Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
He appears sheepish, a flicker of vulnerability shining through. “I thought it was silly. Cole begged me to let you sit with him.”
“It’s not silly, just unexpected. And Jackson probably needs to sit in the front anyway,” I respond, my heart fluttering at the thought of spending time with them.
“Hey, Luci!” Jackson greets me as Cole shouts my name with glee. “No one wanted you to come, as you can see. Least of all, really tall people.” He winks at me as Easton climbs into the truck, glaring at his brother for a moment, which makes Jackson smirk at me.
“Glad you came too,” he says, his tone lightening the mood.
He looks away, and I can’t help but hide my smile. I suspect Jackson has a crush on Sydney, though she remains blissfully unaware. I can only hope she opens her eyes and lets go of her past baggage.
We find Sydney and Barrett at the gates, and her face lights up when she sees Jackson. Hmm, maybe it’s not one-sided after all.
“Luci, Daddy, can we walk the lights first? And what is that?” Barrett’s eyes dart around, brimming with excitement.
“A snowball fight section for kids,” I explain, and both boys immediately clamour for that first.
“Snowball fight, then the light walk. By then, it’ll be time for the tree lighting,” Easton outlines, his voice filled with enthusiasm.
“We need to feed them somewhere in there too. Maybe while they walk the light trail?” I muse, and Sydney nods in agreement. Jackson falls into step beside her as we head over. The boys chase each other, laughter ringing out as they race around, joined by two other children. While Sydney and I clean them up from the snow, Easton and Jackson head off to grab pizza and drinks.
We find a table and let them refuel before we embark on the light trail. The boys point out different displays, their excitement palpable as they dart back and forth. Sydney and I begin to create voices for some of the statues, engaging the boys in playful banter that sends them into fits of giggles. Watching them so carefree and happy fills my heart with warmth.
“Time for the tree lighting,” Sydney announces as we leave the last part of the trail behind.
We make our way toward the central area where the massive tree stands, already surrounded by a crowd, making it difficult for the little boys to see. Easton and Jackson exchange glances. “Come here, boys,” Easton calls, lifting Cole onto his shoulders while Jackson does the same for Barrett.
“Handy to have human giants around,” Sydney laughs.
“There are perks to knowing us,” Jackson grins, his charm shining through.
As we settle in to watch a short program featuring one of the elementary school choirs, I feel Easton’s fingers intertwine with mine. I glance up at Cole, a flicker of worry crossing my mind about his safety. “I have him, Luci. I do this a lot,” Easton whispers reassuringly above my head.
The tree lights up, and both boys clap and cheer, their joy infectious. They chatter excitedly about playing the original Grinch cartoon in the movie house, immediately begging to go.
“Jackson and I can grab tickets for that. It’s only thirty minutes long,” Easton says, setting Cole back on his feet.
“I’ll get the cocoa if you grab the cookies,” Sydney offers as the boys dash off to buy tickets for the brief show.
Cole and I stand in line for warm chocolate chip cookies when Julian’s voice cuts through the air behind me. “Someone should know better than to let you around impressionable, undeveloped young minds.” Why does he always appear like a cockroach when I’m happy?
I turn to him, forcing a sweet smile. My brain is sharp tonight, especially with Cole beside me. “Can’t be anywhere near yours then.”
“Funny tonight. After what you did, you shouldn’t be around kids at all,” he retorts, but I’m done with this, especially with Cole standing next to me.
“You don’t even know what really happened!” I shoot back.
“Don’t I?” His voice lowers dangerously, and while Julian has never physically touched me, the threat hangs in the air.
“No, you don’t. You’d have to think for yourself to understand,” I assert firmly, attempting to walk around him. He blocks my path, and I quickly tell Cole to run to Sydney, handing him the cookie box.
He steps closer, trying to tower over me. “Listen up, you f*****g homewrecker. You destroyed Brooklyn.”
“No. Your brother did that!” I spit back, my anger igniting.
Before he can respond, a hand clamps down hard on his shoulder. Easton spins him around, shoving him toward the building. Jackson stands beside me, and I whirl around, searching for Cole.
“I’ve got Cole,” Sydney calls urgently, ushering him and Barrett away.
“She screwing you two?” Julian sneers, his disgust palpable. “Word to the wise. She’s very good at destroying things.”
Easton slams Julian against the wall by his throat, laying his forearm across it. “Whatever the f**k your issue with her is, it ends now. Or I will break your f*****g legs, and that’ll be the end of your football season.”
“You’re risking a lot for a f*****g throwaway that no one wanted,” Julian wheezes, and Easton presses harder on his throat. I wince, about to step forward when Jackson grips my arm, shaking his head. “Let him, Luci,” he whispers angrily in my ear.
“You ever call her that again, I’ll crush your f*****g hands too. She’s not a throwaway. Take a good look at her, asshole, so you understand how I describe her. Very wanted. Very off-limits. Very much mine.” My heart nearly bursts at his words, the fierce protectiveness radiating off him.
Julian’s eyes widen as Easton’s hold tightens. He begins to struggle, gasping for air. I’m on the verge of intervening again when Easton suddenly releases him, stepping back and allowing Julian to crumple to the ground.
“Only warning you’ll get. I don’t give second chances. Maybe grow your own balls to play with and stop sucking your coach’s. And feel free to tell your coach. You seem like the type who runs to him for your problems instead of handling them yourself.”
Julian pushes himself up and slinks away, shooting us a long glare. Jackson releases my arm and heads toward Sydney, Cole, and Barrett.
Easton watches Julian leave until he’s out of sight. I step closer, my heart pounding. “Luci, you okay?” he asks, concern etched on his face.
I shake my head, my voice trembling. “Did he f*****g touch you?!”