Page 51 of If You Need Me

Willy shakes her head. “It’s four-thousand square feet of minimalist-decorated penthouse. It’s massive. I can’t afford a cleaner. Also, it would be incredibly lonely and sterile. I like this. I have a roommate to share the load with, and our schedules make it so we’re not in each other’s hair all the time.” She motions to her apartment. “It’s cozy, it’s the right price for me to keep saving, and I can walk to work.”

I hear all the other things she doesn’t say, like she can take care of this on her own, and it gives her the autonomy and independence she’s so fond of.

Willy’s moms hug me and thank me again for the gifts.

“We’re planning to hit the escarpment first thing in the morning. You up for a hike tomorrow, Dallas?” Sam asks.

Willy digs her nails into my arm and mutters, “Say no.”

So I do the opposite. “Bruce Trail?”

“You know it?”

“It’s been some years, but I’m totally up for it.”

“Awesome.” Sam fist-bumps me. “Hemi can send your number over, and we’ll make a plan.”

“Sounds great. I’m looking forward to it.”

I get a fist bump from Isaac as well, and everyone hugs Wills before they’re out the door. She lets it fall closed and peeks through the eyehole for a second before she turns to me. “You should fake sick tomorrow.”

“It’s a hike. How bad could it be?”

“Isaac climbs mountains for fun. When he says he’s going for a hike, he’s not going for a leisurely stroll in the woods to enjoy nature. He’ll turn it into an expedition, and you’ll be hiking for hours.”

“Babe, I’m a professional hockey player. I have stamina for days. I’ll be fine.”

“If you say so. And don’t call me babe.”

I try to wrap my arms around her, but she steps out of reach.

“Aren’t you going to let me take care of you? I was a good boy tonight, wasn’t I?”

“Save your energy. You’ll need it for tomorrow.” She opens the door.

“I want to give you an orgasm before I leave.” I want the smell of her on my fingers and the taste of her on my tongue.

“Not tonight.”

“Why not?” I stand in front of her, trying to read her expression.

“Because my roommate will be home any minute.”

I nod. “If tomorrow goes well, I expect to end it with you sitting on my face.”

“We’ll see.” She pushes me out the door, but she’s smiling when she closes it.

CHAPTER 18

DALLAS

“Just in time for the sunrise. Look at the majesty of it all.” Isaac stands with his hands on his hips, smiling away.

It’s dark fucking o’clock in the morning, and I’ve already been awake for an hour and a half. The only time I ever willingly get up at this freaking hour is when we have an early flight for an away game. I’m highly undercaffeinated, and I need about three more hours of sleep and a thousand calories of food. But I’m bonding with Willy’s brothers and winning myself bonus points. Besides, it’s a hike on Bruce Trail, no big deal.

“Let’s get a move on.” Sam adjusts his backpack and speed walks toward the trail entrance. Issac falls into step behind him, and I take up the rear. I worry I’m slightly underprepared for this excursion. All I have is a small pack with two water bottles, a couple of energy bars, and a pack of gum. They have stuffed backpacks.

It’s muggy, which isn’t unusual for July in Niagara. According to the forecast, it promises to be balls hot. The escarpment is on the peninsula, which only compounds the humidity. We’ve hardly even started, and I’m sweating already.

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