Page 40 of Six Wishes

CHAPTER19

Darla

Van

As soon as we left Chloe’s apartment, I had one thing on the brain. And that was to get her in my bed at home. It’s way bigger than her bed, and better mattress. I’m not gonna lie, that thought alone turned me on even more.

I couldn’t believe we ran into my mother in the parking lot at the store. And she would not go away. I was prepared to just leave Chloe out there with her to talk while I came in to grab us the condoms. But I didn’t think Chloe would appreciate it.

So here I am now, the biggest box of condoms I could find in hand, standing in line to pay. I thought doing a self-checkout would speed things up, but not so much. The line is not as long, but people are moving slower.

“Oh my God, Van Boyd!” A breathy voice comes from behind me, and I almost want to look at the ceiling in distress and ask God why he’d put more roadblocks in my journey back to Chloe.

I can tell this is a fan, so I put on my most charming smile and turn around, all while trying to sort of hide the box I got in my hand.

Color me surprised when I look way down and come face to face with Tinker Bell, the girl who was trying to hit on me the other night. I should thank her because without her bad moves, I wouldn’t have noticed that Chloe was right next to me.

“Hi there,” I give her a huge but fake grin. “Darla, right?” I know I got her name wrong. I am always really good with remembering names, but I just couldn’t resist this. I can’t wait to tell Chloe about it.

There’s a flash of annoyance crossing Tinker Bell’s face, but she tries to mask it. “It’s Karla.”

“Oh yes, sorry about that,” I put my head down, smiling bashfully. “It is always good to meet a fan,” I give her my usual speech.

“Could I buy you a cup of coffee?” Tinker Bell is getting bold again, just like she was on the night we first met. I have to give it to her, she’s no quitter.

“I’m sorry, my girlfriend is waiting for me in the car.” I forget about the box of condoms that I have in my hand and wave it toward the general direction of the exit out of the store. “We’re in a hurry.”

Tinker Bell’s eyes focus right on the box, and I swear her eyes dilate a little. “Extra large?” She gives me an impressed smile, then goes and bites her bottom lip in a most definite sexual manner.

Just then, I see a self-checkout register becoming available and I rush over there. I scan and pay really fast, then, on my way out, I remember not to be rude to any fans, crazy or not, because you never know what gets on social media anymore. “Good to see you, Darla, thanks for the support.”

“It’s Karla,” she stomps her foot on the floor, and it’s almost comical because of how tiny she is.

I run back to the car and slide into the driver’s seat, pulling my seatbelt on, all in one motion, then I remember to close the door.

“You look like someone was chasing you out of there,” Chloe’s casual observation makes me chuckle. “Were they?” her eyes get big now, and she starts looking around the parking lot, most likely expecting to see a mob of people coming right at us.

“Tinker Bell,” I say as I turn the engine on and peel out of the parking lot.

“Who?”

“Remember that girl from Mud Duck’s the other night? The little one?” I put my hand out like to show her the height of the person in question.

“Oh, Darla?” I bust out laughing when Chloe says that, like we know her now.

“It’s Karla,” I enunciate to her. “Also, fun fact,” I point toward my rearview mirror where the front of the store is getting smaller and smaller as I drive away, “I called her Darla, too.”

The rest of the drive home is in quiet contentment. My right hand is resting on her thigh, and she has her own hand on top of mine. I haven’t felt this happy in a very long time, not with a woman. Also, it is very weird because I feel like I should be more concerned about my career. Chloe seems to give me the support I need to believe that I can climb mountains.

I have been working out for endless hours every day, first thing in the morning. By the end of the day, the twinge in my knee reminds me that I’m not how I used to be. My endurance is getting there though, and pretty soon I will have to hit the ice as well. Before long, training camp will start, and that will define the rest of the season. Will I be forced to retire at the ripe old age of thirty-two? Or will I be able to play another season, maybe more?

“What are you thinking so hard?” Chloe squeezes my hand, making me smile. I was in such a rush to get her home and naked, but now I love just talking to her. I love her being interested in me for me.

I decide to go with honesty. I got nothing to hide. “My hockey career.”

“Is it true what they say? That you may not get your contract renewed?” She sounds sympathetic.

“Would it matter to you?” I can’t resist asking.

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