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“We’re your best friends, dickhead. Of course you’d tell us when you were potentially making the biggest fuckup of your career,” Asher says quietly.
He’s not wrong, but none of them know what it’s like to have Caroline.
“Listen, we’re just worried, brother. That’s all. We’re here, always. Just know we have your back,” Briggs says.
This week is about showing the coaching staff and Coach how we work together as a team. The new recruits, a guy from North Carolina and a guy from Washington, are being brought on. This is the time they really get to see how the rookies work with us vets. See who does better together on the ice and who doesn’t work together fluidly.
Plus, training camp is open to the public, which means an entire week with every eye on you. Which makes me even more on edge since I have a secret that could ruin my entire career.
“Man, I’m ready to be home. I miss Mads and the kids,” Briggs says, plopping down on the bench and reaching for his water bottle, squirting a stream all over himself to cool down. “I hate being away from them.”
Reed and Asher both grumble in agreement as they collapse next to him. All three of them have been progressively grumpier as the week wears on, all itching for camp to be over so they can rush home to their families.
I, for one, have never really had that feeling. Someone at home to miss or to want to hurry back to see. Sure, I miss my parents and Hailey, but it’s not like they’re waiting at my house for me when I walk through the door. And lately, I’ve found myself wanting it. Wanting to have someone at home waiting for me, and now, specifically, a petite, blonde, curvy bombshell that rocks my fucking world.
“Coach said we’re done, so I’m gonna head to the showers. Briggs, are we still having the get-together at your house?” I ask as I turn toward the locker room so I can shower the seventeen pounds of sweat off my body before I head home.
“Yeah, I’ll text the group tomorrow. I better not hear from you assholes at all tonight because the second I walk through that door, I am dragging my wife to our bedroom.”
“Gross. I’d rather not think of you and your wife partaking in any activities,” Asher says. “But same. I’m unavailable until tomorrow. Gotta spend some time with my girl.”
And with that, I’m out. I’ve heard enough about these three fuckers’ sex lives. Trust me, I’ve had enough of listening to them talk about getting their wives pregnant and how at least one of them at any given time wants another kid. Either that, or it’s some gross kid shit that makes my stomach turn.
I love my nieces and nephews, but there’s only so much I can take.
I take a quick shower and check my bag, ensuring I have everything before tossing a bye to the guys over my shoulder as I walk out of the practice facility. There are a few fans still hanging around the exit, so I sign a few jerseys, take a few selfies, and then I’m home free.
Once I get in my car, I pull my phone from my jogger pocket, checking my notifications before pulling the thread with Caroline up.
Hudson: Can’t fucking wait to see you, Bubblegum.
Hudson: I may or may not be thinking about all the panties I’m going to be ripping off once I see you.
Caroline: Maybe I just won’t wear any so you can’t ruin any more. I’m a broke college girl, Romeo. I can’t afford your panty fetish.
I smirk, texting back.
Hudson: Don’t make me wait any longer, I need you in my bed. My pool feels very empty without you…
Caroline: That’s because you’re stupid rich, and it’s stupidly large.
Chuckling, I toss my phone onto the console and turn my car on, then pull out onto the highway.
My house is only a few minutes outside of the city, and the drive is quick when traffic is low, so I’m pulling into my giant driveway less than thirty minutes later.
I might not have anyone waiting at home for me, but I have a king-size bed with fresh sheets that’re just calling my fucking name. Once I park, I grab my hockey bag from the back seat and head inside.
Heavy silence greets me as I walk through the door and toss my bag onto the floor in the mudroom. Maybe I should get a dog? Hailey could take care of it for me when I’m on the road, and then I won’t have to come home to an empty house anymore.
My phone rings in my pocket, pulling me from thoughts, which is probably a good thing because I probably don’t need a damn dog. Doesn’t mean I don’t want one though, now that I’ve gotten the thought in my head.
Wren’s name flashes on the screen when I finally get it out of my pocket. Swiping, I answer, “What’s up, kid?”
“Hey. Uh, are you home from training camp yet?”
I open the fridge, pulling a Powerade from the stocked shelf. “Just walked through the door. Why, what’s up with you?”
“Wanna get a skate in? I… I just wanna get out of my house for a while. It’s okay if you’re busy. I know you’re probably exhausted as fu—”
