Filed to story: Luci Forrester and Easton Reed: Hockey Romance Story
Kingston chuckles. “I don’t see you actually repeating those, Luci. But if you do, I want it on video.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch movement near the house. “Stranger things have happened. Maybe I’ll shock them into silence, and they’ll stay away for good,” I quip.
Easton strides closer, his presence commanding. “Well, I won’t wish you good luck since it’s me, and I have a reputation with the Kenton sports teams,” he says, a hint of mischief in his tone.
I time my movement perfectly, turning to walk inside just as he reaches out to grab my arm. This time, I’m ready and sidestep his grasp. “Luci…” he calls, stopping in his tracks. I take three more steps out of his reach and turn slightly, adopting a blank expression. Do not react, Luci. I’m not ready to confront him yet, which makes me feel like a coward, but I need more time to gather my thoughts.
He looks incredibly handsome in that suit. Push that aside, Luci. I want to punch him in the head for various reasons. He slips his hands into his pockets when I remain silent. “I just wanted to remind you to bring Cole home right after the game. It’ll be late, and we won’t be able to come back to see him afterward.”
“Got it,” I reply, heading for the front door. As I close it, I glance back and catch him looking at me with a deep sense of regret. I already know what he’s going to say. It was a mistake, and I was right all along.
“Luci!” Cole’s voice pierces through my thoughts as he wraps himself around my legs before I can even shut the door.
“Hey, Coco.” I see Baker standing behind him, holding his backpack and the familiar snack bag he always sends with us. He extends an envelope with the tickets. “You’re eager to go, I see!” I chuckle as Cole tries to push the door open wider.
“Luci, can we make signs?” he asks, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Signs?” I echo, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes! Like the celebration signs on TV. I saw them at the hockey game!” His enthusiasm is infectious.
“I think I have the materials for that at my place,” I say, nodding toward the brothers who are loading their gear into the giant SUV. I mouth the word “surprise” to Cole, and he nods eagerly.
“Bye, Daddy! I’ll be loud for you! Good luck, Uncle Becker, Uncle Jackson, and Uncle Kingston!” he shouts, and I can’t help but smile as I load his things into the front seat. Easton holds out his arms, and Cole dashes over to hug each of them. I turn my back to open his door and wait. He races back, climbing into his seat, and I buckle him in, catching Easton’s gaze lingering on me as I shut the door.
Once at my apartment, I pull out foam poster boards and some paint stir sticks. I gather paint pens and markers, asking Cole what he wants his signs to say. Sydney and Stormi arrive with Barrett, who is also eager to make his own signs. “I need one for each of them, especially Uncle Jackson. He says not many people cheer for him,” Barrett explains, his little face serious.
“Well then, let’s make his the biggest one,” I suggest, and the others enthusiastically agree. Sydney and Stormi help Barrett craft his own set of signs.
“Aren’t you supposed to be hidden?” Syd asks softly when Stormi steps out of the room for a moment.
I shrug. “Like it matters. I’m past caring right now.”
Cole’s eyes light up as he spots my hat. “Luci! Can I wear that hat? It’s my favorite!”
“Sure, Coco. I’ll buy another one at the store,” I reply, knowing full well that I’ll need one that doesn’t smell like Easton Reed.
At the game, we find our seats. I bought a light blue hat with the team name on it, feeling like it’s a good compromise. Our section is packed with fans, many of whom have their kids with them. Cole and Barrett quickly make friends, chatting excitedly about how they hope to be shown on the big screen with their signs. Stormi disappears for a bit, and when she returns with nachos and a mysterious smile, I can’t help but ask her what she’s up to.
“You’ll see,” she says, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
When the game begins, it’s a whirlwind of excitement. The opposing team’s fans, known as The Wolf Pucks, live up to their reputation, hurling foul insults that even make Sydney blush at times, and she’s used to her brother’s military friends. At one point, I cover Cole’s ears while Sydney hugs Barrett close to her chest. “I definitely have some new material if I could just get it out without turning twelve shades of red,” I admit to her.
In the first five minutes, Easton scores, and Cole screams with pure joy, his eyes lighting up as they lock onto Easton’s figure on the ice. I watch as Easton’s gaze shifts toward Cole before he looks at me, holding up his hand in a wave. I quickly look away as Sydney nudges my arm, a knowing smile on her face. Cole and Barrett hold their signs up for Easton, and suddenly, they’re on the big screen! I point it out to Cole, who jumps up and down, nearly bouncing out of his seat in excitement. I glance over at Stormi, who looks like a satisfied cat. “You did that?” I ask, incredulous.
“I might know the guy who runs that thing. His brother works with me at the paper,” she replies, a hint of pride in her voice.
I internally cringe at the thought of being exposed, but seeing the joy on those boys’ faces makes me forget my worries. Stormi has no idea who Cole is or that I’m somewhat of a pariah with the football and hockey teams.
Our entire section notices the boys on the screen, and the crowd erupts into cheers, their voices blending into a cacophony of excitement and camaraderie. The atmosphere is electric, a perfect blend of anticipation and joy, and in that moment, I realize that maybe, just maybe, this is where I truly belong.
Luci
That gentle hand grips my arm as his voice whispers into my ear. “Need to talk to you real quick Luci.” Damn him when he says my name like that.
He tugs me into an empty classroom right next to us in the hallway as we leave our mutual class Monday morning.
“You could just ask me to come talk to you.” I grumble at him.
“I could, but don’t have a lot of time. Look, Luci this is important. The other night after you put Cole to bed…”
I cut him off, desperate to get my jumbled thoughts out before I lose my nerve. “I know. You regret that and it never should have happened. I can pretend it never happened, so it doesn’t affect Cole or me being around. I know it won’t happen again. I’m a mistake…..it was a mistake I know. I umm..” I take a deep breath, frowning as I try to remember what else I listed out with Sydney I would say. Being near him affects me too much.
Cole….
My heart gallops as I ask about continuing to keep Cole; terrified I’m about to be hurt in more than one way.
“I’d never take Cole from you, Luci.” At least not yet.
I make sure to give him a wide berth and start walking. Easton says something to me, but I am thinking of how much longer I’ll be keeping Cole and having to avoid him. I push through the door, finding the other three kings waiting. I keep my eyes on the floor in front of me. I quicken my steps to reach Sydney, who waits, leaning against the wall with a frown. “What did he say?” She takes my arm, breaking me from my countdown as I continue to put distance between us and them. He let me do most of the talking, only echoing what I said really now that I think about it. Probably relieved I made it so easy.
“Nothing I wasn’t prepared for.” I catch her looking over my shoulder. “It’s fine Syd. At least I don’t have to say goodbye to Cole.”