Page 44 of Stick Work

He leans in, and his smile says it all. He loves talking about his fiancée, and while I love talking about Taylor, I have to rein that shit in.

“She’s going to love it.”

Soon enough, we’re joined by a few of the other guys and conversation falls to hockey and our next game as we order food. Every now and then, a few of the guys check their phones and I resist the urge to do the same. They all order a second beer, but I cut mine off, just wanting to finish the one I’m nursing.

I glance up and search for the little boys room. When I spot it, I excuse myself. Walking by the bar, a quiet female voice catches my attention and I turn to find a brunette sitting alone, her eyes on me.

“Sorry to bother you,” she apologizes, a nervous look on her face. “I saw you get mobbed earlier and I didn’t want to interrupt you while you’re here with your teammates. I’m not like those women.” She shakes her head. “I mean…There is nothing wrong with those women, I just didn’t come to the hotel looking for a hockey player or anything,” she clarifies. “I’m a mortgage broker, here for a convention, and, well, my nephew is a big fan.”

“It’s okay. You want an autograph?”

She nods and laughs lightly. “If he knew I saw you and didn’t get an autograph, he’d disown me.”

I grab a clean napkin. “This okay?”

“Perfect.” She quickly rifles through her purse for a pen. “I really appreciate this.”

“Not a problem, and that’s really nice that you didn’t want to interrupt.”

“I’m sure you can’t go anywhere.”

“I do love my fans, but quiet time is nice too.” I think about the quiet time I’m going to have with Taylor later, and can’t help but smile. I notice her phone. “Want to get a picture for your nephew.”

Her eyes go wide. “Really. I’d love to but I didn’t want to ask too much. I respect your right to some down-time.”

“It’s all good.”

She opens her phone to take a picture of me and I hold my arm out to her. “How about a selfie.”

“Ohmigod, Walker is going to die.”

She leans into me and takes a couple of pictures. “Thanks so much.”

“My pleasure.”

She sits back down. “He’s asleep, but I’m going to send it to him now.” She gives me a grateful smile. “You have a great night.”

“You too.” With that, I head to the little boys room, and afterward, at the table, I finish my beer and say my good-byes to the guys, who are all just about ready to go to bed too.

Once I get to my room, the first thing I do is strip down to my boxers, and crawl into bed. Once I’m comfortable, I grab my phone, open my contact list and hit video chat. It rings a couple times, and a breathless Taylor answers.

“Did I catch you at a bad time?”

“Nope, I was just enjoying your big tub, and my phone was on the nightstand. I had to run to get it.”

“You want a minute? I can call you back.”

“Nope, I’m just crawling into bed. To get comfortable.” She stifles a yawn and gives me a grin.

“You weren’t comfortable in front of the fire?” I stretch out and slide my legs under the blankets.

Her brow pinches together as she shakes her head. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t get it lit. I think the wood was damp.”

“I’m sorry. I should have brought wood in. I’ll do that when I get home.”

“Will you wear plaid and carry an axe?”

I laugh. “Lumberjack fantasy?”

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