“The thing where you passed the puck to the other team instead of scoring on the Comets?” The coach was spitting mad, and Rocco didn’t blame him.
“I don’t know.” Rocco knew there was nothing to say. He also knew if he said much more, he’d start mouthing off, which would not end well for him.
“I’m gonna need to see some laps from you. Get here an hour early tomorrow and show me a hundred.”
Rocco nodded. He planned to do something similar anyway.
“And the rest of you…” The coach reamed out nearly everyone in the room. It didn’t matter that Rocco had actually scored off Trane, that he’d made some incredible defensive moves as a wing; nothing he’d done well was mentioned as the coach railed on them all. “Now, get some sleep. Not one of you deserves to be partying anyway. And get back on the ice tomorrow morning to watch Rocco run.”
Of all the ridiculous ideas…
They grumbled and then packed up their duffels and left in silence.
Rocco’s phone buzzed. Trane. I’ll understand if you don’t want to hit dinner.
Rocco winced and frowned and then nodded. Dinner sounds great. Let’s go to your fav hamburger place.
Meet me at Louey’s.
Rocco pocketed his phone and left the building.
The Uber he called arrived just as he stepped out into the frigid Michigan air, and when he gave him the name of the place, the driver grunted in approval. “Local favorite.”
They pulled up to what looked like a total dive. Trane was famous for making them eat at places that looked like they should be condemned. But Rocco suspected he was about to eat the best burger of his life.
He found Trane in the back at a booth. A couple of women were eyeing him, and one stood near the booth, edging toward the empty bench.
“Excuse me.” Rocco waited until she shifted so he could slide into the booth. She didn’t give him enough room, so her skin pressed against him was unavoidable. And unwelcome. He didn’t know what Trane’s status was with women, though, or if he wanted to make it that kind of night.
But Trane nodded to them. “So, my date’s arrived.”
Their eyes widened, and they slipped away with large pouts.
Rocco laughed. “You did not.”
Trane shrugged. “I did. And it worked.”
The waitress brought Rocco a water and topped off Trane’s. Then she took their order for onion rings and left them to themselves.
Trane lifted his cup. “That was some goal you scored.”
And Rocco immediately felt lighter. “I was as shocked as anyone.”
“But everyone’s gonna remember how you gave the puck away.” Hand it to Trane to point out the obvious.
“Yeah. I have to do laps tomorrow. One hundred. With the team watching.”
“That’s rough. Want me to join you?”
Rocco laughed, tempted, and then shook his head. “Nah. I don’t think that would go down quite the way the coach intends.”
“Doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be funny.”
“True.”
They munched on the extra order of fries the waitress had brought with the rings. “How do you find these places?”
Trane shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m not afraid of what a place might look like. Really great places can start with rough exteriors.”
Rocco nodded. Trane was a good example of a rough upbringing gone right. “Do you ever see anyone from home?”
“No one except you guys.”
“Me neither. It was really just Northbrook. You guys were my friends, my family, my team.”
Trane lifted his water cup. “Amen, dude.”
They clinked glasses and gave the waitress their orders. Rocco sat back. “You know, I know you better now than I did back in those days.”
“Yeah. There wasn’t much to know back then, unfortunately.”
Rocco didn’t believe that, but he let it go. “Next time you’re in Wyoming, I’ve got to get you over to meet the folks.”
“And someone else?” Trane’s mock suggestive eyebrows were so ridiculous on his mammoth face that Rocco almost choked on a fry.
“Dude, don’t do that.”
“What? The eyebrows?” He wiggled them, and Rocco shook his head. “Yeah, not that either.” He lifted his phone. “Here, I’ll send a video to the guys, and they can vote.”
“I thought you said don’t do it, and now you want a video of it?” He kept doing his ridiculous eyebrow wiggle, and Rocco posted the video on the Pit.
The answers came back right away. Dude, no. That’s just not right.
Oh, is that the victory wiggle?
Groucho. Didn’t he have humungous eyebrows?
Rocco responded, Diesel and I celebrating his win today.
A whole slew of victory emojis followed. Trane added, I’m still getting over the fact that the Pebble here scored on me.
Pebble!
Someone posted a clip of the goal.
Declan chimed in, Even you have to admit, Diesel, that was pretty epic.
Would have to be epic to get past Trane.
They finished their dinner, and Rocco paid at the counter. “Loser pays.”
“Hey, thanks, man.”
In the parking lot, Trane pulled him into a hug. “Good to see you, man.” It was a solid, family-type hug, and Rocco wondered how many of those Trane had ever had in his life. Rocco gave him an extra squeeze, and then they both jumped in separate cars and Rocco went to his hotel room.
He pulled out his phone to see if Summer had reached out.
Summer hadn’t said a thing about the game. Had she watched it? Was she even aware of it?
Of course, she was. Coming from her family, she couldn’t ignore a game even if she wanted to. But he hoped she’d cared enough to watch. He knew some people just weren’t into hockey, but she’d seemed pretty into it on the ice. He tossed the phone on his bed and got ready for an early night. The bathroom was steamy, the water hot, so he lingered in the shower, giving his tired muscles a break.
He hopped out of the shower and started toweling off when his phone finally dinged.
Hey, that game was brutal, but nice goal! Summer. She had watched.
He pushed the call button.
“Hello.” When her voice sounded in his ear, he hopped in place in the middle of his room, suddenly filled with energy.
“Hey, Summer.”
“Rocco.”
“So, you watched the game?”
She sighed. “Yeah.”
“It was pretty brutal.”
“But you scored! And that drop of the defender. That was amazing. He went flying across the ice. I saw what that play could have been. You were amazing. I bet you would have scored right there.”
“Yeah, if I hadn’t passed the puck to the other team.” He laughed. Somehow, talking about it with Summer made it sound not so bad.
“But really, it was a good play.”
“Thank you. Actually, you and Trane are the only ones to notice I did anything good in that game.”
“Ouch. Were you in trouble with Coach?”
“Oh yeah. And more tomorrow.”
“Hey, I’m sorry. I really did think it was one of your better games.”
“We might have just lost our shot at the playoffs.”
“Maybe not. My dad was talking. If you beat the Flyers…”
“First of all, I can’t even tell you how much I love it that you know this stuff. And second of all, the Flyers have Jax. I don’t know if that will be any easier to win.”
“But no Trane.”
“True,” he conceded. And suddenly, his whole hockey season seemed less bleak. “You know, I’m glad you texted.”
“I do my best.”
“So, librarian.” He grinned. “I don’t know why, but I love it that you’re the librarian back home.”
The pause on her end felt a little too long. Her soft answer made him listen extra carefully. “I mean, it’s probably not what you’re u
sed to.”
He tilted his head. “Used to?”
“Well, yeah. I mean, I don’t know who else is calling you or anything, but I’m sure it’s not the local librarian.”
“That’s true. I don’t think I’ve ever until this moment called a librarian. But that’s good. That means you’re unique.” He cringed. This conversation was not going where he had hoped it would go. “So, what else did you do today?”
“Worked on my dissertation.”
“What! You’re doing that, too?”
“Yeah. I’m hoping to finish this year. A doctorate in history. Particularly the rise and fall of the Czech Republic and the Baltic states. I delve a bit into communism, and even the Berlin Wall comes into it.”
“That’s incredible. I am totally interested in all that. Well, I would be if I knew more about it. The Baltic states were pretty invisible in my education. Love the idea of Czechoslovakia though.”
She laughed. “It’s okay. You don’t have to be into my doctorate.”
“But I am. Though what I’m really into is you.” He held his breath. That had just come tumbling out of his mouth, unplanned. He waited when she didn’t respond at first.
“You are?” The soft wonder in her whisper gave him courage.
“I am. I don’t think it matters what you talk to me about, I’m gonna be interested.”
“Hey, that’s pretty cool.” The smile in her response was obvious, and he breathed out in relief.
“Yeah, I think so, too. So, I’m back in a week. But then I’m gonna be pretty busy with this all-star game and things in Chicago. Even if I have home games, I’ll probably have to fly right back to Chicago. We have a whole promo event surrounding the game and everything.” He paused then cleared his throat. “So, I was wondering if you would want to come with me?”
The silence lasted for so long he cleared his throat again. “Summer? Did I lose you?”
“Ah, no, I’m here. Just, wow. Come with you? Like for the whole time?”
“Sure. But specifically, would you be my date for the gala after the game? And I’d love for you to come to the game. Your whole family is invited, of course.”
“I’m sure we’d love it. Thank you.”
“And…the date part?”
“Yeah, that too.”
“Would you love that part too?”
“Yes, I’m going to love that part too.”
He pumped the air. “Yes! Okay, great. I’ll send you the details as it gets closer.”
“Did you just air fist?”
“Uh, maybe.”
“That’s awesome.”
“Do you ever do things like that?”
“Like what?”
“Like get a little excited and jump and pump your fist in the air?”
She laughed. And he hoped she was blushing. “I’ve been known to get a little overexcited when I sing karaoke…”
“What! Okay, this is on my list now, for sure. I know the best karaoke bar in Chicago.”
“Done. But you have to promise me a duet.”
“We’ll see. If I’m doing a duet, then I can’t be down in the audience appreciating you on stage.” He grinned. “You know what? Either way, I’m just looking forward to seeing you again.”
“Me too. Next week?”
“Yes. I’ll be back and at your door.”
They hung up, and he felt lighter than he had since the game ended. Somehow, after a few words with Summer, his whole outlook had improved.
Even though he’d be skating punishment laps tomorrow morning.
12
Summer counted down the minutes until Rocco would be getting home. He’d traveled to play in Cincinnati and then stopped in Chicago to meet with Bree, the woman helping to set up the promo and all-star game. And finally, he would be flying into the Star Valley airport at three this afternoon.
She was going to pick him up. His mother had called, letting her know the flight number. Summer wanted to surprise him. She had dinner planned at his place. His mom had given her the key, and everything was set up over there.
But now that the day had arrived, she was a mess of second-guessing. It all felt very rushed. How would Rocco feel about her being in his space? Would he wish he’d taken the lead on some of this stuff? Summer was just following Mrs. De Luca’s lead, but really, did she want to be in cahoots with a man’s mother to try and win him over? Sometimes, she was. But sometimes, no, and this whole plan now had her panicking.
She pulled up in front of Rocco’s townhome, key in hand, ready to take down all the dinner prep. It was too soon, too much. He would freak out. She knew it. Things were always better when the guy led the way…
Her phone rang. “Hey, Rocco’s landing any minute. He took an earlier flight.” Mrs. De Luca hummed. “So get over there.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Summer hung up and backed out of his driveway. No changing things now. Maybe she could pretend the dinner was a surprise for him to eat alone, just to help him relax.
The airport was small and not far. She arrived just as his jet touched down. She made her way into the small terminal.
She watched as he stepped out of the jet onto the runway and hefted his duffel up on his shoulder. He started to walk into the terminal toward baggage claim. Nervous, she waited to show herself. He would be expecting to catch a ride home from the airport, an Uber or something. He walked tall and strong, and he caught the notice of every person in the small space. His jeans fit just right. His shirt stretched across his shoulders. She could look at him all day. She realized she was falling for this guy, and seeing him after their fun long-distance conversations was solidifying that thought.
She found her courage and walked toward him. He was facing away from her. When she got within hearing distance, her small voice called, “Hey.”
He turned, his face lighting in such a happy expression of surprise she laughed in response.
“What is this?” He closed the distance and pulled her into a hug up against him. “Are you here to get me?”
Her arms clung to his neck. His hair was soft under her fingers, and his neck smelled of his soap. She almost pressed her lips against his skin, her nose breathing in the proof that he was there with her.
Then he released her.
“Yup. I’m here to get you.”
“Awesome. Mom didn’t tell me.” He eyed her. “Neither did you.”
“Yeah. Sometimes, it’s nice to have a surprise.” Her comment came out as way more of a question than she’d intended, but Rocco nodded.
“This surprise, right here, is turning into the best part of my whole weekend.” He reached for her hand. When their fingers laced together, she felt complete.
The luggage started dropping onto the carousel, and soon they were on their way through the parking lot to her car.
“Hey, I’ve missed the Jeep. Still enjoying your spoils?”
“I am. Every day, I think fondly of the time I scored off a pro hockey player.”
He snorted. “And how’s the family? I told Kyle I’d come play hockey with him.”
“What? When?” He’d communicated with her brother?
“Tomorrow morning. We could use some backup.”
“Do you guys, like, talk?”
“Sort of. I guess he’s figured out how to text when he’s on Wi-Fi.”
“Oh no. I hope he’s not pestering you. How did he get your number?”
“I gave it to him. Don’t worry about it. I also added your mom to the loop just so it’s all on the up-and-up.”
Summer shook her head. “You’re amazing. I bet Kyle thinks this is the coolest thing ever.”
“Apparently, your dad’s pretty hyped about it too. He thinks Kyle might be the only Davis hockey player.”
“Oh, I bet he is talking it up, getting Kyle ready. I’m surprised I didn’t know.”
“You’ve been busy. How’s the paper?”
“Good.” A warm feeling rose inside that he’d remembered and asked abou
t her dissertation. “I could be done in a couple months if I really work on this thing.”
“That’s incredible.” He reached down and grabbed his other suitcase, pulling it behind him without letting go of her hand. “And then what?”
“I don’t know. I would like to live somewhere other than my parents’ house.” She laughed.
“You could now, couldn’t you? I don’t know what librarians make, but I do happen to know a strip of townhomes with openings.” He winked.
“I could. It’s true. But I want a house up against the hills. I want some land. And I also would like to do something with my doctorate. Maybe teach online.” She paused, wondering if she was ready to admit what she hadn’t told anyone else. “Or move to a big campus and teach there.”
He nodded, considering her words. “You’d be amazing. You could do any of those things. I guess it’s just deciding what you want.” He turned his brown eyes to her, and she might have melted just a little bit. He hadn’t laughed at her dream. Watching him casually consider her thoughts as though they could really happen filled her with a new kind of courage.
“So you think I could do it?”
“Sure.” He shrugged. “There’s a heck of a lot you could do, I’m guessing. You’re pretty amazing.”
Their hands swung as Summer considered his words.
Then they loaded his stuff in her Jeep, and she drove toward his townhome. Her stomach flipped in nervous dances.
“So, what are you doing later?” he asked.
She turned to him in surprise, putting on her blinker to get onto the main road through the valley.
“Too soon?” He held up his hands. “I get it. I’ll be over tomorrow. So that’s good.” He looked out the window.
“No, that’s not it. It’s just…” She shook her head. It was the moment of truth. Was he gonna like this part of the surprise?
“What?” He reached for her hand again.
“Well, I kind of have another surprise for you.”
His eyes lit up. “You are totally winning on the surprise front. I’m gonna have to step up my game.”
“Well, I hope you like this surprise.” She pulled in front of his condo.
“Are you gonna tell me before I go in?” He leaned across the center console, his arms resting on it, and his eyes searched her face in such a playful expression she wanted to kiss his cheek.
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