Page 43 of Stick Work

I laugh out loud, then quickly glance around to make sure no one’s paying attention. Thankfully, my teammates are busy texting or zoning out. I glance back at her message and run my finger over her words. I love how her excitement practically jumps off the screen. And the fact that she’s designing this house like it’s “ours”? I wish I didn’t like that so much. Before I can respond, she shoots me another text.

Taylor: You know, for when you find someone for real.

Fuck. My heart drops into my stomach, but I guess I should be thankful for the reminder.

Taylor: But until then, we can break it in. Though honestly, your big, comfy bed is way better, and tonight it’s all mine. I plan to stretch out and take up all the space, and no complaints that I’m hogging.

Me: I never complain when you hog.

Taylor: So you’re saying I do hog?

I chuckle quietly, because this is a no-win situation, and she knows it. But I like the way she teases.

Me: My bed is big and comfy but it’s much better with you in it.

I wait for a response. Three dots appear and then disappear, and I shift uncomfortably. Was it something I said? Is she debating her response?

Taylor: I like your bed better with you in it too.

I take a fast breath, her words making my chest feel too small for my heart. I glance up and notice Kalen moving down the aisle. Shit.

Me: I’ll video you later. Miss you.

Taylor: Miss you too.

Kalen, walking to the end of the bus, pauses by my seat, catching my tender moment with Taylor, through the soft glow of my phone. I try to look as neutral as possible, but he narrows his eyes, no doubt wondering who I’ve been texting and I pray to fucking God he doesn’t figure it out. He keeps walking, dropping into a seat by Coach, leaving me to my thoughts.

We pull into the hotel and we all file off the bus. I head straight to my room to drop my things off and debate on skipping dinner and video messaging Taylor instead. I don’t. The last thing I want is to start acting differently and raise suspicions. Theo might already be on to me.

Down in the lobby, women file into the hotel, most dressed in short skirts and tight blouses, even though it’s chilly outside. I tug my hat low, wanting to go under the radar, but nope, one of the girl’s shrieks and points to me. I lift my hat, needing to do my part now that I’ve been spotted. Hey, I love my fans. I’d be nothing without them, I just don’t want the paparazzi, and social media pictures that follow. Taylor getting the wrong idea is the last thing I want.

What the hell am I even saying?

“Elias,” the girl screams and comes running over. She throws her arms open and I lean down to give her a hug.

“Can I sign something for you?”

Do not say boobs. Do not say boobs.

She holds out a jersey with my number on it, and I take the marker from her hand, happy to sign it. More guys exit the lobby and in no time at all, it’s a frenzy. Fortunately, after a few signatures, I’m able to slip away. I find Kalen already in the pub, and he grins when he sees me.

“Wasn’t sure you’d be joining me.”

I nearly freeze, but quickly play it casual when I take my hat off and sit across from him, a beer already in front of me. I take a quick drink. “Why’s that?”

He jerks his head toward the lobby. “Thought you might take my advice from earlier and work off some of that steam.”

“Just tired. Been busy with hockey and getting the house ready.”

“Speaking of the house,” he begins, letting it go. “I was just talking to Taylor. She’s having fun spending your money.”

I laugh at that. “Maybe I shouldn’t have given her carte blanche.”’

He takes a sip of beer. “Nah, she won’t do you wrong, Anchor.”

Not purposely, no.

Turning the conversation back to him, I ask, “How’s Sahara’s surprise room coming?”

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