The Sweet Talker (Boston Hawks Hockey #1) - Gina Azzi Page 0,78
looking over. I keep my eyes glued to the bubbles bouncing on the bottom of my screen until Indy’s message comes through.
Indy: Will you be at my place—permanently—by the time I land?
I pause. I’m desperate to move in with Indy but I also don’t want to leave my brother hanging the week he comes home from rehab. Still, I know Easton will understand, will want me to be at Indy’s place, especially now that she’s expecting.
Me: I’m aiming for it, babe. Just need to get East settled.
Indy: Of course. I didn’t mean to put you in a position where you feel torn.
Me: I know you didn’t. This is why I love you.
Indy: Why?
Me: Fishing for reassurances?
Indy: No, I just like hearing you say them.
Me: There are too many ways but the biggest one of all is because you’re you. Always and no matter what, you are the most confident, sincere, caring, genuine person I know. And I like who I am a hell of a lot more now that I’m with you.
Indy: Oh my God! I’m crying.
Crying? Panic seizes up in my chest.
Me: What? Why? You okay?
Indy: [laughing emoji] I’m fine. It’s the hormones. And you being sweet. Gah, you make me gushy.
Me: Save it for ten days, baby. Can’t wait ‘til you’re back. Have the best trip and safe travels.
Indy: I love you, Noah Scotch.
Me: I love you, Indiana Merrick.
Indy: Boarding now. Message when I land. XO
Me: Stay safe, my love.
I stow my phone in the cup holder and meet Claire’s amused smirk.
“I need a man who looks that giddy just by texting me,” she declares.
I snort, flipping the ignition on the car. “Gotta find a hockey player, Claire.”
Claire flips me the bird and I laugh as I pull out of the airport parking garage. As I point the car toward the restaurant, I tell Claire to call Austin and see if he wants to meet us. While I’m so proud of Indy for pursuing her career and following her dreams, I already miss my girl. I miss being able to kiss her neck and place my palm on the softest swell of her belly.
I miss her more than I ever thought possible.
And that makes me the luckiest guy in the world.
Epilogue
Easton
“Take care of yourself, man.” Clint at the front desk raises a hand in farewell as I shoulder my bag.
“Yeah. Thanks for everything, dude,” I call out as I pass by his desk toward the front doors of the rehab center.
The sunlight filters in through the doors and the sky gleams blue but I know it’s going to be bitterly cold when I step through them. I can’t fucking wait. After ninety days in rehab, I’m finally going home.
Right before I reach the doors, the small waiting room to my right explodes with applause and I turn, doing a double take when I see my brother Noah, his girl Indy, and my best friend Austin and his family sitting there.
“What are you guys doing here?” I ask, rounding the curve to where they clap.
Noah gives me a look. “Come on, man, did you think you were just going to walk out of here?”
“That we wouldn’t want to congratulate you?” Mary, Austin’s mom asks, a thread of hurt in her voice.
I open my arms and Mary comes forward for a hug. She’s been a second mother to me—scratch that—a real mother to me, since I was a teenager and disappointing her usually hurts more than disappointing myself. “How are you?” she whispers.
“Pretty good, Mary.”
She pats my back and I release her. “I can’t believe you’re all here.” I dip my head and scratch along my jaw to hide how much their presence affects me. Why the hell do they always think the best of me? Even when I keep proving them wrong?
“Well, we are,” Joe, Austin’s dad says, shaking my hand before grabbing my bag.
“I got that.”
He waves me away and tucks Mary under his arm. “We’ll be waiting near the cars.” He turns to me. “Welcome back, East. I’m glad to see you looking so well.”
I nod, my chest tightening at his words. Joe and Mary’s acceptance of me, their encouragement, and constant support makes the ache there deeper. I know I’ve let them down. I don’t want to do it again.
I turn back to my brother, Indy, Austin, and…Claire. I freeze, my breath lodging in my throat. She steps out slowly from behind her brother’s frame and I wonder how the hell I didn’t notice her first.