Page 79 of Skating the Blue Line
When Chloe notices that I’m not with my dad, she turns until she meets my gaze and gives me a sweet smile that I want to spend the rest of the day looking at.
If I wasn’t the man that I was, I would go against what me and Chloe agreed on and make her mine in every single way that I could.
She would be living with me permanently and not thinking about moving out when the baby comes.
I want her with me at times until she grows tired of me.
But we did agree and I’m an idiot that can’t get his emotions for a woman in check.
And it’s not like she feels the same way.
Ever since she’s moved in, things have become more and more platonic. Even calling me one of her best friends a lot more often.
I just don’t know if the increase of the word friend in her vocabulary is for my sake or hers.
Given the circumstances, I’m pretty sure it’s for mine and so that I don’t forget where we stand.
I was friend zoned and hard.
But I can live with it, for now at least.
After another minute of hearing my mother talk about her plants, Chloe finally makes her way over to me.
“Ready to go?” she asks me, her pregnancy glow all that more vibrant.
“Ready if you are.” I say to her. Very much wanting to pull her in so that I can kiss her.
If I didn’t have ice time later today in preparation for our game tomorrow, we would be staying another night. But unfortunately work duties call.
Chloe gives me a nod before walking back to my parents and giving them both a hug goodbye.
“Did your dad talked to you?” my mom whispers in my ear when it’s my turn to say goodbye.
God, this woman will never let it go.
“He did,” I say, pulling away from her.
“And?” she asks, the excitement in her eyes dancing.
I hate to disappoint my mom, I really do, but what she wants is not something I can give her. Not right now.
“And nothing has changed, Ma. Chloe and I are still just friends. The baby is our number one priority right now.” I say to her, really glad that Chloe isn’t within hearing distance.
“Such a bummer. She would make an honest man out of you.” she says shaking her head at me.
Again with the honest crap.
“Dad told me that I should make an honest woman out of her.”
My mom lets out a snort and continues to shake her head. “Honey, Chloe does not need you to make her into anything. She’s a strong independent woman, she doesn’t need a man. On the other hand, you need a woman to show you how to live life and realize that you can’t survive with just hockey. Chloe is that woman.”
I don’t know if I should be offended that my mom thinks that I need a woman in my life or not. It’s not like I only live and breathe hockey.
Maybe during the season but not all year long.
Take this season for example. Sure, I’m concentrating on getting the team to the playoffs and winning the cup, but I’m also thinking about Chloe and the baby.
My life isn’tjusthockey. I don’tneedit to survive.
