Page 51 of Netting the Goalie

“I should go,” I said instead.“You need to be up early.You can’t be late tomorrow.”

He stayed silent for a few more seconds.“Stay.”

How could he ask that?

Blinking away the hot tears that popped into my eyes, I pressed a kiss to his left pec and forced a smile, even though I wasn’t sure he could see it.“I can’t.You need to get a decent night’s sleep.Tomorrow’s a big day for you.”

“It’s not like I’m gonna be playing.The only time I’ll see the ice’ll be at morning skate and warmups.Then I’ll be on the bench for the entire game.”

“And you know it doesn’t matter.You need to make a good impression and you won’t if you’ll be distracted by me all night.”

Now I did look up, forcing myself to smile and hoping he didn’t see the nerves behind it in the dark.Then, because I couldn’t help myself, I rubbed my nose against his then pressed my lips to his for a quick kiss.

With a sigh I didn’t have feign, I rolled to the side and slid off the side of the bed, grabbing my underwear from the bottom of the bed.

As I dressed, I felt his gaze on me.

“I should be back day after tomorrow,” he said.“Thursday.We’ve got a game Friday.I’ll leave tickets for you and Mike.”

“Sounds good.”

Even though I probably wouldn’t claim them.Something would come up.I’d make sure of it.

“Bliss.”

Shane was on his knees and leaning forward to catch my arm before I could get away.

“You’ll watch the game tomorrow night?”

Because he sounded as if he didn’t think I would, I turned, cupping his jaw in my hand and rubbing my thumb over the scruff he hadn’t shaved in days.I had to admit I liked it.

“Of course I’ll be watching.I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

“And I’ll see you when I get back.”

I held my smile.“Yep.”

Because I couldn’t help myself, I leaned in to kiss him again.

“Good luck tomorrow, even though you don’t need it.You wouldn’t have gotten the call if they didn’t already know how good you are.”

In the dim light, I could just see the curve of his lips as I stepped away from the bed.

“Have fun, Shane.And don’t forget to breathe.”

Thirteen

Shane

I wokethe next morning with a knot in my gut and the most incredible urge to call Bliss and tell her I wanted her to come with me to Philly.

Which was stupid.She had to work and I needed no distractions.

I ate, checked my gear twice, loaded everything into my truck then went back inside to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything.

I knew I hadn’t but I needed to be sure.

I was at the front door, ready to head out with a second water bottle in my hand when I heard CJ.

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