Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
“You’re welcome to stay tonight. But Corndog stays too,” I declare firmly.
“Then I’m staying. I’ll tolerate the damn rabbit,” he says, leaning down to kiss me again. “Now, listen to me, baby. I want to walk into the building wrapped around you, but for now, I can’t. I need Humphries to think we’re not together for just a little while longer.”
“Easton, I’ve told you – I don’t want you going after them. If anything jeopardizes your future or your hockey career, I’ll never forgive myself,” I plead, gripping his shirt tightly.
“Sweetness, nothing is going to happen to us. But he’s not getting away with the crap he pulled,” he says, the mask of control slipping back into place as I see the anger simmering just beneath the surface.
“I love you. Please promise me you won’t do anything that could hurt you or your brothers,” I implore, my heart racing. “I’m not asking you to do nothing, because I know you’ll never agree to that. But please, nothing that jeopardizes any of you or your hockey careers.”
“Deal, sweetness. Now, come on. I’m buying you breakfast,” he says, a hint of warmth returning to his voice.
Though Easton doesn’t walk me into the building or to class, I can feel his presence behind me, his gaze burning into my back like a protective shield.
As the day unfolds, I find myself unable to concentrate, my mind drifting back to the beautiful moments of the morning. Syd notices immediately as I approach her. “What happened there, Alice? You look positively radiant.”
Leaning in, I whisper the details of our morning. Her face lights up with a smug smile. “I was right! I knew he was lost. Hey, can we have a girls’ night on Sunday? I want to hear all about tonight, and we have the game tomorrow night.”
“That sounds perfect. Have you heard from… him again?” I hesitate to ask, knowing the operation Sydson is still in motion in my mind.
She sighs, her expression turning somber. “No. I think it’s time to end it. Move on, maybe.”
“That could be good,” I suggest, trying to infuse some hope into her voice. “Someone tall, light, and handsome might just be leaning against a corner, waiting for you. Or at a parade, holding your nephew on their shoulders.”
I go all in, and she looks away, contemplating.
“Maybe… I don’t know, Luci Lou. I need to think about this,” she admits, uncertainty creeping into her tone.
“Then take your time,” I say gently, squeezing her arm. “Girls’ night at my place or Stormi’s?”
“Yours. I want to see those Christmas costumes you’re working on,” she replies, her excitement bubbling over.
“Then my place it is,” I agree, feeling a sense of warmth as I start to wrap up my day.
As I drive Cole home, he’s practically bouncing in his seat. Easton had told me he packed his bag but asked me to double-check it. We walk into the house, and I hear Baker laughing as Cole animatedly shares his plans for the sleepover. I step into the kitchen, only to find Jason Reed sitting there, chuckling at Cole’s enthusiasm.
“Grandpappy!” Cole shrieks, racing over to him.
Jason laughs heartily, lifting him high into the air. “You seem very sad there, Cole.”
“No, Grandpappy! I’m excited!” he exclaims, his eyes sparkling.
“Really? What’s got you so excited?” Jason asks, placing Cole on the kitchen island and kissing the top of his head.
“I’m staying with Barrett tonight!” Cole declares, grabbing some grapes from the plate and munching happily.
“That’s exciting! I’m glad you have a friend like him. Now, Grandpappy needs a favor. Can you stay with Baker and finish your snack? I need to talk to Luci,” he says, feigning a serious tone.
Cole nods but then adds very seriously, “You have to be nice to my Luci.”
“I will,” Jason assures him, turning to me with a small smile. “Miss Luci, could I have a word with you?”
I nod slowly, apprehension creeping in as I wonder what he wants to discuss. He has never been rude or condescending like his wife, but he hasn’t exactly been warm or welcoming either. He leads me to his study, leaving the door ajar. “Please, have a seat. I’m not here to yell at you, Luci. In fact, I’m here to apologize.”
“For what?” I ask, confusion evident in my voice.
“For my attitude toward you. I… well, I heard things from Imogen and then from someone else who doesn’t have your best interests at heart. I’m sorry for listening to them. I wasn’t sure I truly believed them after watching you with Cole, but I thought I’d be cautious. We’ve allowed some people into our lives who should never have had access to my family. But it was the family member who shouldn’t have been here who made the poor judgment call and let them in – my soon-to-be ex-wife.” He grimaces, a flicker of pain crossing his features.
“I’m very sorry to hear that, Mr. Reed,” I say sincerely, sensing the hurt behind his words, though the righteous anger is evident as well.
“Please, call me Jason, Luci. Though I suspect you might soon be able to call me Dad,” he adds, glancing at me with a knowing look.
My eyes widen in surprise, and he smiles, clearly amused. “I appreciate your concern. Especially since I don’t deserve it. Baker says you have a truly empathetic heart, and I trust that man with my life. I’m grateful you were there for my grandson when he needed you. I also understand Imogen had a very strict contract with you. I’ll take care of that. It will be null and void, and you will continue to care for Cole.”
“I appreciate that. You really don’t need to apologize. You never treated me badly,” I reply, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.
He tilts his head, and in that moment, I catch a glimpse of what Easton will look like in twenty years. “No, but I thought it and doubted your character. That warrants an apology in my book. My wi… Imogen is the one who truly owes you an apology, but I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for it.”
“I don’t need it. Some people come into our lives to offer us something – a gift, a hope, or a lesson we need to learn, even if it’s painful and ugly,” I say honestly.
“I like that. You have a way with words, just like Baker said. I hope you hold onto that gift. I’m very glad to meet you, Miss Luci.”
**Cole**