by Pratt, Lulu
“When did you get so strong?” I asked her by my car in her driveway, holding her against me.
“I’ve been on my own for a long time. I’ve got this, but I can’t wait until you’re home. I think we’re going to try to go to an away game next time. Tori’s always busy, and I need to finish a couple of paintings.”
“Fine. I’ll call and text. We’ll need at least one face chat as well so I can see you, gorgeous.” I kissed her again, and she smiled at me.
“Okay. Get to the team. You need to catch a flight.” Elyse pulled away and attempted to glare at me.
“Okay, okay. I’m leaving. Lock your doors and stay safe, love.” Elyse pecked my lips, and I reluctantly got into my car. She waved as I drove away, hearing the officer who spoke to me tell her to come over for dinner as he drove by. I was on board with that idea.
I had a bag packed and met the team at the arena. We were driving together to the airport, and I grinned at Justin as he nodded my way. It was a few games on the East Coast, and I was already looking forward to coming home. I settled back on the flight and closed my eyes, hoping to sleep. I was up late with Elyse the night before.
The days were all about skating, food, sleep, and games. I sent Elyse some messages, wondering how the guys with families did this. We only did a video call once late at night, but she was tired. It wasn’t nearly what I wanted. She told me that she was watching me and proud, and I made sure to tell her I loved her every time we communicated.
I felt wiped out when we boarded the plane to come home. We managed to win three out of the four away games, and things were looking great. Everybody was happy, but I wanted to see Elyse.
I knew that she was picking Justin and me up at the airport with Tori and going to dinner, and we grabbed our stuff and headed to the curb. There was a sleek blue SUV parked there, and a gorgeous face looked over at me with a big smile. Elyse jumped out of the car and I dropped my bag to hug her as Tori rushed Justin. I sat in the back with Elyse, and Justin drove the vehicle to an intimate restaurant where we could have our own space. We wanted to catch up with our girls.
Elyse told me that she had five paintings ready for the gallery. She’d delivered a few to clients who commissioned them. She was earning real money with her art, and I held it in that I wanted her to focus on that. That shop and her boss meant a lot to her. I thought ahead to her meeting my parents and a trip to Quebec for that purpose. Instead of saying any of that, I congratulated her and kissed her as she blushed.
Tori dropped us off at the condo, and I pulled Elyse inside. I couldn’t wait to have her, and closed the door before attacking her mouth. Elyse moaned and climbed me as I held her, pressing her to the door. We didn’t even make it to the couch or bed, and I took her right there as she cried out my name. I carried her to bed when we finished to clean her up and bring her some water. Elyse smiled at me as she curled up on her side, and I joined her. “I missed you.”
“Missed you too,” I replied. What she didn’t say in words showed in her expression and those damn mesmerizing eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you.” She grinned and blushed. “Tori told Justin the same thing. I think she’s finally serious about someone.”
“He’s felt it for a while. It’s all over his face when he talks about her.” I smiled at the idea of them finally together.
“Maybe we can all double date.” We both laughed at that, and I moved closer to her. “I’m home for over a week. Let’s make it count.”
“Let’s sleep for a bit. I don’t sleep well without you.” Her eyes fluttered closed, and I kissed her hair. Within a few moments, Elyse was sleeping, and I moved us to my pillow to rest my head. I thought about leaving the bed to secure the house, but I knew the door was locked. What else mattered?
We slept all night, both catching up on what we missed alone. Elyse admitted that she passed out after painting until she couldn’t see straight most nights. It made it hard for us to keep in touch with the difference in hours, and she apologized over breakfast the following morning. I told her we’d make up for it now and grinned as I glanced at my luggage by the door.
“I got something for you.” Her eyes widened, and she set her coffee down. I strode to the bags and unzipped one, pulling it open to look inside. I grinned when I saw the jersey and glanced her way as I pulled it out.
Elyse watched, and her mouth dropped open. “Is that a jersey?”
“Some of the girlfriends like to wear them. I hoped that you’d be one.” I thought back to the time when I didn’t think she’d be there to watch me at games, something that bothered me more than I cared to admit.
“I’d be honored.” Elyse reached out for it and smiled when she read Bellamy on the back and slipped it over the T-shirt she was wearing. It was large and fell to her hips, but that was how they were supposed to look.
I smiled at her in the shirt, and she flushed pink. “You can wear it to games.”
“I don’t think I’ll be the only one wearing your jersey.” Her smile was wry, and I leaned in to kiss her nose.
“No. They’re readily available to fans, but I’ve never given one to a girl before, apart from Mom. She got it framed and it hangs in the family room.” I kissed her lips, and her breath hitched for a moment.
“Oh.” She slid her hands up my chest and kissed me harder, and I slid my hands down to cup her perfect ass. I was already hard at the thought of being inside her, and groaned as she wrapped her legs around me and clung to my neck.
“Fuck me in your jersey,” she moaned against my neck.
Elyse was getting bold as time went on. I agreed readily and carried her to the bed to make her come a few times before taking her on her knees. I preferred us both naked but something was fulfilling about seeing my name on her back as she moaned with every thrust. I came hard just after her and Elyse gripped the headboard before dropping to her side.
We both had to work the following day and took the time to spend together, most of which took place in my bed. We ate but otherwise cuddled there, dozing when we needed rest. I had a week of home games now and we were going to work to see each other when we could. It was different being in something real that I wanted to commit to, but my teammates inspired me.
I took one afternoon after practice to drop into the bookstore to say hi to her. It was heading into fall and everything was decorated along the streets and inside the building. I smiled when I saw it, knowing that Elyse played a significant role. She admitted that she hadn’t been into the holidays for years, but Gloria got her into decorating and there was always an open invitation to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with them. If Tori or Diana didn’t plan something, Elyse took her up on it.
I looked around when I got inside, inhaling the scent of books. I didn’t see Elyse, but her car was outside, so she was surely here, and I started to wander to the back of the building. I paused when I noticed the asshole from the gallery talking to her as she leaned against the wall, listening intently. I knew that she might have some contact with him, but my blood boiled as I watched him lean closer. The guy knew how to make moves, and Elyse was kind enough to take more than she should.
“Settle down, Ryder.” I jumped and turned to see Gloria. She grinned at me. “He’s in here wooing her with art talk. She’d not falling for it.”
“How long has he been here?” I asked as Gloria frowned in thought, barely causing a line on her face.
“I suppose about twenty minutes. I was helping people here and there.”
My jaw set, and she let out a chuckle.
“Look at you, all jealous.”
“That’s not it. He’s just a bit much for a woman like Elyse. She’s… I don’t want to say delicate.” I knew I should be sensitive about Elyse and the words that I used.
“Elyse’s strong. I’ve watched her get through a lot, and that one won’t persuade her one way or the other. Don’t worry. She loves you.” I looked at Gloria in surprise. “She didn’t say it, but she doesn’t have to
. It’s all over her face.”
“I love her more than anything,” I admitted and smiled slowly.
“Then tuck whatever you’re feeling away and go get her. Calmly,” Gloria told me, and I nodded. “I know you’re a tough guy out there on the ice. I’ve watched you play. There’s no room for that here.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I watched as she walked away as someone asked for the latest Lulu Pratt. I brushed my hand through my hair and strode over, pushing away my conflicting emotions. Elyse looked up, and her eyes widened, but I merely grinned at her. Her expression made him look over, and he tensed as I reminded myself to act civilized.
“Hi, Elyse. I wanted to come to see you since I finished for the day.” I kissed her cheek gently, and she frowned at me. “Good to see you again, Lucas, how are you?” I remembered his name and offered him my hand to shake.
“I’m good. You’ve had some great games lately,” he said after a pause, and I thanked him. “I was just talking to Elyse about showing some more work in my gallery. She was just describing a piece that she is still working on. People have been asking about her.”
“That would be great. I’ll try to convince her myself.”
He excused himself with a reminder to Elyse to call him.
“Why do you look so surprised?” I asked.
“You acted so calm. Do you have a fever?” Elyse reached out to touch my face, and I caught her hand in mine.
“You love me. I need to focus on that,” I said, and her face broke into a beautiful smile.
“Wow, I like this. Maybe I should have said it sooner, since I’ve felt it for a while.” She took a slow look around and then leaned up to press a light kiss to my lips. “How are you?”
“Good. We finished practice and the workout, and I thought I’d come by and invite you to dinner.” I looked around to see a few customers browsing the shelves. “When are you off?”
“Dinner sounds wonderful. Four, so two more hours.” She smiled again. “Do you want to wait or pick me up?”
“I think I’ll pick you up. I need to take care of a few things. Drive safe, baby. I’ll be over at five.”
She nodded, and I stole another kiss, keeping it suitable for public display.
“See you soon.”
I smiled and left the store, stopping for tea on the way out to ease the chill outside. I made my way to my car and headed to a few stores. First, I picked up a bouquet to bring her with various flowers and colors that I had them make on-site, which worked out well since they recognized me.
After that, I went to the jewelry store that the guys favored for their significant others. The woman behind the counter tilted her head, and I watched as recognition crossed her face. “A new face from our team. Welcome.”
“Hello, and thank you,” I introduced myself and she asked what I was looking for. By the time I told her and picked something out, it was nearly time to pick Elyse up, and I asked for a gift box. I slid back into my car and looked at the assortment of gifts, deciding what I was going to give her and when as the engine warmed up. I figured I dressed for a casual dinner that I knew she preferred if we had some privacy.
I pulled up to her house ten minutes early and shut the engine off. I scanned my phone for any relevant notifications, glancing over as I heard a door. The officer I spoke with the first time was coming out and looked at me with a smile. I hopped out, and he walked up to shake my hand with a few words about our season. “Is everything okay?” I asked when we had a pause, and he nodded.
“I check on her every now and again. Elyse tells me that you know everything now.” He looked at me as if to make sure I understood the seriousness of the situation.
“I do. It’s a horrible thing to have to deal with.” My words were soft, and he nodded as he gazed off into the distance.
“Walking into the house to see such a scared little girl, and then what happened to her mom, was one of the worst crime scenes I’ve been to. I’m thankful that Elyse survived it. I’m also glad that she didn’t see anything. I looked at her as a daughter after that night, particularly since her father didn’t seem to make an effort.” He blinked and looked back at me. “I like to make sure she’s happy and stable, more than anything. She’s never been with someone like this.”
“I make sure every day that she’s taken care of. I can promise you that.” I made sure for him to understand what I was saying, and he nodded.
“She’s happy. Keep it that way, and since my wife wants her over for dinner, feel free to join Elyse. I want to get to know you.”
“Since you’re a fan, would you like to see some games? I have tickets to give out to people, and I think one of our officers fits the bill,” I offered as I watched his eyes gleam.
“If you could, that would be great. I watch as much as I can.” He nodded, and I opened my passenger door. Perry saw the flowers and nodded with approval.
“Good man. The women love flowers. I bring them to my wife a few times a month.”
“Drop your business card off with Elyse and I’ll get something set up concerning the tickets. Have a good night, okay?” I said, and he turned to walk to his house. I carried the flowers in one arm and made my way to her door, tapping gently. Elyse pulled it open and gasped when she saw the flowers.
“What are those for?” Her eyes were wide, and I chuckled as she let me in, and I headed to the kitchen to set the vase on the counter.
“Do I need a reason to bring a beautiful woman beautiful flowers?” I turned to look at her once they were secure and understood that she’d never been given anything like this before. “I just want to spoil you a bit.”
She looked at the flowers and smelled them. “Thank you.” She hugged me, and we left for dinner, ending up at a small Italian place that was romantic and a spot we could talk. I had a corner they sat me in, and I watched as Elyse took the booth before I slid in beside her. I ordered water to start, planning to sort through other drinks as we looked over the menu. Elyse giggled and said she was fine without wine tonight, and we stuck with water and our entrées.
The food was incredible, and we talked about what Lucas asked her. He wanted to give her a section of the gallery to display her work as well as some studio space in the back. It was a good offer, though I didn’t appreciate who it came from. Elyse stared at me as she told me, and I could see the worry in her eyes. “Are you okay with all of this?”
“I don’t like it, but I’m not going to act like a caveman. I know you’re with me, love. You know that I love you.” I thought about the box in my pocket and smiled before kissing her hand.
“I’m not the girl to pursue anything when I love the person I’m with. I didn’t know that before now, but it’s true. You have nothing to worry about.”
“What would you like to do?” I asked as she smiled at me.
“You’re romantic. I like that.” Elyse thought for a moment. “It’s not too cold out yet. Want to walk along the shops and get something hot to drink?”
“As long as you’re comfortable,” I promised, and we paid the bill and headed out. Elyse was happy to walk along and window-shop, entering a few stores to take a closer look at some things. I was recognized a few times, but the people were respectful about it, and I nodded at them. We finally got cold and headed back to the car, where I asked where she wanted to go.
We settled on my house, and I drove there, parking in my spot. We hurried to my door and I let us in, locking the door behind us. She decided that she wanted wine, and I poured her a glass and got myself a beer. We settled on the couch, and she kissed me with a familiar hunger as I set my bottle down. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closer, moving her to my lap. Elyse moaned and ran her hands over my body as I pressed up against her.
I lifted her shirt off, and she worked mine from my pants. I was caught up in the moment and wondered why she stopped. “What’s wrong? Why did you stop?”
“What is this?”
I realized her hand was on the box stuffed int
o my pocket. Fuck. This wasn’t supposed to happen this way.
“I wanted to wait to give this to you, but now works.” I slipped my shirt over my head and pulled the robin egg blue box out of my slacks. Elyse stared at it and then into my eyes.
“It’s not what you think… yet,” I said.
“I know that color box.”
“Okay, it might be where you think, but not what. Here. I want you to see it.” I held it out to her, and she took a slow breath before taking it and stroking the soft white ribbon.
“I never thought I’d see anything from Tiffany’s in my life,” Elyse laughed. “My family has money, but Dad would never think of this.” Elyse opened it and gasped as she pressed her hand to her mouth. “Oh. God. This is gorgeous.”
She trembled as she tried to remove the necklace from the insert, and I offered my help. The chain was delicate, and I loosened it gently before gazing at the shimmering half-moon that dangled against my hand.
“It made me think of you. You’re this bright light in my sky, Elyse. I’ve noticed how beautiful you look in the light from the moon a few times and… this called to me.” It was hard to explain myself in this moment, which caught me by surprise.
“You just went into the store?” Her voice sounded surprised.
“Well, after I got the flowers.”
She groaned and rested her head against my bare chest. “I don’t think we should put this on until I finish thanking you.” Elyse looked up at me, then down at the necklace with a wicked grin.
“How are you going to thank me?” I teased her. We set the necklace down on the table behind the couch, and she proceeded to take her time pleasing me, ending with her body on top of mine as she rode my cock.
We dropped to the couch cushions as she sucked in her breath, and I kissed her neck gently as she slipped her arms around me. “We didn’t even make it to bed.”