by Aja Cole
I wrap a towel around my waist and ruffle another through my hair, throwing it in the corner of the bathroom. I still have a bit of a limp, but it’s getting better every day. I’m just grateful it wasn’t a Grade 3 tear, that would’ve meant surgery and as long as six months of healing.
I’m not one for many rules, but when it comes to the health of my body as it relates to being able to get on the ice? Tell me whatever the fuck you want, as long as it means I get better, faster.
I’ve followed every doctor’s order to the tee. I’m a model patient. But damn if I don’t kind of wish I had longer for rehab, just to see what can happen with Neiko. So I’d have all the time in the world to explore her body, listen to my name on her lips.
I look down at the rising bulge in my towel wryly. “Down, boy.”
It’s probably a good time to let her know that we’re on for tomorrow.
After I pull on boxers, I slide a compression sleeve over my knee. Technically, I don’t still need it, but you won’t catch me taking any chances. My priority is getting back on the ice and helping my team towards the Stanley Cup.
I lean back on my pillows and open my laptop, pulling up FaceTime. Let’s see if we can catch Miss Brown off guard. I always hear it’s presumptuous to video call someone out of the blue, but…it’s me we’re talking about.
The screen comes up when I press call, and I link my hands behind my head, watching myself smirk while I wait for her to answer. I can’t help it; I want to see her reaction.
The screen expands when she answers, but all I see is black.
“Do you know how rude it is to FaceTime a stranger?” Her voice is clear, so she must be covering the camera.
“Am I stranger? I hadn’t realized.” I grin. “I told you I’d call.”
“You said you’d let me know, and I distinctly remember telling you to text me.” She corrects.
She’s right, of course. But she won’t hear it from me.
“Did I? Interesting. Are you covering your camera?”
“No.”
Her matter of fact answer startles a laugh out of me since she obviously is.
“Is your camera broken?”
“No.”
“Are you annoyed that I video called you?”
“Yes.”
“Are you attracted to me?” I shoot quickly.
“Yes.” She pauses, backpedaling. “Wait, no. I meant no.” She huffs. “You did that on purpose.”
“You fell for it way too easily.” I wink since I know she can see me. I hear a sigh and the sound of movement and then she pops up on the screen, adorable round glasses perched on her nose. I can only see her from the neck up, so naturally, I’m curious.
“What are you wearing?” I blank my face, waiting for her reaction, and then watch her eyes narrow.
“If you’re going to give me the same shit that I get from the guys I go to school with, we should drop this now.”
“I was kidding,” I say innocently. “Mostly.”
“Why don’t you put on clothes?” She sits back, and I see she’s wearing a sweater that falls off her shoulders. She brings a cup to her lips.
“I’m wearing clothes. Boxers. Wanna see?” I raise an eyebrow. She makes a choking sound on her drink, and I feel bad for a second as she hacks, even though I’m laughing. “Maybe another time.”
“You’re a menace.” She rasps, shaking her head. Her glasses fall down her nose, and she’s just so damn cute. “When are we meeting?”
I pretend to think for a second, even though I already know.
“Tomorrow morning at 7? Training room?”
Her mouth twists to the side a little and her eyes squint slightly, a look I’m now going to call her thoughtful face whenever I see it.
“I can do that.” She smothers a yawn with slim fingers. I know I should let her go because she’s still getting back to complete health, even though I could tease her all night.
I think there’ll be time for that later.
“Alright gorgeous, I’ll let you get to bed. I need you in good shape in the morning.”
“I’m in great shape.” She throws back with a sly smile, and before I can respond, she clicks off.
Damn.
I pull up messaging.
Tyler: Trust me, I noticed.
Neiko
