Page 14 of Summer with a Player

"Man, life's too short not to take chances," he replies. "You've worked hard to get where you are, but there's more to life than just hockey. I know we don’t ever want to think about life after hockey, but there is… Life after hockey, man."

I sigh, knowing he's right. But it's not that simple. My entire life has revolved around becoming the best hockey player I can be, and pursuing a relationship with Elle feels like stepping onto thin ice.

"Thanks, bro," I say, forcing a smile. We turn and run back in the direction of home.

As we approach the house, I can hear laughter and music blasting from our backyard. My roommates are in full swing with their latest activity: a homemade Slip 'N Slide using plastic sheeting, dish soap, and water. They've turned our backyard into a makeshift water park, and it's hard not to smile at the absurdity of grown men sliding across the grass like children.

"Get your asses over here, guys!" Dakota calls out, waving us over.

I glance at Ryder, who nods in encouragement, and we both join the party. For a while, I manage to put thoughts of Elle aside as I race my friends down the slippery slope, laughing and splashing one another recklessly. Right now, I'm just another guy enjoying a carefree afternoon with his buddies.

Yet, when the sun dips below the horizon and we gather around the fire pit to crack open beers and nurse our bruised egos from the last few game losses, the weight of my uncertainty returns. I zone out again, the laughter and conversation fading into the background.

"Dude, you’ve got to get that girl out of your head," Ryders says. “Just fuck her already and either move on, or put a damn ring on it."

"I already fucked her, you ass hole. Now, I’m not sure I can let her go, but I don’t think I’m ready to commit yet. That wouldmean splitting my time and focus," I admit, staring into the flickering flames. "I don't know how to navigate both."

"Man, I get it," Kaleb says, nodding his head. "But you gotta ask yourself this. Is it worth giving up on something potentially great just because you're scared?"

***

My phone buzzes from my bedside table, and I fumble with my hand to grab it. When I force an eye lid open, I see that it’s Elle calling. Both of my eyes come open at that revelation.

"Oh, sorry. You sound like you were asleep. I just got off work, but I didn't mean to wake you." Her voice is soft and hesitant. "Go back to sleep."

I don't want to. As exhausting as I was when I went to bed, I'd rather talk to her. "No, it's fine. Tell me about your night." We spend hours chatting until we both fall asleep with the phone call still connected.

Through the course of the next few weeks, we find ourselves spending more time together, going on walks, watching movies, and even cooking dinner at both of our homes.

One evening, as the sun sets over Love Beach, we stand at the water's edge, waves lapping gently at our feet. Elle looks up at me, her blue eyes reflecting the warm hues of the sky. "You know, I've never felt this way before," she whispers.

"Me neither, Elle," I admit, pulling her close. Our lips meet, and the world around us falls away.

Chapter 8

Elle

I sit alone on my tiny porch, my thoughts consumed by Asher. Each time he enters my mind, my heart rate picks up as if I've just sprinted across the sand. The way his green eyes seem to pierce through me, like he's searching for something hidden deep within my soul. The feeling of his strong, calloused hands gripping mine, turns me all the way on. Even when we're apart, the mere thought of him ignites a fire inside me that I can't quench.

"Elle, snap out of it!" I mutter to myself, chewing on my thumb nail nervously. I try hard to focus on anything else—my nursing classes, my job as a carrier, even the soothing sound of the wavescrashing against the shore—but my thoughts always drift back to him.

"Ugh," I groan, frustration bubbling inside me. I've always been guarded, fiercely independent, and reluctant to trust others. And yet, here I am, falling for someone who could easily break my heart.

As I watch the water crash into the sand, over and over again, I question whether I'm capable of truly opening up to Asher, of allowing myself to be real with him. The fear of being hurt, of letting someone in only to have them leave me unexpectedly, pulses through me like a warning signal.

"Is this really worth the risk?" I wonder aloud, my voice barely audible above the sound of the waves.

I tally up all the reasons why being in a relationship might not be the best idea. The arguments that my mind conjures up to protect my heart from potential pain are real.

"Damn you, Asher Gray," I whisper to myself, shaking my head. "Why did you have to come into my life and turn everything upside down?"

Determined to take a step forward in my life, I wander into a quaint little shop near Love Beach, my eyes drawn to the delicate jewelry on display. I spot a thin gold chain, perfect for the crystal ball charm Asher bought me a few weeks ago. The charm has been sitting on my dresser ever since, waiting for the right moment to become a part of my life.

I pick up the chain and admire how it catches the light. My heart races at the thought of wearing this symbol of Asher's affection around my neck, a constant reminder of the confidence in myself that I’m consciously aware of.

I purchase the chain, and once it's securely fastened around my neck, the weight of the crystal ball feels significant—like a tangible representation of my willingness to let Asher in. It's not a guarantee that I won't get hurt, but it's a start.

Later, as I'm working at my carrier job, my phone buzzes with a text from Asher. I smile as I read his playful message.

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