Chapter 14—Missed Block

The next week and a half zipped by, and Christmas was upon them before Steph realized it. She’d not had much reason to celebrate in the past several years, though Christmas in the Clarke household had been a huge production. They didn’t exchange gifts with each other, but they did give gifts to the Lord and the church.

Steph had never been involved with a Christmas quite like the one Ethan and Lauren threw. Since the guys had a game the night before Christmas Eve and started a week-long road trip two days after Christmas, many of them didn’t fly home. Ethan and Lauren took it upon herself to see that every member of the Sockeyes wasn’t alone on Christmas Day. Lauren recruited Izzy to help her plan the day’s festivities, and Izzy dragged along Bella and Steph to help. The other two sisters were spending Christmas with the Wolfe brothers, as they were celebrating their first Christmas together in years.

The Parker home was a stately old mansion in the same area of Seattle as the Blacks’ house. They had a water view to die for. Everyone was gracious and welcoming. Steph felt at home within minutes, not that home had ever been like this.

Jared had flown home to see his family, and Steph declined his invitation to go with him. She had too much going on, including a few party-crashing events. She needed the money, but she missed him horribly. They’d been inseparable since they’d spent their first night together, and Steph had discovered that sex was a wonderful, almost spiritual experience with Jared. In fact, she hated to call it sex; making love was more appropriate, if not a little presumptuous on her part.

Watching everyone celebrate Christmas with their loved ones was bittersweet. Steph missed Jared, and his absence left a big gap in her heart. She kept her phone close at all times, knowing he’d call sometime during the day. He’d texted first thing in the morning to wish her merry Christmas and told her he’d call later in the day. And he did.

The group was finishing up dessert when Steph’s phone vibrated. She excused herself and took the call in another room.

“Hi,” she said, knowing she sounded breathless and eager. She didn’t care. She’d lay her heart on the line and suffer the consequences if she could have Jared, even for a short while.

“Hey.” There was a smile in his voice, and she loved hearing it.

“Merry Christmas.”

“Same to you. Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Yes, it’s quite a celebration. I’ve never experienced Christmas quite like this.”

Jared chuckled. “I attended last year, so I know what you mean. Ethan and Lauren spare no expense and are awesome hosts.”

“They are at that. How is your family?”

“Same as usual. Prying into my business, being overprotective, and it’s utter chaos. They say hi.”

“Tell them hello and merry Christmas from me.”

“I will.” Jared hesitated, as if he had more to say and wasn’t sure how to say it. “I miss you.”

Steph’s heart soared and sang with those words. She closed her eyes for a moment and savored them as a smile lifted up the corners of her mouth. “I miss you too.”

“Of course you do. I’m an awesome guy.”

Steph laughed. “Someone’s head is swelling.”

“Not as much as another part of me every time I think of you.”

“We’re not doing phone sex on Christmas with your family nearby.”

“We aren’t? You know how to ruin my fun.”

Steph imagined his wicked grin and sparkling eyes. She pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. This man was too good to be true. Good stuff like this never happened to her, but perhaps it was long past time for her to change her expectations.

“Steph?” The huskiness in his voice almost stopped her heart.

“Yeah?”

“I’m falling for you. Hard.”

Steph held her breath. Her hands shook, and she gripped her phone. Before her knees gave out, she lowered herself onto the couch.

He was falling for her? He’d said he was crazy about her, but falling was a whole different level.

“Steph? You still there?”

“I—I am. I—” She struggled for the right words. Finally, she decided on the honest, direct route. “I’ve already fallen for you.”

“Good,” he said smugly, which made her laugh.

“You’re full of yourself today.”

“Yeah, well, I’m having a good day. The only thing which could make it better would be having you here with me.”

“Same here.”

“I’ll drop by as soon as my plane lands tomorrow morning. I won’t have more than a few hours before we take off on another road trip.”

“I know, but I’d love to see you, if only for a short while.”

“I’ll do my best. Let’s hope my flight isn’t late arriving.”

“I guess we’d better get back to our respective groups.”

“Yeah, I guess.” His reluctance made her warm inside, even on this chilly day.

“Bye. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye. Think of me tonight. I’ll be thinking of you.”

The connection terminated before she could respond. She knew what he meant.

* * * *

The next morning, Jared sat in the plane, glancing at his watch every few minutes. His flight had been delayed by hours. The team plane was scheduled to take off in an hour. He wouldn’t have time to go home or see Steph.

Not seeing Steph upset him the most. He’d been looking forward to a few hours with her. Instead, he’d be running to the next terminal to board the team’s private plane. This was turning into a shitty twenty-four hours, starting with last evening. He’d had a call on his cell from a Seattle number he hadn’t recognized. He’d answered it, fearing something might have happened to Steph.

The call had been from Candy. She’d been drunk and borderline hysterical, begging his forgiveness, and wanting him to take her back. She caught him off guard. He hadn’t heard from her except via lawyers in a long time, and now, out of the blue, she wanted a second chance? She’d learned a lot. Realized what was important in life. She’d given up the best thing that ever happened to her.

He called her on her bullshit, causing a crying fit, threats that he’d be sorry, and then abusive shouting. He’d ended the call and blocked her number.

The whole ordeal left him reeling. Her call affected him more than it should’ve, especially as he recalled her last words: You’re going to regret this, and so is your new girlfriend.

If she so much as harmed a hair on Steph’s head, he’d—he’d— Okay, he didn’t know what he’d do, but he’d do something. Candy was bluffing. She had no power over him, and no way to damage his relationship with Steph. At least not any he could come up with, but he’d fallen prey to her deviousness before. The woman didn’t have any boundaries or scruples, though he was certain she would never physically harm Steph. Once Candy found a new guy, she’d forget about him and Steph. She was just between boyfriends and starting to panic. He felt nothing for her but disgust and pity. He’d moved on. She should too.

He’d lied to Steph. He wasn’t falling for her. He’d already fallen for her. Hard and fast.

They’d only known each other less than two months, but everything felt so right. Sure, he wanted Steph’s body, but his feelings went so much deeper than that. He loved to talk to her, hang out with her, just be with her. If that wasn’t love, he didn’t know what was.

Candy would never come between them. Jared wouldn’t allow it. As long as they were honest and open with each other, his ex could do no harm.

As soon as they landed, Jared pulled out his phone and texted Steph.

Plane was late. Running for team plane now. Will call you when we reach Denver.

Okay, I understand.

I’m sorry.

It’s fine. I miss you.

Dittos.

He shoved the phone in his pocket, grabbed his carry-on, and sprinted for the tram that’d take him to the correct terminal. He’d have to buy a suit when they landed. Fuck. He didn’t have any money for a good suit. He’d have to settle for what he could afford.

The team plane waited a half-hour for him, and he was forced to endure the razzing and harassment by his teammates and the dirty looks of the coaches. He settled into a seat next to Matt and let out a frustrated breath.

“See if I try to fly home for Christmas again when the scheduling has to be so tight.”

“Might be a good idea to invite your family here next time.”

“Yeah.” Jared laid his head back against the headrest and closed his eyes. He’d been up since four a.m. and was exhausted. Steph’s face was the last thing he envisioned before he drifted off to sleep.