Page 6 of Summer with a Player

We pile into the lively sports bar and grill, greeted by the aroma of burgers and fries, and the warm lighting of neon lights. TVs mounted on the walls show highlights from our game, and we're greeted by the patrons and staff congratulating us on our win.

"Drinks are on me!" Dakota announces, ordering a round of beers for us. We toast to our victory, the clink of our bottles echoing throughout the bar. This is what I live for. The thrill of the game, the camaraderie with my teammates, the satisfaction of a hard-fought victory.

My life revolves around hockey. Rather, hockey is my family.

***

The next night, my roommates and I wanted a relaxing night at the beach for our night off. So, here we are gathering around a crackling campfire, and trying to find peace away from the hectic world of professional hockey. We take these precious few moments between our busy Charleston Renegades schedules.

"Man, there's nothing like a beach bonfire," Dakota muses, poking at the fire with a stick, sending sparks into the air. “Well, except for a lady under me.”

The smell of burning wood fills my nostrils, mixing with the salty sea breeze. I feel the warmth of the fire on my face, and the sand between my toes, still holding onto the heat of the day.

“Oh, God, Lucky. We don’t want to hear details,” I quip back.

"Anyhow, I’d hardly call it a bonfire," Kaleb chimes in, nursing a beer in one hand while tossing a marshmallow that’s on the end of a stick into the flames with the other. "We barely have enough wood in there to keep the fire going."

I nod in agreement, taking a swig from my own beer and gazing out at the crashing waves. The rhythmic sound of the ocean is soothing.

“I’m going to go for a walk on the beach. I’ll bring back any firewood I find.”

"Sounds like a plan," Kaleb replies, giving me a nod of approval.

I walk along the shoreline, the waves gently lapping at my feet and the moon shining off the water. As I search for firewood, I catch sight of a figure further up the beach. She's standing near a pile of driftwood, and her long, flowing light brown hair blows gently.

"Hey, you going to hog all that wood!" I call out, hoping to get her attention. The woman jumps slightly. She turns to face me, and the first thing I notice is her striking crystal blue eyes. They seem to sparkle even in the moonlight.

"Oh, hi. Sorry, you startled me. I didn't realize anyone else was out here," she responds cautiously.

"Sorry if I scared you," I apologize, closing the distance to her. "I'm just looking for firewood to keep our campfire going."

"Ah, I see," she says, gesturing to the driftwood pile beside her. "Well, there's plenty here."

"Thanks," I reply, picking up a few pieces. Her gaze lingers on me as I bend down, and I like it. A little too much. I have to be careful to keep my semi from showing, or else she’ll think I’m a perve and run off.

"By the way, I'm Asher," I say with an easy smile, trying to break through the tension.

"Elle," she replies, her lips curving into a smile that lights up her whole face.

She’s a tiny little thing, just like the tiny homes in the distance. Elle’s head only comes up to about my nipples, but she’s adorable.

"Nice to meet you, Elle. So, are you just out here collecting driftwood for fun?" I tease.

"Absolutely. It's my favorite pastime. Can't get enough of the stuff." She rolls those big blue eyes and laughs. I start picking up the pieces of wood, and she joins in to help.

"Really?" I chuckle. "I thought I was the only one who loved late-night driftwood scavenger hunts."

"Ah, a fellow enthusiast. It's rare to find someone with such refined tastes," Elle quips with a smile as she picks up another piece.

"Indeed, but I have other interests too," I say, trying to delve deeper into who she is. "What are yours?"

"Outdoor adventures are definitely my jam," Elle confesses. "I love just exploring new places and hanging out with friends."She hesitates before adding, "Though lately, I've been so focused on becoming a nurse that there hasn't been much time for fun."

"Wow, that's impressive," I respond. "It takes a lot of dedication to pursue a career like that."

"Thanks," Elle says, smiling. "What about you? What drives you besides your love for adventure and driftwood?"

"Ha! Hockey is my world, and I like hanging out with my friends also," I admit.

---