But I trust him. I know he’s watching, and if something were to happen, he would come and save me.
And that plays into another fear. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“Why would you think that?”
“If someone were to jump me and you came running, you could get seriously hurt again.”
“That won’t happen,” Baden says warily, and I hear the frustration in his voice. “I swear it won’t happen, Sophie. No one could have shitty luck like that, and I refuse to live in fear of it. I want you to do the same.”
I feel awful. I’ve wasted so much time letting my weakness inhibit me. More than that, I’ve clearly disappointed Baden.
“Okay,” I reply, disconnecting the call.
Using great effort to motivate my ass out the door, I push the cart and grit my teeth as I exit. I walk quickly to my car, the rubber wheels rattling loudly against the pavement. I don’t look around wondering where Baden is. Once I make it, I quickly put the bags in the trunk and even return the cart to the stall three spaces down in under a minute. I try not to run back to my car but rather look calm and in control.
It’s only when I reach my car door and open it that Baden pulls up beside me. I actually feel the weight of fear lift off me.
He rolls down his window, and his words come out in a frosty breath. “Hey, hot stuff. Going my way?”
His smile is warm and encouraging. He doesn’t look frustrated over my insecurities.
“I’m going your way, for sure. Going to cook you a wonderful dinner.”
Baden nods toward my car. “Then get in. I’m hungry.”
I take one step and turn back. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t,” he warns me, eyes hardening. “Don’t ever apologize to me for being scared. In fact, you don’t apologize to anyone for being scared.”
We stare at each other, and I’m pretty sure when I look back on things, this will be the moment my heart decided it fully belongs to Baden.
“I’ll see you at home,” I murmur.
CHAPTER 25
Baden
There’s a lot of buoyant chatter as the team bus pulls in front of our hotel. Most everyone is super high off tonight’s resounding win against the New York Phantoms. For one glorious night—through three solid periods—our team clicked.
Communication was great.
Passes were calculated and smooth.
We seemed to be one step ahead of the other team.
And even Patrik had an exceptional night in goal, his confidence growing as every minute ticked by. He didn’t let a single puck into the net.
Players get off the bus and congregate in groups. I’ve noticed over the last week that some are forming solid pockets of friendship, and most are making plans to go out. They deserve it, and our schedule is such they can even blow it out tonight if they want. We’re in New York for another two days as we’ll play the Vipers on Saturday and then fly back that night.
We could’ve flown home tonight after the game as it’s only an eighty-minute flight, but that’s a call someone in operations made to have us stay an extra night in between for the back-to-backs, most likely so the team would be well rested.
I am most grateful we aren’t flying back tonight as I plan on buying cold medicine from the lobby gift shop, load myself up with it, and get a good night’s sleep. I’ve been feeling like shit all day with some crud that’s giving me chills, a slight fever, a cough, and sore throat. For tonight’s game, I was feeling so crappy I actually watched the game from the visiting coaches’ office where I could sit the entire time rather than stand down at the boards.
I make my way into the lobby, noting some players are foregoing a night out, heading to the elevators instead. While some are clicking, some just aren’t. But I’m hoping in time, it will get better.
The small gift shop has a rotating rack of various medicines, toiletries, and other items people might need when traveling. I nab some Tylenol and cough drops. I consider the variety of sinus medications, but I don’t know what to get. I’m rarely ever sick, so I’m not familiar with much outside of what I already have in my hand. I’d call Sophie, but I know she’s asleep by now. My girl isn’t a night owl and is usually conked out by eleven. It’s close to midnight, so I don’t want to disturb her.
I will, however, miss her fretting over me. We talked about an hour before the game tonight, and she could hear the hoarseness in my voice. I admitted to not feeling all that great, and she was adorable in her concern. I’ve never had a woman want to take care of me like she does. She even threatened to get on a plane to come here, but I assured her it was just a bad cold.
Besides that, we both know that’s way too out of her comfort zone and she’d never do it. But it’s endearing that she wants to be here.
“Mucinex,” I hear from behind me. I twist my neck to look over my shoulder to see Gage standing there. He’s got a bottled water in hand along with a candy bar.
Gage has been a shining star on this team and was, in my opinion, the best acquisition we made. He’s not only been playing stellar hockey, he’s been the voice of wisdom and reason, and frankly, he should be wearing the C on his sweater rather than the A.
But Keller felt Coen should get the captaincy since he’s an original team member and one of the best players in the league. Of course, Keller and I disagree as to what makes a good leader, but I have no say in the decision.
I grab the box of Mucinex and wave it at Gage. “Thanks.”
“You look like shit,” he says with a smirk.
“Feel that way too,” I admit, suppressing a cough from the tickle at the back of my throat. We both head to the register, and I nod down at his purchases. “Potato chips?”
He shrugs. “I burned enough calories tonight to justify it.”
“How come you’re not going out with the guys?” I ask. I know he has on other occasions.
“Truthfully?” he counters.
I cock an eyebrow. “Is there any other way to be?”
Gage laughs. “I suppose not. Let’s just say I like a break now and then from the younger guys. Their idea of a fun time and mine aren’t exactly on the same level anymore.”
I can’t help but laugh as I know exactly what he’s talking about.
I make my purchase and wait for Gage to do the same. I really, really need to get to bed, but while I’ve got the opportunity, I want to see how things are going on more of an internal level with the team. While it’s more Keller’s purview than mine, he’s so hit-and-miss on how he deals with personal issues, I want to keep tabs on things. Keller’s either awkwardly overinvolved or he’s completely oblivious, and I’m not afraid to tell him things I see.
Spying a small coffee stand open on the other side of the lobby, I motion to it. “I’m going to grab some tea. Got a minute to chat?”
“Sure,” Gage says, and we head that way.
“How are things going with the guys?” I ask as we approach the stand. There’s no one in line. I order a peppermint tea.
While the woman prepares my drink, Gage fills me in. “Most of the younger guys up from the minors are bonding, as you can see by them all going out tonight. But a few aren’t assimilating all that well.”