Page 69 of Cross the Line

“I feel like Levi played a big role in the man I’ve become. And I wish we could’ve met today, not back then. Though—” I blew out a breath. “I wouldn’t be who I am today without going through what we did.”

I definitely had regrets about the past. I hated that it had cost me my friendship with Levi to realize what I believed—and what I was and wasn’t going to stand for.

“Maybe one day you’ll get to meet again as you are now. And hopefully, he’ll be able to appreciate the friendship you had back then and the man you are today.”

I kissed her, loving her optimism. “I hope you’re right.”

Unfortunately, after all these years, I didn’t have much faith. I’d tried reaching out to Levi. I’d tried atoning for my actions, proving that I wasn’t like my family. But no matter what I did, trying to get through to him was like talking to a brick wall.

But I didn’t want to think about Levi—not now. Not when my alone time with Logan was so rare and precious.

I dragged my fingers over her forearm where she had two dandelions, their seeds blowing away as if caught by the wind. It was delicate and graceful. “Tell me about your tattoo.”

“Dandelions can symbolize many things, from hope to transformation to healing. I chose it because it can represent planting seeds for the future, as well as resilience and survival. Dandelions can push through concrete, survive harsh weather, and still turn into something beautiful.”

“Like you.” I kissed her cheek, thinking that she exemplified all those qualities and more. “Tough and beautiful.” I gave her another kiss, this time on her jaw. “Hardworking…”

“I don’t know. I’m kind of enjoying being lazy.” I could hear the smile in her voice as I kissed the spot behind her ear. “I think I could get used to this.”

“Lazy?” I scoffed. “Last night was hard work. This is your recovery.”

She laughed. “I’m supposed to be getting my mind off hockey.”

“Do you need me to distract you again?” I rolled us so I was on top, my arms bracketing her face. I brushed her hair away from her cheek, pressing a kiss to her lips.

“Serious question. Do you think I’m too obsessed with hockey?” she asked.

“Do you?”

“I don’t know. It was just something my coach said, and it got me thinking about how every activity in my life, every relationship, revolves around or relates to hockey.”

“If that’s a problem, then I’m also a member of the club,” I joked.

“No.” She shook her head, and I moved so I was nestled beside her, my cheek resting in my palm. “You have golf⁠—”

“That I play with current or former teammates.”

She pursed her lips. “True. But you have other hobbies, right?”

“During the off-season, yeah. But this sport is all-consuming, especially during the season. It’s difficult to make friends outside the team or think about much else when your job has you constantly on the road.”

She barked out a laugh. “Right?”

“We talk about hockey a lot because it is such a big part of our lives,” I said. “But that’s not all we talk about.”

“True,” she mused.

“I love hearing you rattle off stats, but I’m just as happy discussing movies or your family or anything you want to talk about,” I said.

“Thank you.” She cupped my cheek, kissing me. “You’re a good listener, and I love talking with you too—about anything and everything.”

I smiled and kissed her back, soaking in this moment. Because I knew it would be over far too soon.

Even so, I tried to remain grounded in the present, especially as we continued discussing non-hockey things and touching. It was a lazy morning, and I wished every day could start like this. At least until an alarm on her phone went off.

I groaned. “Too early.”

She laughed, rolling out of bed to grab her things from the floor. “It’s not that early. Besides, I promised the girls I’d meet them for brunch before my flight.”