Page 14 of Rock Pucking Bottom

While I was sure he was holding something back, this was still a good breakthrough moment.

I loved how honest he was being with me. So many hockey players were bigger than life and really filled a room. I'd noticed how he was much quieter than those guys during any interviews.

"Let me guess, you could relax a little bit when you drank?"

"Not quite. More it numbed so much of the outside triggers, and it felt like I could open to the new guys. Sadly, it was easier to be numb, and despite going out with the guys, I never opened up to them."

My heart went out to him since you could feel the loneliness in his voice, and I just wanted to make it go away. At least, he realized why he was using alcohol. I really wanted to ask more, but I didn't want to push too hard and have him shut down.

Instead, I pointed out, "Well, I'm no hockey expert, but I watch more than my fair share. It seems like you're connecting with the guys more and there's better chemistry than a couple weeks ago."

He grunted out an agreement but didn't say anything more.

I wanted to make a joke about getting adopted by an extrovert and that was why he was opening up to others. Instead, a yawn escaped. He was a couple hours ahead since he was playing in Dallas.

It was time to dig into his problems so both of us could get some much-needed sleep.

"Sorry. I'm crashing. So Mr. Introvert, did you want me to talk you out of drinking tonight, or is the call about something else?"

Eoghan was quiet, but I could hear his breathing. I let him have the space to think about what he was saying. "Would it be weird if I told you that I wanted to hear your voice since I missed seeing you today?"

The thought of a big, famous hockey player being interested in little old me was flattering yet unbelievable. I was younger than him and only conventionally pretty. He could have any girl that he wanted.

Besides, the bigger issue was the fact that his words were verging on the flirtatious. We had a working relationship. I was supposed to be helping him to get clean and sober. We can’t be dating even if I have that fantasy.

"Not weird, but it's surprising."

Didn't he realize I wasn't anything special? Just an ex-addict who liked hockey and was trying to build a life in Vancouver.

"Why's that?"

He really didn't know, but I didn't want to sound so defeated or terrible. Instead, I told him about my other truth.

The truth that I continued to fight with. It was entirely inappropriate to date him. As if it wasn’t bad enough that he was in my group, he was just starting to get clean and he should wait before he got into any relationship. Yet there was something about his soul that intrigued me and I started to fantasize and loved our nightly chats.

"Well, I've thought about you too, so it's fair play."

Something about his tone shifted and I could imagine his beautiful face. "You have? All good things too?"

"Of course." It was fun to flirt with him, and another yawn escaped, but it was even longer than the last one.

"Well, I'll let you go. It was great to hear your voice. Don't be afraid to call."

Chapter 12

Emmy

Eoghanhadahellof a game. He had three points and two blocked shots. It was probably one of his best games since joining the team, which made me curious to know how often he was playing under the influence in the previous games. Probably almost all of them.

At least he was getting clean.

Now the real question was, would he call me or would he try to go out with his friends?

Thankfully, I didn't have to wait too long since I heard his personalized ringtone, a hockey goal horn. I quickly accepted the call. "Good game."

He snorted. It sounded like he was shifting his position some. I was tempted to ask what he was up to, but I gave him privacy. It was already enough that he was calling me instead of hanging out with his teammates and potentially getting into trouble.

He sighed before asking, "So, what's your story?"

---