Page 63 of Ice Contact

“Okay, Mom. What did you need to tell me?”

“I want to make sure you’re actually okay, and I need more details about you and Olivia,” she says, wiggling her eyebrows, and I can’t help but laugh.

“I think you are more interested in the second part of that question than the first.”

“Listen, I am old. I live alone. Other people’s relationships are my livelihood. Soyes, I want to know how it’s going.”

“She is amazing, Mom. I don’t know what else to say. She’s gorgeous, funny. She’s an unbelievably talented singer, and sheloveshockey. And when I give her shit, she gives it right back to me. She has not left my side since she arrived at the hospital. She helped me call and text everyone, helped me walk to the bathroom when I got a little dizzy this morning…Mom, she even started my laundry. I don’t know what I did to deserve her.”

“You are a good man, that’s what you did to deserve her. You take care of everyone around you all the time. You paid off my house, for Pete’s sake. You deserve someone to take care of you like you take care of the world.” She pauses, a faraway look in her eye. “I know I’ve only met her over the phone, but…I like her.” My mom winks at me with a giant grin on her face.Holy shit. She has never said she liked anyone I’ve dated. She for sure did not like Chelsea, always referring to her asGold DiggerorCheating Gold Diggeronce the truth came out.

“I like her too. A lot. I’ve never loved anything like this outside of hockey.”Wow…I just said that out loud.My heart is pounding in my chest. “Mom, she’s the one. I knew it from the moment I first saw her.”

“I’m so happy for you, honey. I really am,” she says wiping a tear from her eye. “I may take that flight just to meet her in person.”

“Not to see your only son and make sure he’s okay?!” I raise an eyebrow at her and give her a wincing smile, my body still in pain but my heart so fucking happy that my amazing mom gets me. But that doesn’t mean I can’t give her the same shit I’ve given her my whole life.

“Well, that too,” she laughs, “But I can see you’re in good hands, so that helps.”

“Actually, Mom, why don’t you hold off on booking that flight. I have an idea, and I may need your help.”

My in-home prison sentence is finally over, which means I have my screens back and the first thing I’m going to do is watch that Muppets movie. Despite feeling like shit for days, I’ve enjoyed spending time with Olivia. She’s been my saving grace through this entire shitty ordeal. My heart swells at the way she’s taken care of me. Even in the little things like making sure I took my meds on time and reading to me in bed. Everything from sports scores, league news, and even a few chapters from what she calls her smut books.Who knew women were reading this word porn, and why has it been kept a secret from us men?!

We also talked about a lot of real things while holed up in my apartment. Our family dynamics growing up, the fact we both want to start a family someday, the sometimes-shitty nature ofbeing in the league and having to pack up and move your entire life at the drop of a hat. Luckily, I have a no-trade clause for the next three years in my contract, but three years will be up before you know it.

Today though, Olivia is dropping me off at the practice facility to get evaluated by our doctors and trainers before running to her house to grab some of her things and catch up on work. I feel like a kid getting dropped off and picked up, but I don’t mind another excuse to be with Olivia for a few more minutes of the day.

“What’s the word, Doc? I’m feeling great. Fog is gone. No more headaches or light sensitivity. I’m ready to play.”

“I know you’re itching to get back out there, Larsy, but these things take time,” Dr. Gregory says, glancing down at my chart before eyeing me warily. “I’m going to clear you to skatefor now, and we’ll re-evaluate after you get a couple of sessions under your belt.”

“I’ll take it.” I sigh, dropping my head back to stare at the ceiling. “Better than nothing. You know, I actually skate better than I walk.”

“I’m sure that’s true, but it’s my job to make sure you can do both and stay healthy. So, you’re cleared to skate for tomorrow’s practice only, and we’ll take the rest of the week day-to-day. Deal?”

“Deal. Thanks Doc!” I shout, literally racing toward the locker room. The first thing I do is grab my phone and text Olivia the good news.

Hayes

Cleared to skate tomorrow! No games yet, but skating is a big win.

Olivia

YESSS!!! So happy for you!

Let’s celebrate tonight!

Hayes

And how do you propose we celebrate?

A wicked grin spreads across my face.I am so ready to get my hands on every inch of my siren.

Olivia

Well…what else are you cleared to do?

Hayes

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