Page 158 of Scarred

Right now, we’re tired, beat up, and ready to get back home, leaving it all on the ice for now, knowing full well our asses will be worked in the next practice.

When the plane finally comes to a stop, I stand and grab my bag from the overhead, slinging it over my shoulder.

Most of us have already changed back into our suits, but I see a few stand up and drop their sweats to step back into their slacks.

This season, the league finally dropped the mandatory dress code, but Coach still prefers the suits. He’s made it clear that if we are going to represent the Bolts in public, then we need to look professional.

So we do.

Even though it’s a pain in the ass sometimes to change on long flights, it’s become part of our routine to wear them, and a lot of guys in our lineup agree. If you want to be the best, then you need to look the part.

Neckties, on the other hand, are not my thing, so I was glad that Coach approved the open-collar look. Undoing the first couple of buttons, I loosen the collar more so I can breathe before following the line down the aisle.

“God, I miss my fucking wife and son,” Knox mutters once we hit the pavement and head in the direction of our parking.

“How is Jett Jr. doing?” Hayes asks with a grin.

“Give it up, Hayes. He’s not naming his son after you,” Foxx chuckles.

“Beckett Montgomery Stone couldn’t be more perfect. I facetimed them on the plane, and I swear he’s already gained a pound.”

“Enjoy every second,” I say, as I near my black Porsche. “It goes by way too fast.”

“I intend to,” he smiles. “Get some rest, Blade. You earned it after tonight.”

We divide and go our separate ways as I get in the driver’s seat.

I glance at the dashboard.

12:45 a.m.

I know from Mae’s text earlier that Scarlett’s tucked in bed and sound asleep next to her.

Pushing the ignition button, my car roars to life, and it takes me all of two seconds to decide where I need to be as I whip out of the parking lot and head in the direction that I’m being pulled in.

At this late hour, and taking speeds a little faster than I should, I arrive in front of her apartment building just twenty minutes later.

Grabbing my duffle, I’m out the door and walking up her steps before I can think twice about why I came here first.

Knocking on her door, I wait for her to answer. I probably should have called…probably should let her sleep.

There are a lot of probabilities I should and shouldn’t be doing, but they all vanish the moment she opens the door.

Her hair is messy from sleep, and she’s wearing my black Bolts t-shirt that I gave her. My gaze travels down her bare legs ending in perfectly polished pink toes.

“Cayden?” She asks, surprised, her green eyes blinking the sleepy haze from them.

“Hi, little moon,” I say quietly, suddenly feeling the weight of the last week come crashing down on me.

“Did you come straight from the airport?”

Nodding, I step inside when she opens the door wider and drop my bag on the floor. I hear the door shut behind me and turn.

“The thought of going home to an empty bed didn’t feel right. Not when I sleep better next to you.”

“You look exhausted,” she whispers, stepping closer as she peers at me with a concerned look on her face.

“Forty saves will do that to you,” I grunt, taking off my jacket and laying it over the couch.