“Yes.”
His voice lowered. “Elizabeth, I would never do anything to hurt you. Never.”
A tear leaked out.
“Dammit!” He sat up. “Tell me who hurt you so I can kick his ass right now.”
I covered my mouth to hide a laugh. “So dramatic.”
He leaned into the phone so I could see him better. “I don’t think you really understand how much I want to be with you.”
“You hardly know me. Shouldn’t we date first?”
He guffawed. “First, that’s a waste of time. Secondly, we’ve already slept together.”
“It was hardly sleeping.”
His voice dropped a level. “It was so hot.”
We stared at each other through the phone. Before he could suggest it, I said, “No, I’m not having phone sex with you.”
He roared with laughter. “I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to.”
His eyes danced with glee. “See, you know me.”
I got lost in those eyes. They were so pretty.
He continued quietly, “Come visit, Elizabeth. Come to a game.”
“I need some time, Brett. The fact that I immediately assumed you were trying to work through my friends to get me to move to Seattle tells me I’m not ready to trust someone yet. I need some time to think about what I want. Without running from, or to, a man. I’m not ready.”
“I understand. I do.” He smiled sweetly at me. “Doesn’t mean I’m going to stop trying.”
My heart swelled. “I wouldn’t expect any less.”
“Goodnight beautiful. Sleep well.”
“Goodnight, Brett.”
I hung up, and then I slept peacefully for the first time in years.
The next morning, I vowed that over the next couple of months, I was going to do everything and learn everything I could about everything I had ever considered interesting. Well, not everything, but enough to hopefully fill the void in my heart and give my time in Alaska more meaning.
Skiing was now only available on the weekends, so I had evenings free again. I joined a book club, something I never thought I would do. And I taught myself how to make bread.
Every now and then I would get a text from Brett,Come to agame
I never responded. One day I would, but for now, that had to be enough.
Thomas had finally taken notice of Margo. I hung out with them a few times at the local bar. It made me happy to see them together. She seemed calmer, and he seemed confident. That was sexy.
I’d also called Ryan to apologize. Hewasmagnanimous and laughed it off. “You should give me the same professional credit I gave you.”
I could hear his smile through the phone. “Can we just pretend it didn’t happen?” I said, on a small laugh.
His response was empathetic. “Liz, I’m sorry you never knew this, but the Avalanche traded Clay before you left. You could have stayed.”