All for You
Page 17
“Of course.” He opened the door wider and stepped aside. She had no luggage with her, only a purse strapped over one shoulder.
Lindsey walked in, then stopped and looked around. “You’re . . . moving?” She turned to face him, those clear blue eyes of hers cloudy with confusion.
“I am.”
She looked away from him, then back. “Okay, I need to get this out fast, because I think I made a really big mistake. I should have thought this through more.” She laughed, but it held no humor. “I didn’t even bring a bag with me. And obviously you’ve made some significant plans that will probably make what I’ve come to tell you moot—”
“Lindsey,” he cut in, stepping toward her.
She stepped back, her eyes filling with tears. “I’m sorry, I thought there was more between us, when there obviously isn’t—”
Nelson moved forward again and grasped her hands. “Dawson called me about an hour ago. He told me you were coming.”
She blinked several times, then exhaled as if she was trying to gain control of her emotions. “He did? So you know . . . everything?”
“I know enough,” Nelson said, drawing her closer.
Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she closed her eyes. “Oh no.”
“I want you to read something,” he said, releasing one of her hands and pulling out his cell from his pocket. He pulled up his email app, then opened the SENT file. He clicked on one of the most recent emails he’d sent to Mr. Brown, the Coyotes’ head coach. “Read this.”
Lindsey’s brows drew together, and she took the phone from him. It was a short email that outlined his acceptance of the offer to play for the Coyotes.
She must have read it multiple times, because it took her a few moments to reply. “You’re transferring? Where are the Coyotes located?”
“About a two-hour drive from Pine Valley.”
Her gaze snapped up to meet his. Her eyes filled with tears again. “What are you saying, Nelson? And be very, very clear.”
He took the phone back, then raised his hand to touch her face. “Things have been rough with the Falcons for the past eighteen months. I didn’t realize how messed up things were until I was injured and kept away from the team for a few weeks. Even though I didn’t want to deal with an injury, it was a relief in a way. I started to think more seriously about transferring, especially since my five-year contract has been up for a while.” He took a breath and slid his hand behind her neck. She wasn’t pulling away, but she wasn’t moving closer either. “But then I met you . . . And I fell in love with you, Lindsey.”
Her lips parted in an exhale.
“I am in love with you,” he said. “Being with you made me realize that I was missing a lot more than just respect from teammates and a coach who’s willing to listen to my concerns. I was missing fulfillment, happiness, companionship.” He touched her nose, and her lips curved. “I’ve been playing hockey since I was a kid, and it’s been my life for as long as I remember. But I want more. I want to live closer to you. I don’t have all the answers of how the nuts and bolts will work out, but I’m done with Vegas, babe. You can tell Dawson not to sell your office lease, because I need you back in Pine Valley with me. Or it’s going to be one hell of a long summer.”
Tears trailed down Lindsey’s cheeks as she stared at him.
“I was going to show up in Pine Valley tonight to break the news,” he said, “but you beat me to it.”
Lindsey half laughed, half sobbed, then threw her arms about his neck. He pulled her close as she clung to him.
“I love you too, Tyler Nelson,” she whispered.
He closed his eyes as he breathed in her scent, letting her words wash over and through him. “I love you, babe, so much.”
Neither of them moved for several moments. Then she sighed and drew back to wipe at her tears.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry,” he said, using his thumb to help her.
Lindsey smiled. “I think I’m dreaming.”
Nelson kissed her forehead. “It’s no dream.”
She took a steadying breath. “Are you sure about moving to Pine Valley? I mean, it’s a huge change.”
“It’s the right change,” Nelson said. “My career isn’t all about me anymore, it’s about us, sweetheart. Everything I do from now on is all for you.”
Lindsey’s mouth curved into a beautiful smile. “You’re going to make me cry again.”
He chuckled, then he cradled her face. He searched her blue eyes, finding only love and the sweetness that was Lindsey in her gaze. “Wanna road trip with me?” he asked.
Her expression turned coy. “Is that your moving trailer out there?”
“It is.”
“Well, since I’m already here,” she said, “I might as well come along for the ride.”
He laughed. “Perfect.” He leaned down, then he kissed her, long and slow. She twined her arms about his neck, kissing him back. Now that they’d be living in the same town, Nelson was looking forward to a lot more time with Lindsey, and a lot more kissing. So he might as well start it off right.
Want to read more stories set in Pine Valley?
Want to read about the realtor Jeff Finch? Check out WORTH THE RISK
What about lawyer Dawson Harris? Read SAY YOU LOVE ME
Does Officer Russo get a Happily Ever After? Read FINDING US
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Heather B. Moore is a four-time USA Today bestselling author. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore; her latest thrillers include The Killing Curse and Breaking Jess. Under the name Heather B. Moore, she writes romance and women’s fiction. Her newest releases include the historical romances Love is Come and Wedding Wagers. She’s also one of the coauthors of the USA Today bestselling series: the Timeless Romance Anthologies. Heather writes speculative fiction under the pen name Jane Redd; releases include the Solstice series, Mistress Grim, and Midsummer Night. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.
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