Puck Drop_Utah Fury

by Brittney Mulliner

  He looked over his shoulder. “Did you want to talk to him?”

  She sniffed and looked to me. “Not really. But I have to.”

  Erik stepped back and waved me through.

  “I’ve got to go in a few minutes, but if you need me let me know.” He was looking at his sister and I had a feeling they were somehow communicating without words.

  “Okay.”

  He disappeared down the hall, and I took a second to look around. Anything to avoid her dejected eyes.

  I understood why Chloe was so shocked by my place. Their apartment felt like a home. Warm paintings, pillows, photographs, and decorations filled the space. It wasn’t overly feminine either. It was comfortable, lived in. I wanted to take a closer look at the family in the pictures, but now wasn’t the time.

  I turned and walked to her. I wanted to take her in my arms. I wanted to kiss away the tears. I wanted to take back today.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She looked down at her feet, which were covered in fuzzy white slippers. “For what?”

  I almost laughed in frustration. She was going to make me work for this. Good. I deserved to be punished.

  “I’m sorry that I allowed myself to be in that position. I’m sorry I let any woman who isn’t you within five feet of me. I’m sorry that I put the opinions of other people before yours.”

  She looked up at me with watery eyes.

  “Why?”

  “Erik asked me to partner with him.” I shrugged. “I thought it was a good idea.”

  “He never has good ideas.”

  I held back a laugh. She was making jokes. That was a good sign.

  “I realize that now.”

  “You looked pretty happy up there.”

  “Those young women were funny.”

  She glared.

  “I didn’t want to be up there with them, Chloe. I would have rather been with you, but since that wasn’t an option I should have switched floats, but I didn’t know how without raising questions.”

  She nodded. “That would have been strange.”

  “Yeah. I couldn’t think of a logical reason that wouldn’t come down to me not wanting to be around those women.”

  “I get it.”

  “You do?” I should have been relieved, but she was still hurting.

  “Yeah. I realized something, too.”

  “What?”

  “That you belong up there with those beautiful women. You’re a star. You’re gorgeous. You’re young. You should be out there dating models and partying with Erik.”

  I put my hands on her shoulders and waited for her to look at me. “Chloe, please listen to me. I’m not your brother. Other than being hockey players, we have nothing in common.”

  She smirked, but it only lasted for a second.

  “I don’t want to be partying. I don’t want to date models. I just want you.”

  I stopped before more words spilled out of my mouth. Words neither of us were ready for.

  “Why would you want me? I’m a nobody.”

  I shook my head. “You are my somebody. You’re smart, witty, breathtakingly beautiful, and you care about everyone around you. To a fault.”

  She smiled again, and I dipped my head until we were eye level. “I chose you, Chloe.”

  Another tear fell from her eye. I leaned forward and kissed it away. “No more tears.”

  “Those were the happy kind.” She said in a small voice.

  “No more.” I pressed my lips against hers. This is how things were supposed to be. Her in my arms. Us together.

  “I’m leaving,” Erik called out.

  I jumped away from her at the sound of his footsteps coming closer.

  “Bye,” Chloe called out with a red face.

  “See ya tomorrow.”

  He didn’t bother looking back as he waved and opened the door.

  When it shut, Chloe sighed and leaned against me. “That was close.”

  “Good thing he lives in his own world.”

  She tugged on my shirt until she had my attention. “Thank you for coming.”

  “Always.” I hugged before stepping back. “I’m also here to ask a favor. I know I’m not really in a position to do so, but…”

  “What is it?”

  “I know we’ve only been out a few times and we haven’t known each other for very long…” I trailed off not knowing how to ask.

  “Reese, what is it?”

  “The game’s tomorrow.”

  She nodded. Obviously, she knew.

  “My parents are coming to see it.”

  Her smile took over. “Can I meet them?”

  “That was what I was going to ask.”

  “Of course! I’d love to meet them.”

  Wow. That had been a hundred times easier than I thought. I didn’t know how the subject of parents would go over. I didn’t want to make her sad or uncomfortable. We’d talked about her parents and their deaths, but I wasn’t sure how she felt now.

  “Thank you.”

  “I’m excited. When do they get in?”

  “In the morning, so I was hoping we’d meet them for lunch. They’ll be in a box with some of the other parents for the game. You can join them.”

  She shook her head. “The pride sits down low.”

  I knew that, but I didn’t want her to think she wasn’t invited. “Right, of course.”

  “I’m so excited.”

  “There’s one more thing.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “What else?”

  “I was wondering how I can introduce you.”

  “What do you mean?”

  I looked around as if an easy answer would suddenly appear. “Do I introduce you as my friend? Coworker? Girlfriend?”

  I mumbled the last word, but judging by her surprised expression, she’d heard.

  “Oh, Reese.” She bit her lip while I prayed for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. I was suddenly in middle school again.

  “As long as they can keep a secret, I’d like them to know me as your girlfriend.”

  Had I heard her right? I looked at her smile. Her eyes. She was serious.

  “Really?”

  She nodded.

  “Thank you.” I kissed her quickly. “Okay, I’m leaving before anything else can happen to change your mind.” I began walking backward toward the door.

  “I’m not going to.” She was laughing and following me.

  I reached behind me for the doorknob and opened it. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Okay.” She put a hand on my chest and reached up to kiss my cheek.

  My body felt like it was going to explode. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been this happy. “Bye.”

  “Bye, Reese.” I’d remember that smile forever.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chloe

  I held Reese’s hand in the lobby of the Grand America Hotel. My palms were sweating, and I wanted to wipe them off, but that would mean releasing my vice grip. This was my first time meeting the parents. I’d never had a serious enough boyfriend to warrant this. What if they didn’t like me? Would Reese dump me? He was such a gentleman, I couldn’t imagine his parents being awful, but what if they were? Could I stand to be around them for the rest of my life?

  Okay, I was getting ahead of myself. We were dating, not engaged.

  I smoothed my peach, pleated dress with my free hand and reminded myself to breathe. This wasn’t going to be scary. They were going to be lovely.

  “Calm down, Chloe,” Reese whispered and kissed my temple.

  “I’m nervous.” I stared ahead, waiting for the elevator doors to open and reveal Mr. and Mrs. Murray.

  “They’re going to love you.”

  Reese was their only child. If I had to guess, he was close to his parents. His mom would likely see me as a threat and hate me. His dad would think I wasn’t good enough for his only son. I wasn’t worthy to carry on the family name.

  “Stop thinking.”r />
  I let out a sigh. He knew me so well already.

  A ding sounded, and I looked up at the doors. A middle-aged couple stepped forward and smiled when they saw Reese. His mother was a beautiful woman. She was about the same height as me and wore cream slacks with a light pink blouse. Her bobbed, dark hair was the same color as Reese’s. His father was an imposing man, just like his son. That’s where Reese got his height from. His salt and pepper hair gave him a distinguished look with his navy suit.

  “Honey!” His mom hurried forward, and Reese dropped my hand to meet her. They hugged, and I could tell by the way she squeezed him how much she missed him.

  He stepped back and gave a hug-backslap to his dad.

  “It’s good to see you, Reese.”

  “I’m glad you guys are here.” He moved back next to me and grabbed my hand. “I’d like you guys to meet my girlfriend, Chloe Schultz.”

  I watched his mother’s expression for any sign of anger, but she surprised me by extending her arms and wrapping me in a hug. “Reese has told us so much about you, Chloe. I’m excited to finally meet you.”

  “You too.” She released me and stepped back, still holding my hands. “You are even more beautiful than he said.”

  I could feel my cheeks warm at her compliment. I wasn’t used to a mother’s praise.

  “Thank you.” She released my hands and wrapped her arm around Reese.

  “Don’t embarrass her, honey.” His dad looked to me. “It’s a pleasure, Chloe.”

  I smiled at his dad. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Call me Carl.” He winked, and I felt myself relax. “And my wife, Karen.”

  Karen beamed at me and nodded. They didn’t hate me. They were warmer and more inviting than I could have dreamed.

  “Let’s eat.” Reese led us to the garden where he’d made reservations for lunch.

  After we sat down and ordered, the questions began.

  “Tell us all about yourself, Chloe.”

  I smiled but panicked on the inside. “What would you guys like to know?”

  Carl smiled. “Start with your family. Where are you from?”

  “We’re from just outside Calgary.”

  “Oh, that’s such a beautiful area.” Karen hadn’t stopped smiling since she laid eyes on Reese, and it was rubbing off on me.

  “It is.”

  “Do you go back there often?” Carl broke off a piece of bread and handed it to his wife before taking a piece for himself.

  “Not since high school.”

  I could see the question in his eyes, so I continued before making him ask. “My parents passed away just before graduation.”

  Karen gasped. Her smile was gone. I hated that I’d cause that.

  “It’s okay.” I smiled even though I hated that part of death. The consolation I had to offer people when they found out my parents passed.

  “I’m sorry, Chloe. I just can’t imagine how hard that would be to lose your parents so young. And to be a mother and not be able to see your child grow up.” She covered her mouth with her napkin.

  “I appreciate it. My brother and I had each other, though.”

  “You have a brother? Oh, that’s lovely.” She smiled, but it still held sadness.

  “A twin, actually. We became close after losing them. As you could image.”

  Carl nodded. “And what does he do?”

  I looked to Reese who shrugged. “I guess he hasn’t told you?”

  His parents looked confused. “My brother is Erik Schultz, the Fury’s right wing.”

  Carl shook his head. “Of course. I should have connected your names sooner.”

  “You’re brother’s a player?”

  I nodded. In more ways than one, Karen.

  She eyed Reese. “That was a risky move.”

  “She works for the team, too.” Reese challenged.

  Carl smirked. “Of course, she does.”

  “Oh, Reese.” Karen suddenly looked disappointed.

  I knew this was too good to be true.

  “Mom, we’re both adults. It’s not a big deal.”

  “What does your coach think of that?”

  I cringed. He was the least of my worries.

  “No one knows.”

  That had Carl laughing. “Oh boy.”

  I leaned forward before Karen could panic anymore. “It’s my fault. I haven’t wanted to tell my brother.”

  Karen looked at me with a frown. “Why not?”

  “He’s pretty overprotective.” Reese coughed, and I shot him a look out of the corner of my eye. “I didn’t want to cause any stress for the team with the season about to start.”

  Karen pursed her lips.

  His dad looked between us. “So, you’re keeping it a secret.”

  I hated the way his dad made it sound. “For now, yes.”

  “That’s a good idea.”

  I had to close my mouth to keep from gapping. He agreed?

  “Your relationship is new. There’s no point in causing drama if it doesn’t work out.”

  I started nodded until I realized what he was inferring. He didn’t think we’d work.

  Reese finally spoke up. “Dad, it’s not like that.”

  “Would you like to tell the team?”

  Reese inhaled sharply. He met my eyes for a second before nodding. “Yeah, I would.”

  Carl nodded like he understood everything. He didn’t. How could he?

  “It’s a complicated situation.” How could I get them to understand?

  “We understand, Chloe.” Karen’s smile had returned, but it was dim. She didn’t like the situation either.

  I suddenly felt like a complete idiot. They probably thought I was using their son. What woman in her right mind wouldn’t want to claim him?

  “I’m going to talk to my brother.”

  “Oh?” Karen looked from me to Reese.

  He was looking at me though. “You are?”

  I nodded. “Soon.”

  He smiled and grabbed my hand under the table.

  “Well, then. Let’s move on to the real problem at hand.” I looked from Reese to his dad. “The Miami Sharks have a tight defensive line. What’s your strategy?”

  I sat back and let them discuss the game while forcing myself to eat. I hoped I hadn’t ruined things with his parents. I didn’t understand why they were so interested in whether or not our relationship was public. How did it affect them?

  Then I thought of my parents. They would be concerned if the guy I was dating wasn’t willing to tell his family about me.

  They would be disappointed in me now. They didn’t raise me to be run and hide from confrontation. They encouraged me to go after what I wanted. To not take no for an answer. When it came down to it, Erik didn’t get a say in my relationships. I wanted him to approve. I wanted him to support us, but if it meant I moved out and put some space between us for me and Reese to be together, I would do it.

  I didn’t like being pressured into things, though. And right now, I felt like I would only be doing it to please Reese’s parents.

  I would do it on my own time. Soon, but not today.

  There was a lull in the conversation, so I jumped in. “Reese told me about how beautiful Michigan is, especially in the summer.”

  Karen smiled. “It is. I just wish he was able to come home more often.”

  Reese shook his head. “I get out there as often as I can, Mom.”

  “Oh, I know. I just wish we were closer.”

  “You’re always welcome to move here.”

  Carl balked. “I’m not selling our home to jump around the country with you.”

  “I’ve only moved twice in my career.”

  “He’s right, Carl. Maybe we should think about moving.” She winked at me when Carl wasn’t looking.

  I watched the interaction, amused. Karen was joking, but it was stressing out Carl.

  “Not a chance! Ann Arbor is our home.”

  Reese was the first one to
crack. “We’re kidding, Dad. I would never expect you to move. I’ll just have to try to get home more often.”

  That seemed to placate his parents, but I knew he wouldn’t live up to it. The season was unrelenting. He might have one or two days off around the holidays, but his life wasn’t in his control. I was sure his parents knew that too. It can’t be easy being so far from your only child, though.

  After our dishes were cleared, I reached into my bag and pulled out two boxes. “Reese told me you guys didn’t have these yet, so I wanted to make sure you were game ready.”

  I handed them their boxes and watched. They looked at each other, then opened them.

  “Oh, Chloe! Thank you.” Karen held up the jersey and showed it to her husband.

  “That’s very kind, Chloe.” Carl patted the jersey looking down at the name across the back.

  He looked up and focused on Reese. “I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  We stood and exchanged hugs. We returned to the hotel lobby and Reese took my hand again.

  “I’ll see you guys after the game.”

  His parents nodded and headed back to the elevator.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Reese

  The energy in the locker room had me buzzing. Everyone was pumped for the game. We’d been waiting for this night, and the time had finally come. After the lunch we had, I’d been excited. It went better than I could have expected. My parents texted me telling me how much they loved Chloe and how great we seemed together. It was the first time that they’d really approved of my girlfriend. Normally they could find flaws until the intrigue vanished. I thought they’d fixate on the fact we were keeping it a secret, but they didn’t seem too worried after Chloe said she would be telling Erik soon.

  It was the first time I’d ever pictured a future with someone, and knowing my parents liked her made it all too real.

  What if this was it? What if she was the one?

  I wanted to be rational. We’d only known each other for a few weeks. It couldn’t possibly be serious yet. Could it?

  “Murray! You ready?” I looked up and nodded to the captain. Hartman looked as calm as ever. He wasn’t the type to let the excitement get to him.

  Erik, Hartman, and I stood together at the entrance to the tunnel, waiting for them to announcing the starting line.