Goal Lines & First Times (CU Hockey 3)

“Yeah, but that’s hockey. It has never interested me.”

“Yes, well, if we’re talking about your shortcomings, that’s your worst one.”

He huffs. “Sorry.”

“Eh. I’ll still love you anyway.”

Seth lets out a little gasp, and my eyes widen. That didn’t just fall out of my mouth, did it?

Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit.

“You’ll what?” Seth’s lips curve upward.

“I’ll still … uh, like you? Very much. Yes. That.”

His smile only widens. “You love me?”

I swallow the large lump in my throat. “Umm, no?”

He cocks an eyebrow, and his lips press together.

“Yes?”

“You sound confused.”

I have no idea what to say. Is it too soon? Is this pushing him? Do I own it or make it awkward by playing it off and giving him finger guns like “Yeah, bro. I love ya. Like I love puppies and rainbows and shit.” The longer I stand here looking like I’m unsure, the quicker Seth’s face morphs from something like happiness to wary concern.

Maybe that’s all the sign I need to own this and tell him exactly how I feel.

“I …”

Shit, what if he doesn’t feel the same way?

My heart thuds, and my mouth dries. Then I take a deep breath to try to suck in some courage to let it all out.

“I do,” I croak. “I’m in love with you.”

Seth’s smile is back. “I’m in love with you too.”

I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear it back until this moment. I push forward and seal my mouth against his.

My arms wrap around him, and I press closer. His tongue teases my lips. Gripping his hips, I guide him toward his kitchen island and lift him. I step between his legs, deepen the kiss, and fully plan to get off with him right here.

Fuck going upstairs.

He has other plans. “Wait, wait, wait.” He pushes me back.

“What?”

“We didn’t find a solution about the job.”

I shake my head. “I’m not going anywhere. Especially now. I’ll look into working with Beck and Jacobs. I’ll do whatever it takes to stay in Burlington for you.”

Seth’s hesitance slowly peels away, but I still see the concern in his eyes. “I don’t want to hold you back.”

“Loving you could never hold me back.”

Seth surges forward and kisses me this time, hard and sure.

Without a doubt, staying with him is the right choice. Zach and Foster may have made long distance work for a year, but it’s obvious they’ve both struggled with it.

I don’t want to put any unnecessary pressure on us. We’re both new to this deep kind of connection. Why mess with that?

Like I told him when we were at the game. I love hockey. As long as my career has something to do with the sport, then I’ll be happy. If it means coaching, then I’ll coach. It doesn’t have to be in media just because that’s what my degree is in.

Seth is more important to me than a job. That’s all there is to it.

29

Seth

I’ll do whatever it takes to stay in Burlington—for you.

The few days after we talk, I can’t shake my guilt, and when classes start back up again, the distance between us drives the guilt harder.

Richie’s got practice taking over his life as the team works their asses off to scrape into the Frozen Four, and even though he’s exhausted when we talk, I can’t miss the happiness in his voice.

I selfishly want to take him at his word and wrap myself inside a love bubble where everything is sunshine and orgasms, but I wasn’t lying when I said I loved him. And knowing he’s turning this job down, purely because of the relationship I have with Foster, isn’t cool.

Clearly trying to reassure him got me nowhere, and what’s that old saying? Actions speak louder than words?

Time to show him.

Because if he stays in Burlington and can’t make a career in hockey here—which will likely happen—he’ll resent me one day. It won’t be now, or even soon, but one day he’ll look back and realize everything he’s missed.

And when it comes to Richie, I’m playing the long game.

As soon as my final class lets out for the day, I grab my phone and call Foster.

“Seth, hey, I can’t talk long.”

“That’s okay. Is that job still available?”

There’s a slight pause. “Yeah, as far as I know.”

“Where does he send his resume?”

“He’s going to do it? That’s awesome!”

“He’s not completely convinced, but he will be.”

Foster sighs. “Look, I’m not going to force him to—”

“No, no, I get it. But this is important, and it’s completely my fault he hasn’t jumped on it already.”

“Okay, email it to me. I’ll get it to the right people.”

“Thanks.” I chew on my lip. “At least with the three of you up there, I’ll always have somewhere to stay.”

“Why don’t you move here too?” The way he asks, making it sound like the most logical conclusion, reminds me of my bitterness toward how easily things come to him.