Page 92 of Trade Deadline

Our road trip started in Nashville yesterday, and thankfully we have an off day tomorrow with our flight leaving for Tampa around lunchtime. We play in a matinee game in Tampa the following day, then head straight to Miami, meaning we should be landing back in Chicago just before midnight on New Year’s Eve.

This is the first trip where I'm counting down the days until I'm home because I really didn’t want to leave Alex.

The more time we spend together, the harder it is to leave him, and even though we have FaceTime calls, it’s not the same as being able to take his lips in a kiss or to breathe in the sweet grapefruit scent of his hair.

Fuck.

Who knew I would ever feel this sappy over someone? I never imagined feeling like this—it’s like I’m missing a limb when I'm away from him. I used to love away games, being able to lose myself in someone that I wouldn't likely see again. But now?

Now I just want Alex.

I take my tequila shot with a grimace.

“You always make the same face; I don’t know why you drink it.” Ethan chuckles beside me.

“El wouldn’t let me hear the end of it if I refused tequila.”

He shakes his head and watches Elliot wave his lime slice around as he stamps his feet, his face screwing up from the bitter taste.

“How’s things going with Alex?”

“Good, really good, actually.” I settle back into my seat, angling my body slightly toward Ethan. “I was wondering if you could help me with something…”

Ethan raises a brow, “Sure, what's up?”

Lowering my voice for only Ethan’s ears, I give a very brief overview of Alex and Jacob’s business struggles and mention I’ve offered to help, but Alex is adamant on not taking a penny from me.

“I understand his reasons, but I wish he’d let me help. I feel kinda powerless, you know?” I sigh. It’s hard to see them struggle when I could relieve them of that burden. “So I was wondering if we could ask Colleen if there was something we could do for the team channel? You know, something fun, like us decorating cookies? We could pay to use the bakery facilities…” I shrug.

Ethan’s lips twitch. “You really like this guy, eh?”

I nod, my hand gripping the back of my neck. “Yeah, I do.”

Ethan’s usually stern features turn soft for a moment. “I’m sure Colleen would be up for that. We could go and speak with her when we’re back; I know she’s always looking for new ideas.”

“Thank you, it means a lot.”

Ethan gives my shoulder a squeeze. “Anytime. I’m glad it’s working out for you, and he seems to have a positive effect on you, too. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how well you’re playing recently.”

I duck my chin to my chest, suddenly feeling vulnerable.

Have I mentioned praise from Ethan is like catnip?

Plus, I wasn’t kidding when I told Alex that Ethan was my idol when I came to Thunder, because he still is. He’s one of the greatest guys I’ve ever known, both on and off the ice.

“Coach has noticed, too, so keep it up. If you keep your head down and your stats up, I think you’ll be okay.” He doesn’t need to say the words because I know he means when it comes to the trade deadline.

He gives me a reassuring smile before standing up. “I’m gonna hit the hay,” he announces to the group. “Make this your last one, and I expect to see you all at breakfast bright and early.” He then looks at Mitch. “You better go back as soon as you’ve finished that one. I’m trusting you,” he says, giving Peyton a pointed look.

A chorus ofYes, capechoes, followed by Elliot shouting, “Aye, aye, captain!” while saluting.

I use Ethan’s exit as an excuse to leave as well. My phone’s been burning a hole in my pocket all night, wanting to call Alex before he goes to sleep. I text him, letting him know I’ll call him in five and head across the street to our hotel.

The elevator seems to take a decade to arrive, and when the doors open on my floor, I quickly close the distance to my room. The second I’m in my room, I’m dialing Alex’s number.

There’s no controlling the smile that takes over my face when the call connects and his face fills the screen.

“Hey, baby.”

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