Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 327(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 218(@300wpm)
We laughed and I rested my head in my hands.
After our dinner, Tori pulled into the parking lot and turned off the car as I took a quick look around. I slipped the sweater off and replaced it with the jersey, grinning as I looked down. “I never thought I’d be wearing one of these.”
“I could say the same. I didn’t doubt I’d hook up with a player, but wearing a jersey and all that shit was far from my mind.” Tori fingered the hem of her shirt with Justin’s last name and shook her head. “Let’s go support our guys.”
We headed in and found our seats, greeting the others around us. It was the usual group of wives and girlfriends, along with some family members. I was starting to feel comfortable with everybody and blushed as they teased me about my jersey.
They announced the teams, and we all screamed as they entered the rink. They waved and skated their usual laps before getting to practicing for the few moments before the puck drop. The other group wasn’t a big rival, but fans showed them they weren’t welcome here. I laughed and looked around at all the people here to support our team, apart from the few who traveled two states over to see their guys play.
The game began and moved fast as the puck was kept at one end and then the other. They were both hungry, but Justin as a center scored a goal. I raised my hands in the air as Tori hugged me, feeling like a part of something.
I knew that I had people who loved me. They showed it every chance they got, but now, I had a real future ahead of me. I’d be working doing what I loved, and I had a man supporting me every step of the way. I raised my hand to touch the necklace tucked underneath my shirt, remembering how I felt when I saw it. I had no idea what would happen, but I was happy. I liked where I was.
I was brought back to reality when the other team scored a goal. We responded appropriately, and I watched intently until the familiar noise sounded, giving the guys a break. I leaned back and reached for my water as Ryder winked at me. I blushed and dropped my face forward, loosening my hair as I remembered the color that I used. I shook my hair loose and looked around again as music filled the air.
It was a two-goal victory for the team, and we cheered, standing up as they circled the ice. We all knew that there would be dinner or something and went to our usual spot to wait for them to do press and shower.
Everyone agreed on drinks, and Ryder took my hand as he led me to Tori’s car. He drove in with one of the other guys and was going to join us for the ride. I laughed when he opened the back seat and told me to get inside, lifting my body to place me on the seat. I protested before he kissed me, silencing me as he pressed into me.
“Oh, come on you two. Wait until you get home,” Tori said from the front seat as he laughed and pulled away.
“Get in there and give me some room, woman.”
I complied, and we buckled our seatbelts before she headed to the bar where I first met him. I walked in and looked around, remembering the last time I was there. I was preparing for my show and so far away from being anywhere near being in a relationship. Ryder took my hand as we walked to the table crowded with players as cheers filled the room. He grinned around the smiling faces and slipped his arm around me when we reached the table.
“Would you like a margarita?”
“You remember,” I said as I gazed into his eyes, lost in their depths.
“I’ll always remember the night we met, Elyse. You took my breath away.” With his free hand, he stroked my cheek, and I gripped his jacket to hold on.
“I will, too.”
He leaned in to kiss me softly, and I just forgot about our surroundings when the group began to yell at us. It was all in a joking manner, but I blushed and pulled away, looking down as Ryder chuckled.
“They’re just jealous.”
We arranged a drink order, and Ryder went with Justin to order as I stood beside Tori. She looked at me with a huge smile, and I raised my eyebrow.
“What’s that look for?”
“You two are crazy for each other,” she slowly said, and I rolled my eyes.
“Whatever. How about you and Justin?” I shot back, and a dreamy look crossed her face.
“Okay, we’re in the same boat. I admit it.” We both laughed and hugged each other for a moment before our guys returned with drinks. They found our seats and I sat with Tori as they stood at the table to balance talking to us and fans. I watched as he gave them his attention and graciously thanked them for their continued support. He did it in a way that was friendly but not flirtatious with the women, making me wonder when he did take advantage of his status as a player. It was clear that women would throw themselves at the feet of any player by the way they acted. It was a little gross, and I looked at Ryder again to remind myself of what I had with him.