Page 74 of Ruin The Friendship
“Sure have. You’ve got more important things going on.” He shoves my shoulder again. “I’ve got them.”
I let out a sigh. I have been slacking as a captain. I should be better about it, but this thing with Lydia has taken priority over hockey. “I’m sorry, man. I haven’t been as present this season.”
“Nothing to be sorry about. You’re a great captain, and you’re going to be a daddy now. This is my own personal side quest.”
“You sure?” I ask just to check.
“Positive. Have a fun night, and New Year’s. Keep us updated if you need anything.” Calvin turns to the rookies. “If you two want a ride, the car leaves in twenty, children.”
“Do I have time to eat something?” Shepherd asks.
“Dude, we’re going to a bar,” Jamie says. “They have food there.”
“I want a frozen waffle, though. I put some in the athletic trainer’s freezer. She said I could use the toaster in her office if I wanted to.”
“Oh my god,” I mutter under my breath. “Shepherd, your new nickname is Waffles.”
“Fuckin’ genius, Fletch.” Calvin laughs. “Waffles, you seriously want frozen waffles over bar food?”
“They’re protein waffles,” he whispers, trying to defend himself.
Now, I can’t contain my laughter. “Oh, my god. Go eat your fucking waffles, Waffle.”
Calvin shoos him out of the locker room, and I head down the hall to do a quick cool-down workout, my body still tense and worked up after the game.
Twenty minutes later, I’m showered and heading out to meet Lydia. As soon as I open the door, my eyes hunt for her. When I finally find her, I rush to her side, pulling her into a tight hug. Having her in my embrace soothes me. My body relaxes, tension leeching from it from her touch.
“Good game,” Lydia whispers in my ear.
“What’s wrong?” I pull back, furrowing my brows.
She shakes her head. “Nothing, I’m just exhausted.”
“You’re sure?”
“I promise. I’m good.” Lydia smiles, and I squeeze her to me.
“Let's go home then. You need your rest.”
“You don’t want to go out with the guys?” Her eyebrows knittogether.
“Not tonight. I have someone else I’d rather be with.”
A pink flush creeps up her neck and cheeks, and I can’t help but cup her warm cheek in my large palm.
“We can pick up dinner on the way home and have a movie night,” I say.
Lydia sinks into my chest. “That sounds like exactly what I need. This pregnancy exhaustion is hitting me hard this week.”
I lead her down to the parking lot and get her into the car, making sure she’s buckled before I get in and pull the car onto the busy street. “You still have New Year’s off, right?”
I rest my palm atop her thick thigh, reveling in the warmth of her.
“Yep. Are you going to tell me what we’re doing yet?”
“Nope.” I smirk, turning and giving her a sly wink. “You’ll just have to wait a few more days.”
“I’m getting impatient.” Lydia tilts her head to look at me.
