Page 26 of Body Checked By the Defenseman

We head down some steps where there is a table and a kitchen area.

“I think we should eat lunch.”

“I have worked up an appetite,” I admit.

“I made some sandwiches. I hope that’s okay. If not, we can go to the restaurant by the club,” he offers.

“Sandwiches sound perfect.”

“Good, I made you turkey with tomatoes, cucumber, and mayonnaise.”

“You remembered?” I ask astonished.

“Rubes, I ate at Abuela’s all the time. If it weren’t for her, I would not be doing what I’m doing now. I don’t know how I will ever thank her enough.”

“I think she was just happy to have you around. She loves you,” I remind him.

“The feeling is mutual. When I think of all the times I wanted to quit hockey,” he says, shaking his head. Macklin had started on hockey way later than Hayden and it took a lot of work from Hayden and his coaches to help Macklin be the best he could be, but Macklin had drive and the belief that quitting wasn’t an option. He had been in the foster system several years before he ended up across the hall from us and lived with all kinds of foster siblings. Most of the time they were the type of kids to get into trouble, but Macklin had a good start to life. He had good parents who loved him and taught him a strong value system of hard work, and it was something he always had to fall back on.

Macklin unpacks his backpack. It’s filled with sandwiches, snacks, and two cans of pop. We get situated at the table.

“Today has been unexpected,” I tell him.

“You can’t just rid yourself of your V-card, Periwinkle. It isn’t that easy, and I don’t want you having regrets,” he advises.

My chewing slows. “I wouldn’t regret you.”

His jaw ticks. “You don’t know that. You’ve never done this before. I’ve met all kinds of girls, and the one’s I’ve been with, they don’t care about. . .they get around. But you aren’t like that. You won’t just give your body to just anyone.”

“I’ve tried, Mack. Damn, I’ve tried but it never feels right,” I confess.

“And that’s why I don’t want there to be any pressure. We need to let things happen organically,” he states.

We sit in quiet and finish our food, but it doesn’t feel awkward. This is Macklin, if there was anyone that I would be comfortable with in this world, it’s him.

After lunch, I yawn a little.

“We could have a little nap in the room,” he suggests.

“Nap, or make out?” I ask.

“You have a one-track mind.” He laughs.

“Because I am on a mission,” I counter.

He takes my hand, and we head to the bedroom. It isn’t a huge bedroom but there is a nice big bed with a clean white comforter. We get on the bed and Macklin turns on his side and leans on his elbow. His index finger comes up to my cheek and he caresses my skin.

His gaze is serious as he watches me and butterflies flutter in my belly. I’ve never wanted anyone more than I want him, but he said he won’t sleep with me today and I know Macklin. He isn’t a guy that goes back on his word.

CHAPTER TEN

IMay Explode

Macklin

She is so beautiful it hurts. I want her so bad, but I don’t feel worthy. I never did. She feels comfortable with me and she is maybe even hot for me, but I know we don’t have a future. Hayden would never want me touching his sister and, right now, I feel like I am breaking something stronger than the bro code.

I watch her throat bob from my touch. She told me not to think of Hayden only to think of her and her needs, and I want to so badly.

---