Chapter 22
Sarah
My favourite part of my day just turned up.
Alexander hangs up the phone, leaning against the doorframe, his hair damp from a shower.
Samantha is out of the office, which I’m grateful for, because the feelings my man is stirring up don’t need an audience.
“Good call?” I ask, feeling the longing that always arises when he’s near.
He closes the door behind him before making his way over to me.
He gestures for me to stand up from my chair, before he sits down and drags me into his lap.
He gives me a scorching kiss, and I sink into his body, getting lost in his touch.
When we break apart, he gazes up at me, stroking a lock behind my ear.
“My parents, actually,” he says, reading my expression.
Alexander always speaks fondly of his family, and whenever he’s had a call with any of them, he’s got this peace about him.
“How are they?” I ask, nuzzling into his neck, smelling his body wash and aftershave fresh on his body.
“They’re good. I told them about us,” he says, making me halt my movements.
Alexander misinterprets my reaction as fear or doubt and holds me closer.
“I don’t mean to put any pressure on you, Sarah, but I just couldn’t help myself,” he says.
I bring my hands around his neck, looking into his eyes.
“Alexander, you’re misunderstanding. I love that you told them about us. My dad knows about us, you just surprised me. I’m excited to meet your family,” I tell him, giving him a quick kiss.
I had my fears going into this, mainly connected to my independence and letting him in.
As soon as I accepted my feelings for him, I was all in.
He’s proven to be perfect in every way. Being steady for both of us when I had my worries.
He kisses my knuckles before he motions for me to get up.
“Let’s go home, baby.”
～
The week passes in a blur of work, dinners, and plenty of sex.
I’ve been working on many new graphics for the team accounts, hoping this will give us a more professional look while also maintaining the spirit of the team and the players.
Even though our schedules don’t always match, I’ve been staying at Alexander’s place every day.
Each night, we enjoy a meal together, talking about our day and what we’ve been doing.
Alexander’s been discussing the game night with Noah and Liam, and they are really excited about it. They even volunteered to buy some games.
I spoke with Samantha, who will join me while the guys all hang out.
Hopefully, this gathering will be a positive step toward improving the team.
I finally manage to get a hold of Jessica, eager to tell her the latest news about my relationship with my man.
She answers my FaceTime call with a bright smile.
“Hey girl! How is everything back in Chicago?” I quickly fill her in on my internship and the progress we’ve made so far.
As the weeks go by, several of the guys have become more comfortable posting content to their profiles.
I also know for a fact that several of them are taking advantage of the many DMs sent their way.
Can’t really blame them, knowing I gawk at Alexander each time I see him.
Jessica tells me she’s loving life on the road, enjoying her time with Luke, and all the adventures of Formula 1. They’re constantly traveling, and now she seems happier than I’ve ever seen her.
“So, what’s the latest on the captain? Fucked him yet?” I blush feverishly, suddenly feeling exposed, whilst Jessica’s excitement rises on the other end.
“Shut up! You totally did! Omg, tell me all about it!”
So, I do.
I tell her about the dinners, the comfortable routine we’ve fallen into, and the mind-blowing sex we’re having.
Every day, he makes me feel cherished, desired, and wanted in ways I’ve never experienced before.
He’s taken me out on more than one date, but I quickly realized I don’t want to hold back.
I want to treasure this.
Those “rules” we agreed on were never really implemented.
“It’s good seeing you happy, Sarah. You deserve it, and Alexander seems like the perfect man for you,” she sighs over the phone, both of us looking like love-struck puppies.
“Hell, who thought we both would find ourselves athletes during this internship?”
“Girl, be for real, we were doomed from the start,” she says, making both of us laugh.
Because yeah, we were.
～
On Friday, we’re ready for a home game. Samantha and I sit in the stands as the team takes the ice.
I sigh, looking at Alexander.
Seeing him in his element, leading the team confidently through both good and bad times.
When the game starts, I’m on the edge of my seat, hoping their tough period is over.
Alexanders told me that they’ve had team meetings more frequently and he’s been working with several of the guys, helping them gain their confidence back on the ice.
When people heard about Caleb practicing with Alexander, several reached out to him and asked if they could join.
Pride surges in my chest whenever he speaks about his team; his determination and commitment are steady. He may consider those practices part of his responsibilities, something expected of him.
Seeing the guys he’s been helping perform stronger on the ice is confirmation that it’s working.
The team is still struggling; there isn’t a quick fix to things like this, but at least they’re playing with more willpower.
The first period is challenging. The guys are fighting as hard as they can, but the last piece of the puzzle is missing.
The other team scores one goal, putting them ahead in the first break.
“This is so nerve-wracking,” Samantha says beside me, and I couldn’t agree more.
“Tell me about it.”
During the short break, we buy snacks we can stress-eat during the next period.
Liam is up in the goal, and I sense Samantha’s nerves intensifying. I really need to dig deeper into their relationship, but this isn’t the time or place.
Luckily, Liam does a marvellous job in goal, whilst the guys manage their game better, earning a goal and making the score 1-1 as we head into the last period.
The atmosphere in the arena is electric, the fans cheering the Coyotes on for dear life, hoping we’ll get a win after weeks of losses and ties.
“Come on. Come on,” I murmur, feeling anxious and hopeful that the guys will push through.
With three minutes remaining on the clock, the defence does a brilliant job, managing to direct the puck precisely and clear to the forwards.
The right winger sends the puck to Alexander, and he fires at the goalie.
When the puck goes into the net, the arena erupts, and we jump up from our seats.
“Yes! That’s our captain right there!” Samantha yells beside me, and I feel pride swell in my chest.
The team circles Alexander, giving him side-hugs and cheering him on as he skates around the arena.
In the last few minutes, the guys are fired up and energized, seeing the win within their reach. When the clock buzzes, the celebration begins.
I hug Samantha, both of us giddy from excitement.
After the game, the entire team is energized and riding high from a much-needed win.
And the centre of attention is my man.
Scoring the winning goal, whilst being the steady leader he is, Alexander handles the attention with grace.
I watch in awe, trying to get some content as well, not just ogling him during his interviews.
Seeing the guys’ genuine reactions and happiness lifts our spirits as the media team heads to our part of the building.
I send a text to Alexander.
Sarah: Super proud of you, captain <3 Will you be celebrating with the team?
I heard several guys talking about going to The Rove to celebrate their win, finally having something cheerful happen. His response comes quickly.
Alexander: Thank you, baby. I’d rather celebrate with you, preferably in bed.
I smile at my phone.
Of course, he would like that.
I would love that too, but I also know the team needs him—both on and off the ice.
Sarah: I think you should go out and celebrate with your team.
Alexander: Only if you join, too.
I ask Samantha about her plans, and when she says she’d like to go to The Rove, I text Alexander that I’ll meet him there.
We wrap up a quick bit of work before heading to the bar.
As we arrive, the guys haven’t gotten there yet, and we settle into the barstools, ordering a martini while we wait.
We talk about the game, especially the importance of Liam and Alexander for the outcome.
In hockey, everything is a team effort, but their extra push today definitely made a difference.
It also provides a perfect opportunity to ask Samantha about them.
“So, it’s time you tell me about what’s between you and Liam,” I say, taking a sip of my drink.
Samantha sighs beside me.
“I don’t think he likes me, at least not anymore,” she says, making me perk up.
“What are you talking about?” I ask her.
Whenever I see them around each other, I feel like I’m interrupting something.
“Well, I’ve already told you he’d never really made a move, so I decided to push him a little.
During their photoshoot, I might have passed him and “accidentally” touched his stomach.
I know, not my proudest moment, but he looked at me like a small touch from me physically hurt him.
” Samantha looks mortified by the experience.
Not exactly the reaction you want from a man when you touch him.
“Sure he wasn’t hanging on to his control? He certainly looks at you with hunger in his eyes, and the broody expression he has can be hard to read.”
Liam is somewhat closed off, preferring to keep to himself.
The few times I’ve seen him less broody are around Samantha, but men can be hard to understand.
“I don’t know, I just feel like if he doesn’t make a move soon, I’ll have to get over this stupid crush. Maybe go on a date or two,” she says, and we agree that if he doesn’t get his head out of his ass, she’ll find a man worthy of her time.
Just as we finish our conversation, the guys come tumbling into the bar.
Even though the bar is small and cozy, the people in attendance cheer when they arrive, sharing their love for hockey.