Page 14 of Just My Puck
I let my eyes rove around the room, then glance at the clothes in my hands. As weird as it feels, it also feels safe. I’m dying for a shower, but that soft bed is calling my name. So, I quickly get changed and collapse into its warm embrace. Closing my eyes, I allow myself to be transported by the fresh smell of Caleb’s clothes. I feel lucky to have stumbled into him, or rather, the other way around. He’s a great guy, not to mention incredibly hot. Not that it matters.
The thought brings a pang to my chest. I still don’t know who I am, but I’m pretty sure I don’t date guys like him. He’shim, and I’m—well—I’m pretty sure I’m a hot mess, if these last few hours are any indication.
6
"You definitely have a career in breakfast cooking, if the hockey thing doesn’t work out.”
Caleb Hawthorne
When my alarm blares from my bedside table, it takes me a second to remember why I’m so exhausted. Then, it all falls into place again. I hop out of bed and take a quick shower, my mind fixating on Jane. I wonder if she’s up yet, and if she’s hungry.
I head downstairs, but her bedroom door is still closed and I don’t hear any noise from inside. Grabbing the clothing that’s piled by the door, I continue all the way down to the family room, where the laundry room is, and put her clothes in for a wash. I’m sure she’ll be happy to wear something other than my Raptors sweats.
I’m whipping up breakfast in the kitchen when she walks down the stairs, her medical patch still hiding one of her beautiful deep-brown eyes. “Hey there,” I call.
“Ahoy, matey,” she chirps back, making me laugh.
“Right. Forgot I was hosting a pirate.”
“Sorry,” she says with a chuckle. “Frankly, I’m not sure where that’s all coming from. I’m a little worried about myself.”
“Don’t be. It’s fine,” I laugh, kind of impressed that she’s taking this all so lightly. I don’t know how I’d react if I woke up in a hospital with no recollection of who I was, but I doubt I’d be so chill about it. Then again, she might just be good at covering up her anxiety. I can see there’s something deeper in her eye—even if it’s just the one. “I wasn’t sure what you liked for breakfast, so I went for a classic omelet with a side of bacon.”
“Honestly, I don’t know either.” She shrugs. “But it smells delicious. Wow, it’s beautiful out there,” she adds, gazing through the large sliding glass door that exits to the small patio.
“Yeah, I like having an outdoorspace to relax. Don’t use it much, but it’s nice to have a drink there in the summer or fire up the grill. Coffee?”
“Oh, yes please,” she says, sounding eager. I put the pod in the machine to brew her some coffee, then continue working on breakfast. Once it’s finished, I grab a plate to serve her food.
She glances at the single plate. “What about you? You don’t eat breakfast?”
“I eat at the arena,” I say, glancing at the clock. “I’m the captain, so I like to eat with my teammates.”
“Oh, right. You didn’t have to make me breakfast, then. I could have figured this out, I’m sure.”
“It’s my pleasure. You’re my guest, after all.” I offer her a smile. “Oh, speaking of, I was thinking I could introduce you to Marissa and Beth. They’re friends of mine who are dating my teammates.”
Her cheeks redden. “Oh, thanks, but that’s not necessary. I’m fine staying here.”
I scratch my head. “You’re not supposed to be alone, remember? And I have practice—”
“I’m not a child, Caleb.” She gives me a pointed look, then chuckles, shaking her head. “I’m just really tired, and I’d like to take a breather here for today, you know? Plus, my vision is still only at fifty percent, so it might be for the best. Tomorrow, maybe?”
I hesitate, but I can tell she really needs some alone time, and I don’t want to push it. She did suffer a concussion, so staying home and resting is probably a good idea. I can only imagine how weird this is for her. I guess she still needs a few hours to process everything.
“Okay, yeah. Feel free to use anything around the house. TV’s downstairs in the family room with pretty much every streaming service you can imagine. I also have a bathtub in my master bathroom, if you want to relax, and there’s plenty of food in the fridge. Oh, and your clothes are in the washer downstairs.”
“As always, you’re very kind,” she says with a small smile.
“Practice will wrap up around three p.m. I don’t have a game tonight, so I’ll come right back.”
“Sounds good. This breakfast is superb, by the way. You definitely have a career in breakfast cooking, if the hockey thing doesn’t work out.”
A chuckle escapes me as I wipe down the counter. “Good to know. Although, I’ve been at it for over ten years now, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. Anyway, I’m sorry, but I really have to get going. See you later?”
“Oh, yeah, of course. I’m allgood here. Don’t worry about me.”
I hesitate for a second. Leaving her here feels wrong, but I also know I can’t blow off my duties as captain.
