Page 44 of Open Net

He kissed Chloe and then let himself out.

“Come on, Chica,” Chloe told me. “Get into your most comfortable pajamas and I’ll get the ice cream. We’re having a movie night.”

“In my bed?”

She nodded. “It’s just what you need.”

I didn't bother arguing about making a mess. I knew better. I felt guilty for a second about not going down to talk to Olli myself, but I wasn’t ready to. I didn’t really want to see him yet. Tonight would give us both time to cool off and not say or do anything while emotions were still high.

Was I a coward for letting Reese be my spokesman? Maybe, but being a coward with ice cream and my best friend didn’t sound too bad. Especially when that best friend was a baby whisperer. I might just be able to get more than four hours of sleep tonight.

“And in the morning, we can go over plans for the gala.” She turned to her bag, luckily missing me roll my eyes. I’d completely forgotten about that. The fundraiser she’d asked me to help her with.

It wasn’t like I could tell her no. After all she’d done for me lately, plus staying with me tonight. She was a saint. I couldn’t let her down when she only asked for one thing from me in return.

“Sounds good,” I lied. “Maybe if Jackson is in a good mood we could go out for breakfast and talk about it.”

She nodded. “Perfect.”

12

Olli

I promised myself, Emma and Erik that I could get things under control. Even though everything around me felt like it was crumbling, I had to hold myself together. I couldn't…wouldn’t...let it happen again.

The fear in Emma’s eyes haunted me the most. It was something I’d never seen before, and never wanted to see again.

I swung my legs over the side of the guest bed and gently stretched my knee, rubbing the exposed area.

I was still in denial about my injury, my marriage, my life. More than anything I was disappointed in myself. In failing Emma.

Our relationship had always been one of laughter and joy. When we’d met, I was a second-round draft pick. In over my head but floating on air. My college roommate was getting married the summer before my first NHL season. I was a groomsman and Emma was a bridesmaid. She knew the bride from high school. We never should have met, but fate brought us together.

I wouldn’t ever say it was love at first sight. The guys on the team would mock me forever, but that’s what it was. I saw her before the wedding and knew I had to talk to her. During the reception, I found a chance to talk to her and asked her to dance.

After a few songs we ended up sitting alone at a table near the dance floor completely oblivious to the world around us. All that existed was me and her. Hours passed with us talking and laughing and getting to know everything about each other. By the end of the night, I had her number and a plan to fly out to see her the next week.

By the end of the summer, I started training with the Utah Fury and Emma moved to Salt Lake to be closer to me. The following March we were married.

Our relationship was a whirlwind and I loved every second of it. It was bliss. We rarely fought and never raised our voices at each other. Any disagreements ended up in compromise and understanding. I was proud of what we had. I wanted to be an example of a good husband to the rest of the guys. I wanted our marriage to be a standard of what they should reach for.

But now?

I was ashamed. Emma and I had never felt like strangers, until now. We were more like roommates than husband and wife. We lived in the same house, but rarely saw each other. I tried to be gone as much as possible, training and meeting with Coach and my agent to work on new deals.

I knew I should be at home helping with Jackson, but ever since the night of my injury one of the girls was over without fail. They coordinated a schedule so Emma always had help, even at night. When I was home, I felt like I got in the way. Unneeded. The only time I got with Jackson was before I left for physical therapy in the mornings.

I couldn’t feel bad about that though. I’d have as much time with him as I wanted if I asked. If I made any effort.

I slowly stood from the bed and pulled on a shirt before heading to the kitchen. I didn’t need the crutch anymore, but it was still a struggle getting upstairs and jumping or skating. Walking was about the only thing I could do with only minor pain.

“Good morning.” Emma sounded cautious. Her blonde hair, that I loved running my fingers through, was damp and the smell of her floral shampoo filled the room.

This was her new tone speaking to me. It broke my heart. I smiled and moved to give her a hug. When I put my arms around her, she tensed, just slightly. It was enough for me to notice. It would take time to repair the damage I’d caused, but I was willing to fight to get us there.

“Hey, Olli.” I flinched at Kendall speaking my name. I still wasn’t used to having people in the house at all hours.

I released Emma and turned to see Kendall smiling at me. “Hey.”