Page 16 of Summer with a Player

"Thanks, Asher," I reply with a smile. "I had a great time too."

"Sorry I have to go, I wish I could stay, but we have an early skate in the morning. See you soon, gypsy girl?" he says, his green eyes shining.

"Definitely," I answer without hesitation and can’t wait.

Just as we reach the steps of my tiny home, I turn to him with a warm smile, our faces inches from each other. He studies me, his green eyes sparkling under the moonlight, and then he does something that takes my breath away. He leans in and kisses me. Soft, slow, and unhurried. It's not like any kiss we have sharedbefore - not a stolen one or one filled with lust. This one is more intimate, more meaningful.

His hands gently frame my face as his lips move over mine in a rhythm that feels recognizable yet new. His kiss speaks volumes of promises and unspoken emotions. It's passionate without being overwhelming, just enough to make the butterflies fly around my heart once more and my skin tingle.

All too soon, he pulls back just enough for our eyes to meet again. There's an intensity in his gaze that mirrors my own feelings. He brushes a strand of hair away from my face and tucks it behind my ear before leaning in once more to press a soft kiss to my forehead.

"Goodnight, Elle," he whispers against my skin, leaving me absolutely breathless.

I watch as he walks away, my hand going to my lips that still tingle from his kiss, and I feel a slow smile spread across my face.

Deep down I know this wasn't just any goodnight kiss— it was a promise of what’s yet to come. It was Asher telling me, without words, that he's in this for the long haul. That he isn't just another person who will break my heart.

Chapter 9

Asher

The moment I step off the plane, Seattle's energy gets me fired up for the game. The bustling airport is filled with the chatter of people and the hum of activity.

My team and I make our way through the terminal, my senses on high alert as I take in the vibrant colors, the laughter, and the distant blare of car horns outside.

"Man, you ready for tonight?" Dakota asks, as he bumps my shoulder while we’re walking into the hotel.

"Yeah, I’m pumped and itching to get on the ice," I reply.

"Seattle does have a certain charm to it," Ryder muses. "But we've got a job to do here, we all got to remember that. Don’t let the travel be a distraction."

"That’s right," I nod, my mind flashing back to our ultimate goal – the championship cup. It's not about winning for ourselves; it's about proving our worth to everyone who's ever doubted us.

"Let's get settled in," Kaleb suggests. "We've got a big game ahead of us."

As we make our way to our rooms, I focus on the task at hand – preparing for the game.

After we drop our bags off at the hotel, we’re served lunch and we take our pregame naps. Then we are shuttled to the ice rink for the game.

On the bus ride there, I pull out my phone and send a text to Elle.

Me:Game prediction?

Her response comes quickly, making me smile.

Elle:You guys will win. I can feel it.

Me:Thanks! See you soon.

I close my eyes and imagine the ice beneath my skates, the weight of the stick in my hands, and the sound of the puckgliding across the rink. Every fiber of my being is restless to play at my absolute best.

"Alright, boys," Ryder says.

I open my eyes and meet the steady gazes of my teammates all around the bus.

"Let's get ready to show them what the Charleston Renegades are made of," he continues.

With nods and murmurs of agreement, we unload from the bus and each turn to our own pre-game routines – stretching, taping up our sticks, and putting on our gear.

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