at a loss for what to say.
No, I’m not cold. I’m shaking because I’m holding myself back from leaping into your arms and sticking my tongue down your throat.
I obviously can’t say that, so I lie through my teeth. “A little.”
He reaches behind him and pulls his knit USA hat out from god knows where and sticks it over my head, covering my spiral curls and ears in the process. “Better?”
His hands stay on my shoulders and the feel of him, even through these layers of clothing, causes me to shiver again.
“Apparently not. Come here.”
I must be in an alternate universe, because the next thing I know, Luke is pulling me into him and wrapping his arms around me, cradling my head to his chest.
Holy fuck, I am in heaven.
I could literally stay like this forever, but the sound of the announcer’s voice introducing the United Arab Emirates steals my attention.
The parade of athletes was conducted in alphabetical order this year, meaning we’re next up.
Instead of pulling away, I breathe him in for another second. My fingers flex at the back of his coat before I finally loosen my hold on him.
When I finally do move, he follows for half a heartbeat, before seeming to force himself to step away.
“Thanks. I’m definitely feeling warmer now.”
Liv snorts next to me and I turn and narrow my eyes at her.
“I’ll bet you are.” She mumbles under her breath but because we’re packed together like sardines, it’s hard to miss.
Luke pushes Wyatt out of his way and moves up next to me. “You ready for this?”
I can’t help the smile that splits across my face. “You know I am.”
Luke laughs and then his attention is pulled away from me by one of his teammates asking him a question.
The mass of athletes starts to move toward the entrance of the stadium. There’s around 225 American athletes competing this year, but not everyone is here yet. I’d say there’s still close to 200 of us, and we move together as we wait for our country’s introduction.
After all the hard work, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the hours of practice, I’m finally here. Competing at the highest level in the sport that changed my life. Hockey is in my veins. It’s a part of my soul and I don’t know how I’d live without it.
I turn my head to find Liv bouncing on the toes of her feet, her excitement impossible to hide.
“The United States of America!” The announcer's voice booms and we all start clapping and cheering along with the fans in the stands.
With Liv on one side and Luke on my other, we slowly make our way into the stadium. Lights flash and smoke bellows out from somewhere behind us. There’s music playing, but it all fades away as the enormity of what’s happening hits me.
I want to remember this moment forever.
Hoots and hollers are happening all around us, and it’s the most fun I think I’ve ever had. We’re all waving to the people in their seats. It’s nearly impossible to see anyone’s face but I continue to wave my arms at anyone who may be watching.
I wish my grandparents were here to see this. I’m sure their faces would be lit up in wonderment like ours because this whole experience is unforgettable.
The dome of the stadium is open tonight, showing off the darkness of night. Fireworks and pyrotechnics start firing off, lighting up the sky above us.
A giggle escapes my mouth and Liv hooks her arm with mine.
“This is amazing!” she screams, as we continue to follow our fellow athletes through the stadium.
It seems like such an underwhelming way to describe this experience. Amazing. Astonishing. Astounding. Incredible. None of those words do this moment justice.
Liv reaches her phone out in front of us for a selfie, and before she can click the button to capture it, Luke and Brendan jump behind us for a photo bomb.
We’re all laughing and enjoying the moment unabashedly. Liv shows me the picture and it’s perfect. The four of us look like we’re having the time of our lives. Because we are.
My teammates around me are all taking videos and as much as I want to be in the moment, I decide to take my own phone out to take a video for my brother.
Connor has been to the Olympics himself, but he wasn’t there in time for the Opening Ceremony.
Honestly, he got shafted this year when he wasn’t picked for the team.
He’s one of the best defensemen in the league, but has been battling some injuries lately.
I wish he was here with me. We texted a bit earlier and he said he’d be here in a few days.
I’m both excited and anxious for his arrival.
The thought of my brother reminds me of the man next to me and I steal a glance at him. His eyes taking in everything, lit up in pure joy.
The seats of the stadium begin to illuminate and I look away from Luke to see the image of an American flag appearing within the lights. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” I’m not sure who I’m asking but Luke must hear me because he’s who responds.
“Yeah, it is.”
I turn to look at him, expecting him to be taking in the scene around us. But he’s not looking at the mesmerizing light show.
He’s looking at me.