Page 5 of Keeper
I sighed. “My contract situation with Dallas. Just seeing if anything has changed on either party’s end.”
Her eyes glimmered with hope. “And?”
“Nothing’s changed on my end. As far as I know, the Devils haven’t budged off their extension offer, either. But they know my stance.”
My stance?Use hockey. Don’t let hockey use you.
But Kelsey had other ideas about my stance. “New York or bust!” she blurted out, barely able to contain her smile.
I raised an eyebrow at her. “If New York offers me the biggest contract, then sure, I’ll sign with New York.”
“Wha’?” Her face soured with confusion. “But you said you’d sign in New York and then we could be together.”
“No …” I said, my voice calm and measured. “That’s not what I said. I said I’d sign with New Yorkifthey offered me the best contract.”
Her shoulders slumped. “But how much do youreallyneed, Tanner?” she asked, rubbing her forearms. “Is an extra million or two per yearreallythat big of a difference when you’re already making life-changing money?”
“It does make a difference, yeah. I can’t play hockey forever. The money I make now has to last the rest of my life. And if I ever have kids, I don’t want them to have to worry about money, either.”
“But what about us?” she asked meekly.
“Whataboutus, Kelsey?”
“Well, we’ve been together for almost six months now.”
“Together,” I repeated. “We’re not together.”
“Sorry.” She huffed. “Iwould’vesaid we’ve been ‘dating’ for six months, but you already bit my hand off for saying that word.” She was growing agitated. “I guess I should’ve said we’ve been ‘having fun’ for six months. Do you like that version better, Tanner? Did I use the right words this time?”
“Kelsey. Listen.” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about us.”
“Which is?”
“That we’re exclusive.” I set my hand on her knee. “You’re not the only one I’m seeing, Kels.”
She cast her hurt eyes away from me. “I hate it when you tell me you still see other girls. It breaks my heart when you tell me that. I told you before, I’d rather not even know about them at all.”
“And so I stopped telling you. But then you start talking like we’re boyfriend and girlfriend.” I let out a deep breath. “Kelsey, I told you from the very start that I’m not looking for a relationship.”
She crossed her arms. “Guess whatliterallyevery single boyfriend I’ve ever had said when we first started dating?” She deepened her voice to sound like a stereotypical dumb bro.“ ‘Uhhh, babe, I like you, but I’m not looking for a relationship right now.’ So how am I supposed to know when you guys actually mean the words you say, and aren’t just saying it to look cool or sound macho or whatever?”
I scratched my neck. “Honestly? I have no idea.”
“Great. Thanks for the help,” she said, bitterly rolling her eyes. “So this whole time, I’ve been falling for you, but a serious relationship was the last thing on your mind? You were happy just getting laid?”
I pursed my lips. I felt guilty, even though I’d been pretty clear about it since day one.
“Unbelievable.Unbelievable, Tanner.”
Even though I’d been honest about my intentions, I still felt bad. It’s not like I enjoy breaking hearts.
“I’m sorry I can’t be more to you,” I said. “But like I said from the very beginning, I’m not ready to settle down.”
The air between us had grown quiet and tense. I eyed my suit, which laid in a crumpled heap on the floor.
“Maybe I should go,” I said as I sat up.
“Wait.” She clenched at my forearm. “Don’t go. I’m over it.”
