Out in Spring (Out in College 6)

“Can’t breathe,” I choked.

“Put him down, ya big ape,” a voice boomed behind us.

I turned as Monroe released me and almost grabbed my chest when my breath caught.

Logan looked so damn sexy and powerful, walking toward me with his hockey stick in his left hand and his gear bag slung over his shoulder. The light from the end of the tunnel sent shadows across his face and made him seem larger-than-life. He looked like a warrior.

But then he stopped in front of me and grinned…and he just looked like my person. The man I loved.

“Hi,” I said shyly. “Good game.”

“Did you watch it?”

“I mostly ate popcorn, but I saw some of it.”

“Hmph. Did you see my goal?”

“I think so,” I teased.

Logan narrowed his gaze in faux disbelief. “You think so? After everything I’ve taught you, you could be a hockey commentator by now.”

I chuckled but pursed my lips when my smile faltered, and tears stung my eyes. “I was kidding. It was a great goal, but I liked your speech afterward best. I can’t believe you said all that in front of these people.”

“Yeah, I—” Logan cocked his head and frowned. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m happy.”

“You don’t look happy.” He looked around as though he noticed we weren’t the only ones there. He lowered his voice when he continued, “Maybe this isn’t the time or place to have a serious conversation, but I meant everything I said.”

I swallowed hard. “Thank you.”

“Hey, we have a lot to talk about. I’ve got job news and big boy things to deal with like—” He paused to wave to someone behind me.

Oh.

Fuck.

“Right. I heard about the job.”

“You did?” Logan frowned. “There isn’t any real news, but I was thinking we should talk about—”

He started when one of his teammates stopped to give him a high five. I sighed at the interruption and pretended to be interested in my cuticles until his friend left. Then I gave him a wobbly smile.

“Kelly told me you took the job. That’s good. I think. But—”

“Yo, Logan! Jump in! We need a group photo. Get over here,” someone yelled.

“Be right there.” Logan held up his hand, but kept his gaze on me. “Hey, we need to talk. Just give me a few minutes to finish up here.”

“It’s okay. Go on,” I said softly.

I squeezed his arm and turned away. When the first tear threatened to fall, I put my head down and pushed through the crowd. I hoped to make it to the exit before the waterworks started, but I misjudged my emotional fortitude.

My hands shook so hard, I couldn’t open my car door. And the blood rushing in my ears made it difficult to hear my thoughts, let alone anything else around me. I thought I heard someone calling my name, but I couldn’t be sure, and it didn’t matter. I had to get out of there.

“Ned, stop!”

Logan hurried through the parking lot. He looked frazzled and determined, with a fierce expression and a furrowed brow. He set his bag on the ground, leaned his hockey stick against the trunk, and grabbed my wrist.

I stared at our hands and felt a rush of longing. Fuck, I loved him.

“What is it?” I whispered.

“I didn’t take that job. I don’t actually have anything nailed down. I’m still working on it.”

I licked my lips and tried to smile. “It’s cool if you take it, Logan. You have to be happy. You need something to look forward to…something of your own—”

“Shh. I have you,” he said softly. He wiped a tear from my cheek, then inched closer. “I probably should have said something sooner. I didn’t know how. I told you, I’m not good with plans, but—”

“I know. It’s okay. We don’t have to talk about this now.”

“No, I want to,” he insisted. “Because I want to be with you.”

Hope blossomed in my chest. I didn’t know what he meant, though. I needed plain words now, but I wasn’t sure I should be asking for them in a parking lot teeming with sports fans. A few of whom were lingering nearby, most likely waiting to congratulate Logan.

“I want that too. We can figure it out. If you need to be here, maybe long distance could work or—”

“You don’t get it, do you?”

“Get what?” I asked, glancing over his shoulder at the group gathered a few feet from my car.

“I love you, Ned.”

“You…” I said in a dazed tone. “I…I love you too. So much.”

“Good. ’Cause I want to be with you. I don’t care where we are. As long as you’re there, I’ll be happy. I want to draw hearts around your name and plan our future. I love you, and I’ve felt this way for a long time. You’re finally mine, and I want to keep it that way…forever.”

Logan pulled me against his chest, pressed his lips to mine, and he didn’t let go. Catcalls and applause broke out, and the flash from a camera went off nearby. There was a decent chance we’d end up all over social media before we even made it home. But neither of us cared. The moment felt symbolic. It marked a new beginning and a fresh start…out in spring.