Page 143 of Unmasking Love
Felix’s elbow pad falls to the ground and I swear the commotion in the locker room comes to a halt like a record scratch.
“So, you were hanging out with Harper?” Felix asks cautiously.
My grin slowly spreads across my face and my teammate’s eyes widen as they wait for confirmation.
“Yeah, Harper’s back and we’re better than ever.”
“Fuck yeah!” Crosby yells and comes to wrap me in a hug. Bryson and Duncan pile on too. Emmett nods at me and continues dressing.
Felix wipes a goddamntear from his eye.
“And you’re healthy?” Crosby asks as the hug breaks up.
“Ship shape!” I tell them but my stomach clenches a little remembering my bout of seasickness. “Doc confirmed my bloodwork came back completely normal, nothing to worry about with my heart.”
Except how it now, unequivocally, belongs to Harper Daniels.
We dress for practice and I get a few minutes in net to take shots. It feels good. Each thud of the puck on my pads notches up my energy level.
It feels good to be back in the rhythm of the team. To practice hard and goof off a little at the end. Harper had an interview over lunch and I am dying to know how it went. And, now that I am a part of the team and staying at least through the end of the season, I don’t worry about her getting a new role and us having to make a decision about a move.
Chapter 43
Harper
His Plan Is Totally Working
Aidenwalksinfrompractice when my phone rings. I smile at him as I pick it up. He's assured me he understands my need to answer the phone pretty much whenever it rings since I’m looking to connect with agencies and clients directly.
But this isn't a client, it's Sean my contractor.
"Hi Sean, how are you?" I ask as Aiden gives me a kiss on the forehead and mouths "I'm going to shower" to me. I nod.
"I'm doing well Harper, especially because I get to tell you the final work is being done today. I just talked to the guys and they are on track to pack up and clear out by dinner time."
"Really? Wow, that is amazing. I thought you'd have another week at least."
"No, the painters brought a couple extra guys so they were done ahead of schedule and today there are touch ups and light fixtures. Do you want to stop by and check things out?"
"Yeah," I think about Aiden's schedule. There isn't a game today so he is done for the day. "Does four work?"
"Absolutely boss, we'll see you then."
"Thanks Sean."
I hang up and lean back against the sofa. I can't believe the house is done. My house.
Our house?
Aiden and I have gotten used to living together. Or at least I've gotten used to living with him. Would he want to move to my house with me?
The fact I am not spiraling with doubt is a testament to how much Aiden has built my self esteem. How he's taught me bravery in the face of the unknown. Of acknowledging my desires and going after them.
I head into the bathroom and smile at Aiden's music playing on the speaker I added to the bathroom. His back is to me and the shower walls are fogged already. Quietly I slip out of my clothes. I drop my hair clip on the counter and open the shower door.
Aiden's blue eyes widen as he turns and I slide my hands up his muscular back.
"Oh, hello," he smiles and turns to pull me under the water with him.
