Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“Among other things,” I warn her. “I have no idea what she might attempt.”
Luci hops off her bed, stopping right in front of me, her gaze unwavering. “You know, I read something once that I didn’t like the wording of, but I loved the idea. So my squirrel brain changed it up.” Her hand slides up my chest, resting over my heart. “I can’t stop the storm that wreaks havoc in your life. But I’m happy to hold your hand and get drenched while I stand beside you,” she says, her sweet, caring smile breaking through the tension. “Even if we never find an umbrella.”
In that moment, I realize how deeply I feel for her, and when she says those words, my world shifts once again. I look down at her, marveling at how lucky Cole and I are to have her in our lives.
“What is it, Easton? What’s wrong?” she asks, her grip tightening around my waist as concern washes over her face. I feel my heart racing, both terror and desperation flooding my veins for what I want to do. I fight to maintain control; it’s my way of coping. But right now, I feel powerless to hold back. For once, I’m not afraid of losing that control. My fear lies in how she might react. I only hope I’m not about to send her running.
“Easton, you are scaring me. What’s wrong? Talk to me,” she pleads, and I swallow hard, brushing my thumb over her cheek.
“I love you, Luci,” I whisper, keeping my eyes locked on hers, hoping she understands the weight of my words.
Luci
A strange stillness envelops me, as if the very air has been sucked from the room. Is this a dream? Did I hit my head somewhere? Or perhaps Jareth has whisked me away to that twisted labyrinth, and I must find my way out. No, I realize with a start – this must be a dream. I’m ensconced beneath my covers, lost in the most exquisite fantasy of my life. In this dream, Easton Reed believes he loves me. It’s a kaleidoscope of colors and emotions, and I, the whimsical Luci, am at the center of it all.
“Focus, Luci!” I chide myself internally. It’s time to awaken from this delightful slumber.
I mentally nudge myself back to the surface of reality, clinging to the thought of ‘not me.’
His voice, gravelly and raw, sends shivers down my spine as he responds, and I suddenly realize I’ve spoken those fateful words aloud. “Yes you. My sweet girl.”
With trembling fingers, I reach up to brush against his lips, and he takes my hand, kissing each fingertip with a tenderness that sends my heart racing. There’s no fa?ade on his face, just an open vulnerability that he rarely shows to anyone. It’s a trust he doesn’t easily offer, and I can feel the weight of it. Patience, Luci! He’s waiting for your reply.
Drawing in a deep breath, I muster the courage to say, “I love you, Easton.” The words spill softly from my lips, and I hold my breath, terrified that they might startle him back to reality, prompting him to retract his own heartfelt confession.
But instead, I watch in awe as a radiant smile blossoms across his face, and his free hand pulls me closer. There’s something about the way he lights up that makes him even more breathtaking. “Again. Say it again, please, sweetness.”
“I love you. All of you, Easton Reed.” I repeat, my heart swelling as I witness his eyes soften, meeting mine with a rare tenderness that usually belongs only to Cole. I free my hand to frame his face, wanting him to understand that I embrace him wholly, not just the fragments he’s had to piece together for others’ approval. My heart races, warmth flooding through me as he gazes at me like that.
“I love you, my sweet Luci. Every single part of you. I thought I’d scare you away and you’d retreat,” he admits, his voice barely above a whisper as his hands encircle my waist.
“No, I’m not scared. Why would I be scared of that?” I ask, my honesty spilling forth.
“Because it’s happening so fast. I’ve known for a little while, but I was terrified of scaring you off by saying anything. After all, my past relationships haven’t exactly been smooth sailing, and I needed to be certain. But you don’t seem too upset with me,” he chuckles, a hint of relief evident in his tone.
A wave of amusement washes over me, mingling with happiness as I recall Syd’s words. “I’m not… I thought for a moment I might be dreaming, though. I mean, you and I falling in love wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card at the start of this year. I realized I loved you after you stood up for me against Julian. Actually, maybe even before that – when you said you enjoyed the hockey game because I was there. But I never imagined you’d feel that way about me. As for it being too fast, someone wise I know once said that nothing is too fast if it’s the right speed for you.”
“Is her name Luci?” He chuckles, a playful glint in his eyes.
“No, her name is Sydney, and I think she’s brilliant,” I reply, grinning back at him.
“She’s pretty damn awesome. Do you think she’d date my brother? He’s hung up on her,” he raises an eyebrow, a teasing lilt in his voice.
“I’m working on that. Glad to see someone else has noticed. Just give me some time. Syd has her own baggage, but I think she’s ready to shed it,” I assure him.
“Jackson’s strong; he can handle baggage. He’s dealt with mine and, of course, our mother,” he rolls his eyes, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone. “I’ve made sure she’s not on the list of people who can pick Cole up from school today.”
“Smart move,” I respond, frowning slightly as I see the worry etch itself back onto his face. The tension in his body returns, and I can’t help but wish he didn’t have to deal with this. “I meant what I said, Easton. I’m not afraid of her or any of your past or present issues. I’ll be here for you, no matter what happens. Unless, of course, you decide you don’t want me anymore.” The thought of that possibility sends a sharp pang through my heart, a feeling I never knew could hurt this much.
“Like you could ever get away. I warned you, if I have to chase you, I will, but you won’t get far. I gave you as much freedom as I ever will when you doubted I meant to kiss you. That won’t happen again,” he promises, his voice deep and possessive. The coldness that once shadowed his features dissipates as his gaze roams over my face. “I never thought I’d fall in love with anyone again after everything I went through. You kind of crashed into our lives, and I’ve never been more grateful. And now, you’re all mine, Luci Forrester.” He buries his face in my hair, holding me close, as if to shield me from the world.
“I should probably get ready for class,” I say reluctantly, grimacing as my alarm blares.
“Go. I’m going to lounge on your bed for ten minutes and catch a quick nap. Wake me up, though. I didn’t sleep well last night,” he murmurs, brushing his lips against mine with a lingering softness. “And just so you know, I’ll be ten times worse now. Ten times more possessive.”
“Maybe I like it,” I reply with a teasing smile, wrapping my arms around his waist.
“You did say you love all of me, and that’s a significant part of what I feel for you. I don’t handle the thought of sharing you well. I haven’t since before our first date. I should have realized I was already yours back then,” he says, kissing me slowly, and I cling to him, my pulse racing with desire. The knowledge that he loves me intensifies everything.
“Go get your shower, sweetness. I need to make sure you eat,” he whispers, reluctantly letting me go.
When I step back into the room, dressed in a cozy sweatshirt and leggings, I find him sprawled out on my bed, Corndog nestled in his arms. It seems he has found my beloved rabbit. I tiptoe over to grab my phone, capturing the adorable moment in a quick snapshot. Giggling, I lean down to plant a gentle kiss on his cheek to rouse him.
He stretches slowly, blinking sleepily at me. “You need a real nap,” I say, concern lacing my voice.
“Yep, but there’s no time for that. I’ll catch up eventually. Speaking of sleep, I found this little guy buried in your covers. I’m a bit jealous that Corndog gets to sleep with my girl every night. How come I haven’t seen him each morning when I sneak into your bed?” His playful tone brings a smile to my face.
“He sometimes gets buried under my pillow. You’re jealous of a stuffed rabbit? One that you gave me, albeit reluctantly?” I raise an eyebrow, teasing him.
“Does he snuggle against you each night, tucked up against those perfect boobs of yours? Yes, I’m jealous. Cole has his sleepover tonight. Maybe I can kick Corndog out of the bed after our date and stay with you,” he suggests, a hopeful glimmer in his eyes. This side of him is new, and I can’t help but find it endearing.
“You won’t fit in my bed,” I point out, gesturing to the difference in our sizes – his tall frame compared to my queen-sized bed.
“I’ll wrap around you or sleep folded in half if I have to,” he insists, determination etched on his face.