Page 77 of Shoot Your Shot

“Deal,” Coach utters.

I know today didn’t go how Kolt had wanted it to go. The thing is, when he walked in there, I’m not even sure he knew how he wanted it to go. Even though I didn’t mean to and it was never my intention, when I expressed my concern about him returning to the team, I think it put a sense of doubt in his head.

The drive home is quiet as the music plays softly on the radio with Kolt behind the wheel. Sometimes, he just needs some space, and I want to give him that. But I also need him to know I’m here and that I support him endlessly.

“I’m sorry today didn’t go how you’d hoped it would,” I whisper, looking over at him with a grim expression. “I’m sure none of that was easy to hear.”

He thinks for a second before sighing. “You know, you’re probably right. I mean, I could get hurt again. I could take another hit right to the fucking chest and die.” He looks over at me. “A smart man would walk away while he still could.” He shrugs, looking back at the road. “Maybe it’s time that I try to be that smart man.”

“Stop it,” I whisper.

Though it hurts, I force myself to smile. “You’re one of the smartest people I know, Kolt. But you also aren’t the guy who’s going to walk away from a game that might have saved your life.”

I reach over, taking his hand in mine. “When you got the news that you weren’t going to be able to go back until the playoffs, your entire body language changed. You weren’t just sad. You were … panicked. Shook even. And angry.”

I squeeze his hand. “It’s okay not to be done on the ice. And it’s all right to feel bad because you know I’m scared for you.” I pull his hand up, kissing it. “You aren’t done yet, baby. And that’s ok. And I promise you that when the time comes for you to put on your gear and lace up your skates, I will be okay. You know why? Because watching you play hockey? I get to see you really, truly happy. And that will always be bigger than any fear I have about you getting hurt.”

“You know what bummed me out the most when he said I couldn’t return yet?” his deep voice drawls. “Knowing I had to wait even longer to see my wife in the stands again, wearing myjersey.” He side-eyes me. “That’s one of the things I’ve missed most. Looking up during a game and knowing you’re there.”

I take my other hand and cup it over his. “I know,” I whisper. “Me too.”

“Want to go to lunch? There’s some new soup and salad place just calling your name,” he jokes. “Your favorite type of shit.”

I smile. “That sounds good, babe. As long as you’re up for it.” My eyes widen, and I giggle. “And as long as they have something you can eat. It could be a lot of stuff with those things you hate.Veggies.”

“I mean, they probably have a grilled cheese. Maybe even some bacon.” He shrugs. “I’ll be fine.”

Even though he just got news that I know hurt him, he’s making it about me. And taking me to lunch instead of being sour over it.

I smirk to myself, knowing that when we get home, I’m going to cheer him up. I have to. After all, he always does that for me.

“Why do I have to stay out here?” I call from the couch. “I’m about to come in there and see what you’re doing.”

“Not yet!” she yells back, sounding like she’s shuffling around.

We just got home from the lunch spot I had taken her to. The place that didn’t have bacon for their sandwiches, which means they fucking suck, but at least Paige loved it. How could she not? They had about twenty soup selections. I think it took her at least ten minutes to decide which one she wanted.

Right when we got back, she told me to stay out in the living room, that she was going into our room and would tell me when she was ready for me to come in. I don’t have a clue what she’s doing, but I’m hoping it’s something kinky. With her, there’s a strong chance of it, too, because my baby is a secret freak.

“Okay,” she says nervously. “Come in.”

My ass is off the couch and headed toward our bedroom before she has time to change her mind. My cock twitches in anticipation, waiting for whatever she’s hiding behind our door.

When I push the bedroom door open, she’s on the bed, sitting on her knees.

Inmyjersey. With half of her hair pulled up in two sexy buns on the top of her head.

Yep, that’ll do it. Cock … steel.

She holds two blue pom-poms up, a suggestive expression on her face. “I might not be able to watch you on the ice yet, but I’m still your biggest fan.” Her voice is huskier than usual, and there’s a look in her eyes that I’m familiar with.

When she drops one of the pom-poms and holds her finger up, signaling me to come over to her, I breathe in so quickly that the air hisses between my teeth.

Strutting toward her, I stop at the edge of the bed.

“Even though you tried to make today about me, taking me to a restaurant you knew I’d love, today is about you, baby.” She nudges herself toward the edge of the bed. Looking up at me, she undoes my jeans. “So, do whatever you want to me, big guy. Pretend I’m a puck bunny and my only purpose is to please you.”

Goddamn. This day just got even better.

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