Page 162 of Becoming Selfish

I knew this. I was well aware when I was offered a full-ride to play for the University of Oregon that I wouldn’t have to worry too much about my classes, but still, it’s crazy to know that some of us have to work so hard in school while others get a free pass.

“That’s wild that they just let you guys graduate like that.”

“Well, I don’t know if I’m going to graduate,” Eli casually says with a shrug.

My brows furrow in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“If I get picked up by a team, I’m out of here. I might not make it to May.”

“You’re not worried about getting your degree?”

“Not really.” He shrugs. “If I get an NHL contract, that’s going to pay me a whole hell of a lot more than some job I can get fresh out of school with a kinesiology degree.”

It’s really going to happen. He’s going to leave, and it can happen any day. I knew this, but I don’t think it ever really sank in. But now, hearing him say that he might not be here in May when I still have another year and a half of school, it’s overwhelming. As sad as I’m going to be, I want Eli to be happy, and fulfilling his lifelong dream will make him happy. So as selfish as I would like to be, I can’t. I love him too much to want anything less than for him to succeed.

“What’s on your mind?” Eli asks, pulling me out of my daze.

“Nothing.” I shake my head. “Just thinking about how much I’m going to miss you this week is all.”

“I’m going to miss you too,” he says before pressing his lips to mine. “Always do. But it’s just a short week, then I’m home, and we are off to Indiana soon.”

Turning back to the stove, he takes the cooked noodles off the burner.

“Speaking of Thanksgiving, who all am I going to be meeting that weekend?”

“Oh, you’ll be meeting everyone. The whole family will be there,” he says as he finishes up our dinner. “Marc and my parents. Then there’s Mary’s two brothers, my uncles. Uncle Drew is married to my Aunt Molly, and they have three boys, Gavin, Gabe, and Garrett. Then my other uncle, Tommy, is married to my Aunt Grace, and they have twin boys, Sam and Scotty.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll remind you who is who all weekend,” Eli adds over his shoulder with a sweet little smile.

“That’s a whole lot of testosterone in one house.”

“Tell me about it.”

Eli returns to me, standing between my legs, wrapping his arms around my waist, and hiding his face in my neck. I drape my arms around his shoulders, stroking his shaggy hair as he leans into me.

“I already know a few of them are going to go crazy having you there all weekend. Not to mention my aunts, they’re going to be obsessed. They all wanted daughters, and everyone ended up with a shit ton of boys.”

“What about your dad’s side of the family? Are any of them going to be there?”

He shakes his head against me. “He doesn’t have anyone on his side. It was just him and his sister, my mom before she passed.”

Oh, I had no idea.

“Is anyone else bringing their significant other, or is it just me?” I ask, quickly changing the subject. I’m not sure how Eli feels about talking about his mom, and I just want to keep things light tonight.

“The cousins are all single except Gabe, but I’m not sure if he’s bringing Liam or not this year. They’ve been together for a long ass time, but besides that, no one has ever brought anyone else home.”

“Oh, so this is kind of a big deal then,” I say in a teasing tone, lifting his head to look at me. “Are you nervous?”

“No, not at all,” he confidently states, shaking his head. “I’m a little nervous we’re going to scare you off, but besides that, I’m excited for you to come home with me.”

He kisses me quickly before returning to the stove and scooping our mac and cheese into bowls. I love watching Eli in the kitchen. Even if it’s as simple as boxed pasta, I can’t help but admire my sexy shirtless man standing in front of the stove, cooking for me.

“Almost forgot,” Eli says. “You’ll meet Max too, our golden.”

“You guys have a dog?” I ask with excitement.

“Yeah, but don’t get any ideas.” Eli holds up his wooden spoon to me in a playful manner. “I’m his favorite, and I don’t need you trying to steal any of his attention away from me.”

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