Loving the Game

by Melody Heck Gatto

They talked about Ian starting a learn to skate program, and that will turn into a learn to play hockey. Because what other sport would a hockey player’s son play?

  Soon their conversation was interrupted by Harrison.

  “Hey Cap, we’re heading out. Tal isn’t feeling well.” Harrison fumbled with his jacket.

  Harrison had been more anxious tonight then Tyler had ever seen him. But this wasn’t the time or place to ask. “Food poisoning can be awful. I hope she feels better soon.”

  Harrison stared at him for a second almost confused. “Oh, right, food poisoning is awful. Tal is already in the car. She feels awful about having to leave Willow’s party early.”

  “We can always get together once she feels better.” Tyler shook Harrison’s hand. “I’m sure Tri understands. Plus, after the cake is handed out it’s pretty much over.”

  His words didn’t seem to be much consolation to Harrison.

  Harrison nodded before saying goodbye to Paige.

  “Tell her I’ll talk to her when she’s feeling better.”

  “I sure hope Talia is okay. She seemed to turn green every time she was around food, or now that I think about it, even at the mere mention of food.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be fine.” Kat took a drink of her water and waved off their concerns.

  Paige shot him a telling glance that she had enough partying for one day; he helped with a little of the clean-up, then they made their exit.

  As soon as they got in the car, Paige took a deep breath and turned to him, “I’ve changed my mind.”

  Confused what they were talking about, he asked, “About?”

  “Let’s see what we can do about getting away.”

  Tyler didn’t mean to laugh, but he knew she’d change her mind. And after the chaos at the birthday party, he wasn’t surprised. He loved his niece, but Willow on sugar is not for the weak of heart, and Paige was barely hanging on before the party started. A little time away, and they only had a little, would do her good. “Absolutely! You knew I was already mentally planning it, right?” Tyler grinned.

  Chapter Five

  PAIGE

  The woman at the hotel check-in desk handed Tyler their keys and smiled like all women smile at Tyler, the hockey hero. The clerk even blushed a bit. Paige was used to all the attention her husband was given, after all, he was the captain of the Renegades, and a Pittsburgh legend.

  “C’mon.” Tyler laced his fingers with hers and pulled her toward the elevators. “Let’s get this getaway under way.”

  “That was corny.” She teased.

  “Yeah, I know. And you love it.” Tyler grabbed the travel bag from her hands.

  Normally she would argue and say she can carry her own weight, which today happened to only be one carry-on bag each. They were staying for a single night, so they didn’t need a lot of luggage. This morning she just smiled and let Tyler take her bag. It was early, and his chivalry was sexy.

  Looking around, the lobby had dramatically high ceilings and architecture like she had never seen before. It was gorgeous. But her favorite view was watching her husband from behind. She tilted her head and stared at his sexy hockey butt as she followed him to the elevators.

  Tyler was damn sexy, and he was all hers. She was one lucky woman.

  When the elevator doors opened, he turned to her with a grin and held out his hand. “Ready to escape for a day, beautiful?”

  She took his hand as they entered the elevator. Paige snuggled in Tyler’s embrace as the elevator went up to the VIP floor. It was easy to forget how much she loved this man with their busy careers.

  “And you’re sure Rylee can get a hold of us if she goes into labor?” Paige worried aloud.

  “Yes. Nick knows how to get a hold of us. And before you ask, Mel does too, if and only if there is an emergency.” Tyler assured her. “We’re only here for one day, and I’ve taken care of everything, so just try to relax and enjoy.”

  When the elevator opened to their floor, Tyler dropped a kiss on her lips before they searched for their room. It wasn’t hard to find, and once they were inside Tyler closed and locked the door behind them.

  Paige admired the large suite. Since being with Tyler she was accustomed to nice things, but she couldn’t help being overwhelmed. “Did we really need a room this big? I mean, it looks more like a loft.”

  Tyler wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, dropping a soft kiss on her lips. “I know we’re only here for one night, but nothing is too good for my baby.”

  She swooned in his arms. They hadn’t been here for more than a half hour and she already felt more relaxed than she had in months. “I can’t believe you did all this with such short notice.”

  “Babe, I’d move mountains for you.” His lips curved up into a sexy grin. “Plus, it was only a quick getaway. Next one will be longer and will entail a little more planning.”

  “Already planning the next one?” she raised an eyebrow seductively.

  “Like I said, it takes time.” Tyler kissed her neck. “Do you want anything from room service? Maybe champagne to celebrate our day away?”

  “Ty, it’s only ten o’clock in the morning.” Paige laughed softly. She looped her arms around him, not wanting any space between them.

  “So? We’re on vacation, which means it’s five o’clock somewhere. What about breakfast? Since we haven’t eaten yet?”

  “Babe,” she pulled off his shirt, tossed it to the floor, and dropped kisses on his shoulder. “Right now, the only thing I want is you.”

  Tyler gazed at her with those deep hazel eyes, his mouth curved into a sexy smirk. “Your wish is my command.”

  She took him by the hand. Tyler had such strong hands, and he was good with them, on and off the ice. She loved that he wore his ring, because not all men did. She found it hot and now looking at his wedding band made her stomach flutter with love as she pulled him to the king-sized bed.

  His bedroom eyes were dark and determined as he lifted off her shirt and laid her on the bed. The plush comforter cradled her as Tyler slowly ran his hands up her stomach. She couldn’t think of a more perfect way to kick off their mini escape than this. Once his hands tangled in her hair, and he hungrily kissed her lips, for the first time in a long time her focus was solely on him.

  “I AM STILL AMAZED THAT not one person disturbed our dinner. That never happens.” Paige commented as Tyler held open the door to their room.

  They had a nice quiet dinner at the hotel restaurant. Paige was so used to autograph seekers interrupting their meals out, that she couldn’t get over how it didn’t happen here. Even though she knew it was an exclusive hotel, very VIP, it still baffled her.

  Tyler slid the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door and locked it behind them. “Yeah, and you know that I never mind talking to a fan, it was a nice change.”

  She sat down on the bed and the words just spilled out. “Do you think it’s ever going to happen for us, Ty?” She tried her best not to bring the real world to their day away; she blamed the wine.

  “Oh, babe.” Tyler’s face fell at her words. “One way or another, we will have our family. You know I love you and that I would move heaven and Earth to give you whatever you desired. This is no exception. And I know you are worried, but I believe today was just what the doctor ordered. So let’s trust her medical degree and enjoy tonight. No stress.”

  Looking into his sweet, loving eyes, she couldn’t help but smile. He always made her feel safe and secure. “I know. I don’t know why I said that.”

  “No, don’t be sorry. It was on your mind, we talked about it, and now we can go back to our stress-free day. All those concerns will still be there tomorrow, and I will be more than happy to discuss them.”

  “You’re right. Those were my doctor’s orders. I’m not being a very good patient, am I?” She said playfully.

  Tyler climbed behind her on the bed. “Now, where were we?” He swept her hair to the side and dropped a few kisses on the bac
k of her neck.

  Her stomach was still full and satisfied after their delicious meal and wine. But his warm lips on her neck had her craving something else completely and put her mind at ease almost instantly.

  “Mmm,” she moaned, as her body hummed for him.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” He whispered while he unbuttoned her blouse and slid it down her shoulders.

  Paige closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation of his lips on her skin. “I am.”

  His kisses were replaced with his strong hands kneading her shoulders. Tyler gave the best massages, and he knew just where she held her stress. She couldn’t help but moan when his fingers went right to those spots and soon, she was melting in his hands.

  “My god, Ty, you’re good at everything, I swear.” Her breath caught as he hit a particularly tense spot. “How was I so lucky to have found you?”

  “Oh, I think I’m the lucky one. And speaking of being good at everything, are you ready for round two?” Tyler growled.

  Paige crawled to the middle of the huge bed and watched as Tyler unbuttoned his dress shirt. “Absolutely.”

  PAIGE STARED AT HER snoring, sleeping, hunk of a husband. So handsome and snuggled amongst the soft linens and puffy comforter. Her heart soared with adoration for this man.

  As much as she loved him, they were very alike when it came to allowing work to invade their private lives. Meetings, practices, games, and road trips – it was always something. But they were both devoted to their careers, which is also something they have in common.

  Even in the off season, she was still working and planning. Her job didn’t stop after the final game of the season. And Tyler’s training never stopped. He would be back at it the first day of his break. Together, they seemed to work year-round.

  This short getaway had been just what they needed. No interruptions. No business. No stress (which was just what the doctor ordered). Just her and Tyler. And dessert in bed. She was truly a spoiled lady.

  Right now, everything in her orbit was perfect. But she knew as soon as they stepped foot out of the hotel, life would come crashing down on her again. If only they could stay in this moment a little longer.

  The thought of getting back to reality tomorrow left her with a rock in her stomach. As much as she loved her job, it was evident how much she missed this quiet time with Tyler.

  “Hey,” he stirred. His smile sleepy. “Were you watching me sleep?”

  Tyler pulled her into his arms. She cuddled into his warm chest, the remnants of his cologne circling her senses. His five o’clock shadow scratched her cheek.

  “Actually, I was watching you drool.” She teased.

  Without missing a beat, he commented, “That’s because I was dreaming about you.”

  She kissed his lips as she softly laughed at his words. Wrapping her arms around her, she sighed. “Do we really have to go home today? Will anyone really miss us if we hide out here instead?” She teased.

  “Sadly,” he said in between kisses. “We would surely be missed.”

  “Maybe overnight there was a blizzard, and everything is closed in town. No morning skate, no game, nothing.”

  “That seems a little far-fetched, but I’ll play. Let’s say we are snowed in,” he smirked. “What would our day look like?”

  “Oh that’s easy.” She quipped. “Room service breakfast while we binge watch television. Then some heavy cardio, since you’ll be missing your workout – you must keep up your endurance obviously. A few cat naps in between cardio. Room service dinner, unless we feel adventurous and want to get dressed to go down to the restaurant. Then dessert in bed.”

  She couldn’t help but smile at her fictious plan. It was perfect. And she wished it was real life.

  “That sound delicious.” He hungrily kissed her lips. “And eerily like our day yesterday. But, of course, I am not complaining.”

  Paige laid back on the bed as Tyler moved from her side, leaving her chilled where his warm body used to be. Wanting to stay here and play hooky was a new sensation for her workaholic self. And she didn’t hate it.

  “Too bad it didn’t snow at all.” Tyler pushed open the curtains, letting in some of the morning sunlight.

  “Stupid un-winter weather.” She teased.

  Looking at his phone, he grimaced. “Babe, hate to say this, but we have to get moving.”

  Pushing her bottom lip out, she pouted. “Do we have time to stop for breakfast at least?”

  “Sure do. Well, that is if we save time getting ready by showering together.” Tyler wiggled his eyebrows and flashed her his playboy grin.

  “Breakfast it is.” She said, smirking.

  Tyler held out a hand, urging her out of bed.

  Her heart sank as she thought about getting dressed and heading out to work. She needed this getaway more than she knew, and twenty-four hours was not long enough. Following him into the shower was a nice consolation.

  Chapter Six

  TYLER

  Tyler strutted around the arena, humming to the music that streamed through his earphones. The last twenty-four hours replayed in his head. An entire twenty-four hours of no gym, no cell phones, no work related anything for either of them – even though Paige did agree to watch some of Boston’s hockey game.

  For one whole day it was just him and Paige. It made him realize that he does tend to let his career take over even his spare time. Maybe this was all they needed – to refresh and reconnect.

  That doctor of hers really had something there with her suggestion of a getaway. Even though he wished their stay could’ve been longer, he hadn’t seen her smile that much in a long time.

  Tyler was already mentally planning a month away during the off-season. He’d have to give her time to rearrange her schedule.

  With a bit of swagger in his walk, he strutted down the hall to his wife’s office.

  “Knock-knock.” He said as he knocked on her office door. Patiently, he waited for her to tell him to come in before he opened the door. Taking a quick glance around the room, to assure she was alone, he smiled. “Hey babe. I brought you a coffee and sandwich.”

  Tyler sat on the edge of her desk instead of in a chair, he looked back at his wife and flashed a grin.

  She closed her laptop but didn’t get up from behind her desk.

  He hadn’t seen Paige since this morning, and her sweet smile was all he needed to get him through the rest of the day.

  “Thanks.” She pouted a tiny bit before standing up, “I want to go back to yesterday.”

  Paige walked around her desk, meeting him on the other side.

  Tyler looked his wife up and down, she was gorgeous as always. Paige liked her pencil skirts that fit her like a glove, with a jacket that hid her amazing body.

  Positioning her between his legs, Tyler unbuttoned her jacket and slid his hands around her waist, pulling her closer. He placed a kiss on her neck, and growled, “think anyone would miss us if we slipped away?”

  Paige let out a drawn-out sigh. “I wish.”

  “We wouldn’t even have to leave the building. Your door has a lock, right?” Tyler dropped another kiss on her neck. Paige’s apple perfume had his senses mesmerized and his body humming for her.

  A soft laugh rang from her lips at his idea. “Babe, we can’t–”

  “Please?” Women liked when men begged, right?

  Paige covered his lips with hers and kissed him soft and slow. He tangled his tongue with hers and savored her kiss. When she finally pulled away, her lipstick was a mess and he was at full attention.

  “That didn’t help your case any.”

  “Well, that will have to tide you over until after the game tonight.”

  “You do realize I have to go home and nap like this?” he motioned to his blue jeans.

  All Paige did was smile as she grabbed a tissue to fix her lipstick.

  “Are you sure we can’t–”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Raincheck?”

&nb
sp; “Sure, tonight.”

  Tyler looked around her office. Then with a subtle smirk, he arced his eyebrow and nodded to her office couch, “no, I mean...”

  “Hmm.” Paige thought for a minute. “We’ll discuss that later. But thanks for the coffee.” She picked up the cup and took a sip.

  “You’re really going to leave me hanging like this?” he said with a chuckle.

  “Paige, we need to get the media list for tonight– Oh, hey Ty. Didn’t expect to see you.” Melanie opened her office door.

  Paige smiled wide. “He was just leaving. It’s time for his game day nap.”

  Tyler shook his head. This woman had him wrapped around her finger. “Hey Mel, yeah, I was just leaving.” He moved close to Paige and wrapped his arm around her waist. Tyler dropped a kiss on her cheek. “See you after the game. Love you.”

  “Love you too, babe. And thanks for the sandwich.”

  IT HAD BEEN A LONG, lonely night without his wife. So much for Paige’s promise of an evening of fun after the game. He never even got to see her after the game.

  They won the game 4-3, but the victory was not as sweet as it should’ve been. The plan was to head home after the game and pretend they were still on their mini getaway. But plans changed.

  Paige was called away in the third period of last night’s game because Rylee went into labor. Tyler was notified after the game was over, but by then she was already at the hospital.

  He didn’t sleep well without her, he never does, so this morning started off tired. With a full schedule today, he was already on his second coffee.

  The halls of the arena were quiet, and he almost stopped off at Paige’s office before he remembered she wasn’t in today.

  After he changed into sweats, and grabbed his gear, he headed to the ice. Today was the Little Tykes Hockey with Tyler event.

  The morning with the kids went by quickly, and his coffee wore off early on. But they were having so much fun he couldn’t help but get caught up in it.

  He grabbed a water bottle from the bench, taking a quick while the little kids did a few laps. Their laughter and little voices filled the arena. Tyler loved having the chance to work with the little kids helping to mold their love for the game.