Something So Right(59)

Sometimes when he’s early he drops by the arena, dragging me out for some one-on-one time. It seems my man misses me during the day. I will not be the first to tell him that I miss him just as much, choosing to shrug my shoulders when he tells me about missing me.

It’s finally the big day. Season opener. He’s nervous. He says he’s not, but I see it. Every single time I ask him a question it’s answered with a grunt or a shrug.

We’ve been staying mostly at his house than mine. The kids are with James this week, but we make a switch for game day.

Our bags are packed and ready in the car. Cooper is carrying his bag when the phone rings. He picks it up with a grunt. Not sure who it is, but whoever it is he’s none too pleased. All I hear from his side of the phone are grunts, making me look at him funny.

Once we get in the car on the way to the hotel, I look over at him. “What’s got your panties in a twist, Stone?” I try to make light of it.

“That was the GM. He wants all the guys to do some red carpet shit before the game. Answer questions and shit. I hate doing that. I don’t do interviews. I play hockey.” He looks over at me. I lean over, kissing his cheek.

“It probably won’t be as bad as you think it is. They probably want to know how you trained this summer. It’s going to be fine. You are going to kill it, then you are going to go on that ice and show them that you are that much better. And then”—I lean in to his ear—“You get to come home and do the naked tango with me. By the way, I have a surprise for you.” I go back to my side and look at him. His jaw gets tight, and his nostrils flare.

Just when he’s going to answer me, I get a text notification. Looking down, I see it’s from Meghan.



Hey, ho-bag. At the hotel. We brought our babysitter, and I’ve arranged a room for the kids, plus Matthew. Is that okay?



Hey, slut bag. That sounds like a plan. We should be there in about thirty minutes. You excited for the game tonight?



The thing with Meghan is that she hates hockey. She never really was into it. She just goes with it so she can eat hot dogs, drink beer, and socialize with the crowd.



I’m so pumped. Tom just got a call from the sports guys to do some interviews before the game, so it’s just you and me. Let the good times roll.



Okay, Cooper has to do some ‘red carpet shit’ as he puts it, so it’ll be you and me.



See you soon.



We check into the hotel. Getting ready to meet up with everyone, I sense Cooper a little distant, but I’m sure it’s the nerves. While in the lobby, we meet with a couple of his teammates and their wives. All the wives are perfectly manicured and coiffed, leaving me in my yoga pants so out of their style.

We make introductions, and they are all shocked when he introduces me as his girlfriend.

One of the wives gives me a great big hug, confusing me. I’m not really the touchy-feely type, but I go with it for Cooper’s sake.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you. Cooper has told Marky all about you and your kids,” she says, and she sounds so genuinely happy for him.

“It’s great to meet some of Cooper’s friends. I’m very excited about tonight. I think they will kick some ass out there on the ice.”

“Are you going to be sitting in the wives’ box with us tonight?” she asks. I look at her, not knowing what she’s talking about, so I look over at Cooper.

“No, I got them all seats this time. Matthew wouldn’t like being in the box. I did get her a pass for the next time she’s here.” He grabs my neck, making me crash into his side. “I’m hoping she can attend all home games, but with the kids it might be tough.” He smiles down at me.

“I’m sure we can work something out there, Stone.” I wrap my arms around his waist, looking up at him.

“So, Parker, Cooper told me you ran his ass to the ground during training. Do you take on more than one person at a time?” Marky asks me with interest.

“Well, I have to say he was easy to work with. I usually only work with one guy at a time, so they have the best that I can offer. But I’m hoping to get Tom on board so we can take on more clients during the off season.”

Just then the rest of the guys all meet in the lobby, many of them fist bumping and nodding at each other. I am introduced to a couple of guys, but stay back a little, letting my man do his thing. My man. Just the thought makes me smile.

Cooper walks back up to me, grabbing my face and kissing my lips. “We are heading out, too. Have to go meet the circus. I’ll see you there.”

“Go kill ‘em, Stone.” I lean up, kiss him again, and push him out the door.