“That’s why I kept telling you to be careful and not smack your head,” she says, leaning back into me as we watch everything go by.
“I wouldn’t mind climbing those stairs again if it means getting to watch your ass like I did today.”
“Don’t be crass,” she says, and I’m sure that earned me an eye roll.
“Can’t fault a man when he’s got your ass in his face for one hundred and sixty-two tight-ass stairs. I was half-hard the entire time we were climbing, which didn’t help me at all,” I tell her, pressing my still half-hard cock into said backside.
“You’re incorrigible, you know that?” she asks, laughing at me.
“Only for you, Hales.” I nip at the exposed skin of her neck. I love the summer months because she often pulls her hair up, so it isn’t hot and heavy on her neck. It gives me easy access, and I know it drives her crazy when I kiss her there or rub my facial hair along it. It usually creates instant goosebumps and sends shivers down her spine and straight to her core, making her wet and ready for me.
“Don’t start something you can’t finish.” She cranes her next to flash me a somewhat dirty look. One that warns I’d better not do what she just threatened.
“I can always finish, baby.” I kiss her one last time, for now, on the neck. “But, I’ll be good, for now. We can revisit this later tonight.”
We make it back to the hotel, where we pick up the car from the valet. Our bags are already loaded since we brought them down with us when we checked out earlier. It only takes us about thirty minutes to maneuver through traffic and get out of the city. While I navigate us towards home, Hailey controls the music, still shuffling through her road trip playlist. I’ve actually been impressed with what she’s put together for us.
We stop once for a quick bite to eat and some gas before we’re back on the road and, a few hours later, we’re finally pulling in to our hometown. It’s been since those few days at Christmas I’ve been back, and man, does it feel good to be home.
As I drive through town, everything is familiar; it brings back many memories of us growing up.
“Do you think you’ll hear anything from your agent today on the contract negotiations?” Hailey asks as we sit at a red light.
“Maybe, he said it should be soon, whatever that means. I just really hope he was able to negotiate me at least a three-plus-year deal, if not longer.” I really am hoping that I get to stay in Indy. After everything Hailey did to give up her dream school to come be with me full-time, I’d really like to repay her by providing some stability in my career so that her moving wasn’t a big waste.
Chapter Twenty
Hailey
“So, tell me everything!” Mom asks as we sit across from each other in the living room of my childhood house.
“What do you want to know about?” I ask to try and narrow down what she wants to know.
“Start with school; how did everything go after spring break?” she asks. She obviously knows how I did, but I tell her anyway.
“School was good; I really enjoyed my classes and already have my schedule picked out for the fall semester. I lucked out and got into all the classes that I wanted with the professors that I prefer, so that’s exciting!”
“That’s great! How many classes did you end up registering for?”
“Six,” I tell her.
“Is that going to be too much on you?” she asks, the concern evident.
“It isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but the way I look at it, this is my job. If I can take one extra class now, that’s one less that I have to take later. I’d love to keep up the heavy class loads and possibly finish a semester early or leave that last one to be lighter before the craziness of med school.”
“As long as you’re not running yourself into the ground. We just want you to succeed,” Mom tells me.
“I know, and I appreciate all of your and Dad’s support. It means a lot to me.”
“So, how was it being in Indy? I know you made some good friends there, it seems.”
“I love it! Everyone is so nice. They completely embraced Dylan and me, which really helped with getting settled and feeling like it was home. It also made me not miss California as much.”
“That’s good.”
“Although, I do miss the mild winters California offered. Being back in the cold and snow isn’t my favorite,” I joke.
“I’m sure sun and sand will always be preferred over cold and snow, but you can’t have everything in life.”
“I’m aware,” I deadpan. “Maybe I’ll get matched with a hospital in California, or Dylan will get traded at some point to a team in a warm state.”
“Have you guys discussed what will happen when it is time for you to match with a hospital for residency?” Mom asks.
“A little. We know that it is still a few years away, so not something we really need to stress over right this minute. I’m hopeful that, by then, he’ll be under a long-term contract with a team. I’ll do my best to apply with hospitals in the same city or state so that we can have as little distance as possible, but we know there is always the possibility of having to have a long-distance relationship for a few years.”
“As long as you guys know going in, I’m sure you can make it work. And don’t settle on a residency because it is close if it isn’t what you really want. That won’t be good in the long run.”
“I know, Mom,” I tell her. “He’d never let me just settle. I think he worries about it more than I do, especially this early.”
“You got yourself a good one,” she adds.
“I did; I had some good role models to follow.”
Emily joins us, and I tell them all about our road trip and time in NYC. I love getting to spend this time with my family. With my busy school schedule, combined with Dylan’s hectic schedule, I didn’t have time to really miss home. I obviously missed my family, but daily phone calls or FaceTime’s and lots of texting kept us all connected with the physical distance between us.
“Whatcha up to, babe?” Dylan asks when I answer his call.
“Just relaxing, how was fishing with your dad?”
“We didn’t catch a thing, but it was good to get out on the water.”
“I’m glad that you got that time with him.”
“Yeah, it was good to just slow it down and sit out on the lake.”
“Are you back?” I ask.
“Yeah, we just got back a little bit ago. I helped him get everything put away and was going to grab a quick shower. Just wanted to check with you to see if you had any plans or if we’re just hanging out tonight.”
“I think we’re just hanging out, so if you want to come over once you’re ready, I’ll be here.”
“Sounds good, babe. Love you.”
“Love you, too,” I tell him before we disconnect the call.
Two Months Later
“I can’t believe you have to leave tomorrow already,” Emily pouts, dropping on the bed next to my suitcase. “Where have the last two months gone?”
“I know, they flew by way too fast. I could sure use another month off.”
“When do your classes actually start?” she asks, helping place a stack of my shirts in the suitcase.
“Next Tuesday. We wanted a couple days to get settled in, restock the apartment with food and such. Plus, I still need to stop by the bookstore and pick up all the textbooks I’ll need for this semester.”
“Gotcha. Are you guys just driving straight back?”
“Yeah, no fun road trips like on our way here. We’d talked about going back to NYC for a few days, but I think we’re going to do that next summer. We decided we’d rather have those extra few days here at home than on the road.”
“I’m glad you guys chose to stay,” Emily states. “I already have to give you up for so much of the year; it really isn’t fair.” She pretends to pout.
“You could always come to visit,” I remind her.
“Maybe when Dylan is on an
extended road trip because staying in your one-bedroom apartment with the two of you is eww. I see more than I want when you’re here together, I don’t need to see more of that lovey-dovey shit when you don’t have the parentals around.”
“I kinda wish he’d have rented a two-bedroom apartment so that we could have a guest room, but I don’t think that crossed his mind when he rented it, and it is a little late now.”
“When is his lease up? Maybe they have a different unit in the building they’d be willing to let him move to?” she suggests.
“I think it renews in October, but I can check with him and the office. Even if it is just to another part of the building, the thought of moving doesn’t sound fun, but the extra space would be really nice. I feel bad sometimes about kicking him out of the bedroom so I can study. I know he doesn’t mind, but I still feel bad.”
“It doesn’t hurt to look into it.”
“You’re right; I’ll bring it up to him on the drive back.”
“Are you excited for tonight?” she asks, changing the subject.
“I guess so. It’s just a little going away party, which I find funny since this isn’t the first time we’re leaving,” I tell Emily. Dylan’s mom and our mom decided a family BBQ was in order for tonight. Get everyone together in one place to easily say our goodbyes before we head out early tomorrow morning.
“I’m looking forward to those ribs Dad has been smoking all day,” Emily states, and I can almost taste them after smelling them cook all day.
“Yes! So good!” I moan. “It’s things like that I miss the most. Well, besides you, obviously.” I snicker at her look of dismay.
“Way to save yourself with that.” She pokes fun at my slip up.
“Like you don’t enjoy being the only kid at home.”
“Eh, it isn’t all that it is cracked up to be. They want me to be all adult-ish and shit. Like, who’s got time for that?”
“You poor thing,” I coo. “Gotta get a big girl job or go to school, whatever are you going to do with yourself?” I ask, giving my twin so much shit.
“We can’t all be you and going to med school soon.”
“Em, you can’t compare your life to mine. You’ll figure out what you want to do with your life. We’re still young. Just because I’ve known for a few years what I wanted to do for college and after doesn’t make me any better than you.”
“I know, I just feel so lost. If I focus just on a job, I’ll miss my shot at the typical college years. But if I just go enroll, then I’ll be wasting money by taking random classes.”
“You won’t really be wasting money if you take all your basic requirements. That gives you two years, maybe three if you don’t go full-time, to figure out what you want to do with your life. It is also okay to just work and take time to figure out what you want in life,” I reassure her.
“Yeah, I know. Maybe I’ll go down and talk to the admissions department at the community college and see what they have to say about the basic classes. Maybe I can dip my toe in and take one this fall semester.”
“There you go! That’s a start.”
“Thanks, sis. I’d be lost without you,” she says, giving me a huge hug.
Chapter Twenty-One
Dylan
My hands sweat as I look around. I don’t really know why I’m nervous. The only people present are all family. All people that have been in our lives forever.
I wipe my palms on my shorts, patting my pocket for probably the hundredth time to make sure the ring is still safely tucked in there. The idea struck me a few weeks ago to propose. I knew I wanted to do it with family around, so I knew that it had to happen before we left again or wait until next summer when we’d be back. We’ve talked about marriage, about when it would be best to get married. We’ve always known that it would happen, but we’re young. We’ve never felt rushed to run for the altar, never felt like a single piece of paper would make a difference in how much we love each other, but I also like the idea of being tied to one another on another level. I know I don’t want to have anyone else to come home to; there’s no one else I’d share my good and bad with.
“Are you going to make it another ten minutes?” my dad asks, only loud enough for me to hear. Hailey is over talking to her sister and an aunt on the other side of the deck.
“Maybe,” I tell him honestly. We’ve had a lot of heart to heart conversations this summer while out fishing, or pretending to fish, while we just sit in the boat or on the dock giving us the alone time we needed to talk.
“It isn’t like she’s going to say no, son.”
“Yeah, I know,” I tell him, running my hands through my hair once again. I’m a little shocked she hasn’t asked me what is wrong because even I can tell I’ve been acting weird today.
“Then get it over with, quit stalling, and go ask her,” he suggests, smacking a supportive hand onto my shoulder.
Last week, while Emily had Hailey out for a sister day, I had lunch with their parents and officially asked for their permission to ask her to marry me. I never worried they’d tell me no; they already treat me like their son-in-law, but I still felt like it was the right thing to do. Melissa was so excited and suggested today’s BBQ as a disguise to get everyone together for the big proposal. I agreed and let the moms take the lead on planning today. All I had to do was show up with the ring in hand and ask. So, that’s where we’re at now. All that is left is my part, and I’m sweating like I just played an entire game with no breaks.
“Hey.” Hailey’s sweet voice pulled me out of my trance. I’d obviously zoned out, as I don’t know how long she’s been standing in front of me.
“Hey, babe,” I say, widening my legs so that I can tug her between them. I wrap my arms around her torso, resting my head on her belly as she stands in front of me. I take a second to just breathe her in. Letting that familiar scent calm me as my lungs fill with it. The feel of her nails as they drag along my scalp as she runs her fingers through my hair has tingles running down my spine and straight to my cock. I pull back, looking up at her, and that sweet smile she flashes me calms all my nerves.
“Everything okay?” she asks, looking a little worried.
“It is now,” I assure her. “Come with me,” I tell her, moving her back slightly so that I can stand. I flash my dad a quick look, hoping that he gets my hint that we’ll be back in just a couple minutes and it will be go time.
I link my fingers with hers, tugging her closer to my side as we walk down the deck stairs and out of the yard. “Let’s go for a little walk; I just need to stretch my legs.”
“Okay,” she easily agrees.
We take a quick walk around the block her parents’ house sits on, waving to a few people who are also enjoying the nice day.
“Are you ready to get back with the guys, maybe spend some time on the ice with them?” she asks as we make our second lap.
“Yeah, I need to start working on my face-offs again. I want to improve over where I got to by the end of the season.”
“I’m sure you can do it,” she says, squeezing my arm as we round the last corner.
“Thanks for always believing in me,” I tell her. We’re quiet the last few hundred feet into the backyard. Everyone is still as they were before we left, milling around having small side conversations amongst themselves. I lead Hailey up onto the deck, but rather than over to the seats where I’d been with my dad, I lead her over by an archway surrounded by flowers her mom grows every summer. It works as the perfect backdrop for this and wasn’t something that anyone had to go out of their way to decorate, which might have tipped her off that I was asking her today.
I grab both of her hands, making it, so she has to face me. The quizzical look on her face tells me that I am catching her completely off guard, and she didn’t have any idea this was the plan for today. “Dylan?” she says my name; it comes out more like a question than a statement.
“Hailey,” I say her name, stopping to clear my voice. I not
ice that the noise from everyone around us has quieted, and I’m sure that everyone’s eyes are now on us. I don’t really know, as I zone out everyone except Hailey. “We’ve been together now for five years. We’ve withstood high school, the beginning years of college, including being long-distance, we’ve experienced moves and being in the public eye because of my job, but we’ve kept one another the top priority through it all. I knew that day when we were fifteen, and you said yes to a date, one day I’d ask you another important question, and that day is today. That time is now,” I tell her. I drop one of her hands and reach into my pocket, pulling the ring box out. I fumble with opening the box, finally getting it open after dropping her other hand.
With the box open and pointing in the correct direction, I drop to one knee, looking up into the now watery eyes of my forever love. “Hailey Parker, will you marry me?” I ask, keeping the question simple.
“Yes!” she screams and wraps her arms around me. I stand up, taking her with me as I do, my lips quickly finding hers as I kiss her for the first time as my fiancée.
“I love you,” I whisper against her lips.
“Not as much as I love you,” she whispers back before kissing me again.
We break our kiss, the cheers from our families finally registering that they just witnessed it all. I realize I still have the ring and box in my hand, so I pull it out and slide it onto her finger. “It looks good on you.” I kiss her hand, just above the diamond.
“Did you pick this out yourself?” she asks, admiring it on her finger.
“Yes and no. I went into the jewelry store, narrowed it down to a couple, and then sent pictures to our moms and Emily for their input. This was the one all three of them picked, so they made it easy on me.”
Rookie Move (Indianapolis Eagles Series Book 9) Page 16