Page 105 of College Hockey Bully

Mostly.

Each glance outside reminds me that Scarlett isn’t around anymore.

“Well, I think I’ve met someone,” Mom announces and my hand freezes on the balcony door.

“You think?”

“Okay, I met someone,” she clarifies pleasantly. “Reconnected, actually. He’s an attorney, an old college friend. Our first date was last night.”

“That’s good, right?”

“It was wonderful, honey. I haven’t stopped smiling.”

“Good for you, Mom.” Since her divorce from Dad eight months ago, I half-expected her to fly into depression. To myrelief, she has been living her best life. Travelling the world with her girlfriends, passing the bar and now working for an elite law firm. She’s got herself together and I’m proud as hell of her.

“Cameron stopped by the house again,” she mentions after we catch up, right before I bid her goodbye. “He really wants to talk, Aiden. I think you should hear him out before he goes back to Keystone.”

For the last year, my ex best friend has been in and out of that institution, not because of a relapse, but because he thinks it’s safer that way. I feel sorry for him. At least, until I remember what he put Scarlett through.

“Sometime in the future maybe,” I reply. “Not now. But the next time he comes by, just let him know I’m thinking about it.”

Mom sighs. “I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m pressuring you. Take your time, okay?”

I assure her that I will, then hang up. It’s my first day off in two weeks and I want to make the most of it, to actually get some rest. Being the first rookie to play for theSabersin five years, the pressure is like nothing I’ve ever experienced, but I love it. It takes my mind off things.

Like my girlfriend starting med school next week, three thousand miles away.

Spending every free hour in the summer wasn’t enough. Not waking up next to her for the next four months will be nothing short of hell. It’s hard to imagine needing someone so desperately after spending twenty-two years without them, but I can’t help it. I need her almost as much as air.

My agent stared like I was crazy when I mentioned my interest in the Seattle Lions. They’re among the top five in theleague and if—no, when my stats improve, I’d definitely love a trade, hopefully next year. I don’t want to be away from Scarlett any longer than that.

I order takeout and settle on the couch with a rom-com. Before leaving last week, Scarlett downloaded a catalogue for me to watch whenever I miss her. In this moment, I miss her enough to watch them all.

Half an hour into the movie, my delivery finally arrives. I pause the movie, grab my wallet and beeline to the front door.

My jaw slackens.

“Delivery for a Mr. Hunter,” she announces, staring down at the paper bag, then up at me, grinning.

“What—?” I shake my head, willing my brain to stop playing tricks on me. “How? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for school?”

“I was. I am.” Scarlett pushes up on her tiptoes, gives me a kiss, then pushes past me. She rests the stuff on the center table, then takes her coat off, revealing a red dress with a plunging neckline. I love Scarlett in anything she wears, but I’m pleased to see her confidence grow with the kind of outfits she chooses these days.

“I’m still waiting for a response that explains why you’re here and not in Seattle,” I say.

She shrugs, walking slowly to me. “Maybe I miss my boyfriend.”

“Well, that’s understandable,” I mutter, running my hands down her hips.

“And maybe I’ve transferred to Columbia University,” she goes on, her arms looping around my neck.

I draw back. “You didn’t.”

She grins. “I certainly did.”

My heart does a little dance. “But how?”

“I requested the transfer right after graduation. Perks of a valedictorian, FYI.” She runs her finger down my chest. “All summer long, I wanted to tell you, but I preferred a more dramatic reveal.”

“Like making me think we’d be apart until Christmas, then popping up on me.”

“You catch on fast.” She looks so pleased with herself.

“You naughty girl.” With a grunt, I scoop her up. “This deserves some serious punishment. An hour, maybe two.”

“Ooh…” She wiggles her legs gleefully as I take the stairs two at a time. “Punish me however you want, my ice king.”

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