Page 85 of Bound

“I’m going to miss you knuckleheads,” I say, managing to tamp down my tears and not go full watering pot. The emotions are here, boiling just beneath the surface, not going away anytime soon.

But…we’ll be okay.

Aiden’s cell rings and he glances at the screen, mouth twitching. “My parents.” He steps close and pulls me into a hug. “Thank you for everything, Claire Bear. I know we’ll see each other soon.”

We hug then he slips out into the hall.

Leaving me with the giant teddy bear who made sure I never felt left out.

“Who’s going to bring you your pregame snacks or your favorite drinks or bug you to buy me another Moscow mule at CeCe’s?” I whisper.

He hugs me tightly again. “Lucky you have another poor schmuck wrapped around your pinky finger now.”

“Thanks to you,” I say. “I wouldn’t be here without you.”

“Damn right, you wouldn’t.” His lips twitch, a bit of ego clinging to his words. But I know it’s all bravado.

Because that’s what I’m clinging to as well.

“Meh,” I tease. “You know it’s just because you’re nosy. Jackson and I figured it out by ourselves.”

Laughter. A tug at my ponytail. “Rude,” he says lightly. “Cutting me out of the fun part.”

“I expect a full-blown hockey matchmaking service to be set up in California by the time I visit.”

A tap to his bottom lip. “Now, that’s not a bad idea at all.”

We smile at each other.

Then Smitty’s phone beeps.

“I have a plane to catch,” he says softly.

“I know.”

They have to fly out and meet the Grizzlies on their road trip.

He kisses my cheek, gives me one more beautiful Smitty hug. “I’ll see you soon,” he promises.

“No chance at getting rid of me,” I say, the words watery.

“Damn right.”

One more hug.

And then he’s gone, slipping out the office door, and disappearing from sight.

From my day-to-day life.

Onlythendo I lose my battle with my tears.

And somehow, it’s no surprise that the door opens again and Jackson walks through.

“Luc had me on standby,” he whispers as he takes me in his arms. “Let it out, kitty cat.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

Jackson

---