Hadley stands behind me and wraps her arms around my waist. She doesn’t say anything and I’m grateful. I feel her lips press against my spine before she steps away. “Are you ready for tomorrow’s game? Still feeling good about making the playoffs?”
“Yeah, feel really good. As long as we play hard, we should make it.” I don’t want to talk about work or our engagement, so I ask, “Where do we want to go this summer?”
As I finish cooking dinner, I listen as Hadley rattles on and on about possible destinations. Ten years with her means we’ve visited nearly every place under the sun. We both love traveling and we try to go as often as we can. When we sit down at the table, Hadley keeps glancing at me.
“What is it, baby?”
“You’ve kept a beard for like ten years. I don’t even know what you would look like without one now.”
“The same with less hair on my face.” She laughs and I smile. I grew one after the night she came up to me at a frat party. She said I would look better with one, so I stopped shaving for a while. Hadley gave me her promised kiss, too. Ever since, I’ve kept it, keeping it trimmed and under control. She loves it and I’ve gotten used to it. I absentmindedly scratch my cheek. “Do you want me to shave?”
“Hmm.” Whether she’s pretending to mull it over or is actually thinking, I’m not sure. “No. I don’t want my future husband to lose his appeal.”
Her words make me chuckle. There’s not much in this world that could tear us apart, certainly not a beard. We’ve been together long enough, know each other well enough, and love each other enough to work through any issues that have come our way over the years. She’s my other half. I’m happy that she’ll be my wife one day, too.
Chapter Three
Hadley
I’m chomping on a bag of chips in front of me, reading the sports section on my iPad, while Luca is up in the weight room running before he heads off to the arena. There are three games left in the season and the Bucks have to at least score two points with each game to land in the playoffs.
Luca is feeling the pressure.
“Hey, baby, are you ready?”
I look up and see him in a gray suit ready to head to the game. “I thought you were running.”
“I’m done. You riding with me?”
“Yep.” I hop off the stool and grab my wristlet. Luca is a man of few words when it’s game day. I’m used to his directness. I’m sure some think he’s being rude, but that’s not it at all. He’s being a captain.
Before I reach the door, Luca grabs my arm and pulls me back to him. I don’t even register what’s happening until he sticks his tongue in my mouth. I fist my hands through his hair and hang on for the ride.
God, he can kiss. Ever since our first kiss, I was a goner. I knew that I didn’t want anyone else to ever kiss me. Only my Luca.
“Have I told you how much I love you in my jersey?”
“All the time, and since I’m your good luck charm, it helps.” I brush my lips against his, letting his mustache tickle me. I always wear my number seventeen Nebraska jersey with the words “my girl” on the back. I feel such pride with it on because I’ll always be his.
“Come on, baby, let’s go.”
And just like that, we’re off to the arena.
~ ~ ~
I’m biting my nails. I never bite my nails. This can be the greatest night in the history of hockey if Luca and the guys can hang on. There are four minutes left in the third period. The score is five to one. Darryl had a hat trick and Luca got the other two points. They have to have two points for the playoffs. It would give them a cushion for the other two games. They could wrap this up with ease.
My leg is bouncing and I’m texting Amy to make sure she’s getting the highlights together to run immediately after the game. I’m staring at Luca. His face is stone as he skates forward to take the face-off.
God, I love that face.
I watch intently as each second ticks away. I pray to the Hockey Gods that they get this point. They need this point so badly.
Sadly, it doesn’t come. But, Luca and the guys can ease into the playoffs with the last two games.
I wait out by the car with a couple of the other hockey girlfriends and wives. They ooh and ah over my ring. I admit that Luca did well. Of course, everyone is wondering when we will start having kids. I shake my head and say ‘never’.
It’s a conversation that sticks in my head vividly. Luca had been drafted to the Mustangs and that night we had a long discussion about us.
~ ~ ~
“I want us to be together, but marriage isn’t something I want right now.”
We were in his hotel room and had finished a long session of sex.
“Luca, I have never said anything about marriage. We’ve been together for a couple of years, but I know the NHL is where you want to be. I have my own dreams, too.”
“I do.” He kissed the top of my head.
“I’m happy the way we are.”
“I want it to stay this way.”
I looked up at him. “It will.”
“I don’t want children.” Luca’s voice was serious. I had heard him say this a couple of times before.
“Is it because of Valeria?” my voice was low.
“I don’t want children. If you do, then this needs to....” he trailed off.
“Hey.” I rose up from where my head had been lying on his chest. “I don’t want kids right now, either. We’re too young and we have too much going on.”
“Hadley.” There was that tone again. “I don’t want to talk about Valeria and I don’t want kids ever. I want you and me and that’s it.”
“Okay.” I kissed his lips. “You and me forever.”
“You and me forever.”
~ ~ ~
My memory is broken when I hear the girls clapping and cheering as some of the guys walk out. I know that Luca will be the last one out. He always the first one into the locker room and the last one out.
Tonight is no different.
Luca throws his arm over my shoulder and kisses my temple.
“I was hoping that my man would've had a hat trick tonight.” I wink at him. “Good thing Darryl got me one.”
A rare Luca laugh booms. “So, you’re going to leave me for some twenty-year-old rookie?”
I shrug. “Nah, I’m invested with you, Mr. Zotov. I can’t even trade you in because the warranty is up.”
“Damn shame.” He shakes his head, but the smile is still there. “I’m hungry. Do you want to come with or do you need to work?”
I love that Luca understands my job. He’s never complained about the hours I spend in from of my laptop or tablet. I shake my head. “Nope, Amy has the list of highlights I want played. I’m all yours tonight.”
Luca give me a swift kiss. “Perfect.”
~ ~ ~
Luca left early the next morning to fly out to Portland. The Bucks’ last two games are on the road. I wake up with the worst nausea I’ve ever had. Damn Luca and his sushi. It never fails that when I eat that crap with him, I end up sick. This is why I stick with potato chips. Simple, safe, and easy.
“You look like crap.”
I cut Amy a mean look and she quickly drops her head.
“Luca made me eat sushi.”
“Yuck. Raw fish does nothing for me.”
“Agreed. Now, I need those highlights from the baseball game last night, too. And get the editing department on the phone. I’m tired of the same six shots of that basketball game from a week ago.”
I drop my purse on my chair, flip on my computer, and start my day. I check the clock and I know that Luca will be in Portland soon. I figure it’s a perfect time to call Mama and Papa.
“Hello, Mama.”
“There’s my sweet future daughter-in-law.”
“Aw, Mama, you’re too kind.”
“Now, tell me everything. Luca didn’t give me any details.”
I giggle and go in depth of how Luca propo
sed to me.
“That’s not very romantic.”
“Well, you know Luca. He’s romantic in his own way. But, I called to see if you guys still wanted to come to the playoff games. You can stay with us again.”
“Oh yes, we would love to.”
“Great. I’ll take care of everything and send you the details.”
“Perfect. Love you.”
“Love you.”
I take a deep breath when I hang up the phone. I love Luca’s parents more than anything and they’ve always treated me as their own.
I look over at my bookshelf and see one of the last pictures taken of my mother and me. She’s wearing a scarf to cover her head, bald from the chemo, but her eyes are bright. I never knew my father. He left when I was a baby, but Mom never left my side.
When she died three years ago, I didn’t know how I was going to make it. Thankfully, Luca was there. Even in the middle of a hockey season, he took a week off to help me plan everything and then whisked me away to New Zealand for a weekend get-a-way.
The tears are building thinking that she won’t be at my wedding or help with any of the planning. I’m sure Luca doesn’t want anything big. He’s never been one for a large party or events. His life is hockey.
Maybe a beach wedding?
Or, run off to Vegas?
My thoughts rush away when Amy bursts in with information about the baseball team and it’s back to work for me.
~ ~ ~
I drop my items on the kitchen table and reach for the bag of chips I left on the counter. After diverting a small crisis with the editing team, I’m finally home. I’m exhausted. It’s been a long time since I’ve had this many obstacles in one day. I fall onto the couch and flip on the TV as I check my phone for message.
Luca: I landed.
Luca: Good practice. Going to lunch with the guys.
Luca: I’m back at the hotel. Call me when you have time.
It never fails that every time Luca is on the road, he tells me every move he makes. I’ve never asked him to. I trust Luca. I know that girls will try and throw themselves at him, but he brushes them aside.
I quickly hit his name and he picks up on the second ring.
“Hey, baby.”
“Sorry I missed your messages. I just walked into the house.”
“Busy day?”
“You have no idea, but it’s better now. However, I have a bone to pick with you.”
“And what would that be?”
I giggle at his serious tone. “I’m sick again because of that damn crap you made me eat. No more sushi, Luca.”
“Baby, all you ever eat is potato chips and drink coffee–”
“Lattes,” I correct him.
“Fine, lattes. You need real food. I’ve been telling you for years.” He huffs in the phone.
“Sushi isn’t real food,” I mumble.
“Really? And what have you eaten today? I do believe that I hear a bag of Lay’s salt and vinegar chips rattling.”
I stop moving my hand around the bag. “Ass,” I joke.
Luca softly chuckles. “I love you, that’s all, and I want you to eat healthier.”
“Fine, Mr. Health-Nut,” I give in. He’s right. I am getting older and should watch my figure.
“Good. Anything else happening?”
“Oh, I booked your parents' flight for the playoffs. I took the whole day off when they come in because I have a doctor’s appointment that morning and this way we can take them to lunch before the game.”
“Sounds great, baby. I have to go.”
“I hope you get a hat trick.” I laugh when he groans. “I love you.”
“I love you.”
Chapter Four
Luca
I rub the back of my neck with one hand, using my other to hold back Hadley’s hair while she vomits. We made it into the playoffs, our first game is tomorrow, and I’m stressed. On top of that, Hadley still isn’t feeling well and my parents arrive tomorrow. She keeps telling me she’s fine; it’s just from eating the sushi, and that she’ll still be able to get my parents. I love Hadley, but I don’t want to be worried about her right now.
My world is split into two halves. One half is Hadley and the other is hockey. I want to put most of my focus and effort into the sport. I try to play to the fullest every game, every season because I want to enjoy it and do my best while I can. I don’t want to look back and wish I played harder. Every game deserves one hundred and ten percent, especially in the playoffs. I’m getting older and I still have so much I want to accomplish with my game.
Hadley stands, flushes the toilet, and brushes her teeth.
“Are you sure you’re okay, baby?”
She nods. Ugh, I hate when she doesn’t feel well. When she finishes, she turns toward me. “I’ll be all better by tomorrow, I’m sure. You don’t need to worry, Luca. Tomorrow is the big game and,” she glances at her watch, “you should leave for practice.” Hadley gives me a smile and it eases my tension to know it’s a genuine smile. She’s not just putting on a show for my sake.
“I don’t like when you feel bad,” I state, eyeing her as if I’m wary to leave her.
“I know. I’ll be fine. Give me a kiss and hit the road.”
“Promise to eat something besides junk? Call me if you feel worse.” Hadley nods in agreement, so I step forward, wrap my arms around her and kiss her forehead. “No kiss on the lips in case it’s not the food and you’re contagious.” She laughs and shakes her head at me. “Feel better,” I tell her seriously.
She rolls her eyes. “I will.”
~ ~ ~
Despite being stressed about tomorrow, practice relaxes me. It gives me something to focus on and something to do. There’s a nagging feeling in my gut though. I’m not sure if it’s due to Hadley not feeling well or to the playoffs. I push it out of my head for now and practice shots at our goalie. I love to score on him, especially because I know he’s a good and solid player.
He grins from behind his mask as I shoot wide. “Luca, are you going easy on me?” he laughs.
“I don’t do easy.” To prove my point, I set up a shot on to his right, see him crouch and prepare for it as he reads me like a book. At the last second, I change my mind and flick it upwards. The puck soars over his shoulder, hits the crossbar, and flies into the net.
Time seems to pass quickly. Before I know it, we’re all making our exit. “Sleep well, guys,” I instruct. We need to be well rested for tomorrow.
“I’ve got a girl coming over, but I’m sure we’ll do plenty of sleeping.” Darryl winks as he walks by, slapping my shoulder with a laugh.
I shake my head at him. “As long as you aren’t tired tomorrow.”
When I make it home, Hadley has dinner on the table. She sets her phone to the side as I walk over to where she’s sitting. I kiss the top of her head before sitting down.
“Feeling better?”
“Yep,” she smiles.
“Good.”
I listen as she tells me about her day and more about my parents' arrival tomorrow. We clean up the dirty dishes together before relaxing on the couch in the living room.
“Are you still stressed, Luca?”
“Yeah, but that’s the way it is.” Laying an arm around her shoulders, I tug her closer to me. “I may need my good luck charm tonight though, just to be sure.”
“If you think you can seduce me…” she trails off with a slow-forming grin.
“I can.” So, I do.
Chapter Five
Hadley
Luca is already gone. I knew that he would want to head to the rink early. It’s a big game tonight and I know he’s nervous.
My stomach rolls again. Ugh, I can’t believe sushi is going to be the thing that kills me. I should be over this by now. Thank goodness I’m seeing the doctor today. I check my phone and listen to the voicemail Papa left this morning. They were boarding their flight in London, just a couple more stops before they're here. I’m ex
cited to see them. It’s been since Christmas and it feels like forever ago.
I send a text to Amy to make sure that she knows if she needs me, I’ll have my phone with me. I toss my phone down, roll out of bed, and start my day.
~ ~ ~
I pull up to the arena and flash my family badge and park next to Luca’s SUV. I thought I told him I needed it today and for him to take my car. I hate to bother him when he’s working.
I walk into the arena and the smell of wet sweat hits me. Ugh! My stomach rolls again. I hate sushi. The click-clack of my heels is loud as I head down to the locker room. I see one of the trainers and ask if they could get Luca for me.
“Baby?” I turn to see Luca in his Bucks shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes.
“I need to switch cars. I can’t put your parents in mine.” I hand him my keys.
“Shit. I forgot. Hang on.” He jogs back into the room and comes out with his keys.
“Well, if it isn’t Hadley Lincoln.” Luca and I both turn and see Duncan York, the owner of the Bucks coming toward us. “I was just coming down here to have Zotov give me your number.”
“Really?” I look at the older man. He’s always been nice to me. Then again, I tend to turn on my charm a bit for him. Billionaire or not, he’s still a guy and they all like to be flirted with. “And to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“We need to have a talk.” His gray eyes smile at me. “Zotov, how are you son?”
Luca nods.
“Um...Mr. York, I’m not sure what we need to talk about.” I’m confused as to what discussion we could be having.
You and Me Forever (Oh Captain, My Captain Book 6) Page 2
