Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“Um, yes, I do,” I reply, turning to head toward the bathroom, aware of his presence following closely behind.
“What’s your favorite food, Luci?” he asks quietly, his voice almost a whisper as Cole listens in, his curiosity piqued. I glance back at him, and it’s a mistake. He’s leaning casually against the doorframe, his arms crossed, showcasing the definition of his muscles in that snug blue athletic shirt paired with sweatpants. I quickly grab the towel I was reaching for and sit on the floor to wipe up the water.
“I have a few favorites. I like to eat too much for just one,” I mumble, helping Cole wash his hair.
“But what are they, Luci?” Cole presses, his eyes wide with anticipation.
“Mmm, chocolate, pasta, and Chinese food is probably my absolute favorite. Oh, and that chicken and rice casserole Baker made the other night! Steaks and mashed potatoes are heavenly, and anything with cheese-don’t get me started on cr?me br?l?e… I guess I really do love food!” I make a funny face at Cole, and he giggles in response. After helping him rinse off, I mention that I’ll grab his pajamas.
As I pull them from the drawer, Easton asks Cole if he wants to wear his shark robe. Cole’s face lights up with excitement, and I search the drawer blankly for the robe. “It’s in the closet behind you, top shelf,” Easton says, rubbing the towel over Cole’s hair. I nod and open the closet, my eyes catching a glimpse of the shark robe hanging just out of reach. I jump, but it’s still too high. Suddenly, I feel the warmth radiating from Easton behind me, and without looking, I know he’s right there.
“Here, I’ll grab it, short stuff,” he offers, his hand effortlessly reaching up to snag the robe. Instead of stepping back, he unrolls it over my head, and I slip past him, exhaling slowly. Apparently, I had been holding my breath.
“You guys were a big hit at the game! Your new friend has connections with the camera guy,” he teases, and I wince, looking down.
“Sorry, I know I’m supposed to be hidden. But the boys were so excited, and she doesn’t know about me yet. I promise it won’t happen again,” I mumble, feeling a bit sheepish.
“I’m sure your coach lost it,” he replies, and a finger gently pushes my chin up, forcing me to meet his gaze.
“You shouldn’t be hidden. We don’t care what Humphries says, sweetness. It WILL happen at the next game. Cole loved it, and so did the team.” He smirks slowly, releasing my chin and tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You have bubbles on your ear.”
“Oh. Too much bubble bath,” I reply, feeling slightly embarrassed. Wow, Luci, great talking skills today.
“Dinner’s ready!” Baker calls down the hallway, and Cole grabs my hand eagerly.
“I’m a hungry shark! Are you hungry, Luci?” Easton takes hold of Cole’s other hand, keeping him nestled between us.
“I should probably head home and let you eat dinner with your daddy,” I protest, but Cole shakes his head adamantly.
“No, you have to put me to bed! You promised!”
“I did, didn’t I? Alright, I’ll stay,” I concede, smiling at him.
The other three are gathered with Baker, making plates and setting the table. “Cole the shark, what would you like to drink? We have the finest water or apple juice for you to choose from,” Baker asks, grinning widely.
“Apple juice!” Cole declares, bouncing into his chair at the table. I help push his chair in.
“And for Luci Lou?” Baker inquires, glancing at me expectantly.
Before I can respond, I hear Easton chime in. “She wants sweet tea. It’s what she always gets when it’s in the fridge. Baker, did you make a new pitcher today?” I turn, doing a double take as I see him removing the pitcher from the fridge. Cole calls my name, thankfully breaking my stunned silence. How did he know that?
“I did! Luci likes her tea,” Baker replies with a smile, and I return it, feeling a warmth in my chest. He really does spoil me.
Just as I’m about to head to the stove to make my plate, a glass of tea appears in front of me, and I notice Easton setting down my plate while pointing to the chair. Cole chatters excitedly about his upcoming Thanksgiving program, carefully avoiding mentioning his role in it. He doesn’t bring up our encounter with Maxton, which I might need to tell Easton about since Cole was there. But I assume Easton knows him, given he’s on the team.
“I made chocolate cake!” Baker announces as we finish our meal.
“Baker is the best!” Cole exclaims, and I can’t help but laugh.
“High praise, Mr. Cole,” Baker chuckles, clearly pleased.
“Baker is the best,” I add with a warm smile, trying to ignore the fact that Easton has been staring at me intently all night.
Easton
“I’ll walk you out to your car. Did you really only wear that thin sweater? It’s freezing outside, Luci.” She had been mostly quiet during dinner, but Cole always dominates the conversation.
“Well, I was inside the whole time, and I left my coat at home when Cole and I stopped by to grab something. It seemed silly to turn around for it since we weren’t playing outside,” she explains, her voice slightly flustered. She’s been off balance all night, which is exactly what I intended. I want her to realize she has my full attention.
I grab my extra hoodie, which I left by the front door, and tell her to stop. “Here.” I pull it over her head, and she looks up at me, her eyes wide with surprise. “It’s really thick. Should keep you warm.” I can’t help but chuckle as she stares at me, seemingly speechless. “Arms in, sweetness. Gotta dress you like Cole, huh?”
She snaps out of her daze, slipping her arms inside. “You didn’t have to, but thank you. It is warm.”
“Have to take care of our Luci,” I say, watching her face scrunch up in confusion, and I suppress a laugh. Oh sweetness, you think I don’t want you? Now I get to prove you wrong.
The walk to her car is silent, the air thick with unspoken words. “Goodnight, Luci,” I say, breaking the quiet.
“Night,” she replies softly before slipping into her car. I pull out my phone and text Sydney. I had cornered her earlier in the day, explaining what Luci did. She agreed to help, but only after threatening to cut my balls off and feed them to wildlife if I hurt Luci. “What’s her favorite flower?”
“Sunflowers, those big colorful daisies, and that’s probably it. Luci’s never gotten flowers from a guy except my brother at graduation,” she responds.
That infuriates me. “What did he get her?”
“Half a dozen tulips.”