Chapter 39
Willow Rogers
I ’m paying, Sweetheart.”
I roll my eyes but accept Jayden’s answer. He guides me to an empty table at Gold Rush Plaza, pulling a chair out for me.
“Jayden Allen, a gentleman. Who would have thought?”
I've noticed he likes to do the little things: pulling my chairs out, opening doors for me. It is strange, but deep down I love it. It is his way of showering me with love.
Jayden laughs. “I’m anything but gentle, Willow.”
I lick my lips. Don’t I fucking know it. Jayden’s control in the bedroom has helped me in so many ways. I’m able to confront my fears in a safe place. The orgasms are a bonus too.
“Yeah, but I like it rough.”
Jayden’s nostrils flare. “Don’t say shit like that in public, Willow. I swear, even though we love each other, you are still trying to kill me.”
I laugh. “Hey, I’ve got to keep it interesting.”
Jayden and I decided to have breakfast together today, as we won’t be alone for next couple days. Our parents are in town, excited to celebrate all of us graduating. They even asked us to invite all our friends out for dinner.
Jayden reaches across the table, intertwining our hands. “Are you excited about LA?”
I smile. “Of course. I’m super excited to see our new place. I’ve dreamed about decorating my own apartment,”
A week ago, we placed a deposit on our first rental house, where we will move to in the next couple weeks.
Jayden looks at me, deadpanned. “Yes, I’m so thrilled to be decorating an apartment.”
“Just imagine: Us. A king-sized bed. A headboard,” I pause. “Handcuffs,” my voice is sultry, causing Jayden’s eyes to heat.
“Okay, I take it back. Decorating is my favourite activity.”
We continue to chat about the coming weeks. The Lions are excited to have us both on board, and with the PWHL being announced last week, I’m eager to get into training camp.
It’s crazy to believe, ten months ago, I had no clue what was going to happen for me after I graduated. Now, I have a boyfriend, which, in my opinion, is a bigger plot twist than me being able to continue playing hockey professionally.
I finish the last mouthful of my coffee, Jayden’s eyes flick to his watch. “We better get going,”
I bite back my laugh. Jayden has a fear of being late, but in this situation, I’m a little more forgiving. Being late to your own graduation would be embarrassing.
***
“ W illow Rogers,” Dean Adams says, speaking into the microphone.
My heels click along the stage, as I walk towards the Dean to collect my diploma. College has been a wild ride for me, yet I’m still here, graduating with my best friend and boyfriend.
Jaz and Jayden are back in the crowd–they were two of the first people on the stage, clapping for me.
My parents and sister next to them, along with Ashley and George Allen, who have become second parental figures to me. I couldn’t imagine celebrating the end of this chapter with anyone else.
I shake Dean Adams hand, before exiting the stage and making my way back to my seat.
The ceremony continued for another thirty minutes, which I’m thankful for because I was beginning to be bored out of my mind.
“We will see you all for dinner tonight, right?” Ashley asks.
Everyone nods, waving goodbye to our parents. I look at all my friends, who are laughing and chatting amongst themselves.
My thoughts turn bittersweet. After today, most of us are going our separate ways.
Jaz and Theo are moving to San Francisco after Theo was drafted to the NFL team there. I’m excited for Jaz though, because she is beginning her dream job with Cooper and Byrd–a company focused on the effects mental health and injuries have on athletes.
Austin was also drafted to an NFL team, with him and Athena moving to Philadelphia. Athena was brimming with joy when she told us her next book had been sent to her publisher, while Sofia is moving the furthest away, earning a job with Cassidy Emeralds in Chicago.
Colton and Cami are remaining in Arizona, along with my younger hockey teammates who still have a couple years before they finish their degrees.
College has been a treacherous journey, but it has taught me lessons along the way. All I know is my future is fucking bright and I can’t wait to see what it holds.