Chapter 18
Tyler
Two weeks later
The Stanley Cup win aftermath is a little like being a rockstar. The guys all feel it, and the press goes to town after our win. It was such a special night for the team and coaches, not something I'll ever forget. And I don't mind reliving it all one bit.
I'm proud of Taylor for winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. It was well deserved and the press has eaten it up.
I've seen Cindy on and off whenever we can after the night I spent at her apartment.
It's the other thing that I just can't get off my mind. It was such a great end to the best night and game of my life. To spend it with her was a dream. And to get a little bit intimate with her was unexpected. I enjoyed making her feel good.
I know it's small steps with her. From what she revealed about her past and her ex-boyfriends really gave me a better understanding of where she's coming from and what she's experienced up to this point; total douchebags.
And I plan to rectify all of that. I guess I'm a little besotted with her.
Cindy has me at every turn. I love the way she doesn't try to be anything else — she is who she is — unapologetically. And I love that. To top it off, there's not a mean bone in her body, and she's as sweet as pie. I dig the whole lot of it.
When I think of some of the high drama and high maintenance women I've dated over the years, Cindy beats every one of them effortlessly.
I've been counting down the days to Florida. I decided a while back to go anyway as moral support for Ashton and Taylor in the charity game. Unfortunately, at the last minute, Taylor has had to pull out because his mom is sick and he doesn't want to leave her before she has surgery. I offered to step in because I'll be there anyway. It's worked out for the best as another defenseman has also pulled out at the same time, so I will take his place, and they already have a replacement for Taylor.
I can't wait to spend a few days away with her.
I never thought we'd be doing this, but I'm glad I said yes all those weeks ago.
The event helps kids in need and raises money for the Miami Gliders, the state youth team. Plus the Youth Team Association and other schools across the state.
I'm all for it. It's kind of the perfect way to ease into our off season for the next twelve weeks. I know I'm going to be spending it having some RR at my weekender.
I'm hoping Cindy will be able to take some time off when we talk to her dad after this trip and come out there with me to meet my folks.
My feelings for her are serious and I don't want to keep her a secret anymore.
They are all things I want to discuss with her in Miami, so we can work it all out for when we get back and hopefully go forward from there.
The thing I learn quickly is Cindy is a pretty easy traveler. She doesn't take too much luggage either. In fact, I think I have more than her. She seems pretty upbeat about the trip, too. I know she's been looking forward to it.
It's very hard trying to keep my hands off her in public because I want to hold her hand and put my arms around her, kiss her, and all of that stuff. But we have to be careful especially when we're on official team business.
It means no funny business until we're behind closed doors.
I don't know what this weekend will bring with us. I'm just happy to spend time with her. I'm hoping she wants to fool around again, because making her feel good is my new favorite thing. Though we haven't done anything since the night of the cup win, I'm happy just having her in my sights. I've been pleasuring myself every day in the shower, so that kinda keeps me sane from my brain wandering to what I want to do to her if given half the chance. I still feel pretty smug about getting her off without even taking her pants off. She was so hot that night. Seeing her big perky tits in my face and letting me suckle was blazing hot. Her wearing my jersey is still a highlight, and seeing it tucked under her armpits while I sucked on her nipples and made her come is still one of the best nights I've had in a long time.
I love her gorgeous body and her pale skin. Seeing how she responds to me and the fact she made the first moves makes me feel good. I love everything she does.
I can't even imagine what it would be like to sink into her and claim her for real.
I've thought about it enough, but experiencing it is going to be something else entirely. The fact she's also only ever been with one guy surprised me. But then, hearing her religious upbringing, it kinda made sense. And that asshole ex of hers back in New York she'd known from childhood. It clearly left an imprint on her when she caught him in the act.
One thing I don't like and have never liked is cheaters. It's not something I've ever done or would ever contemplate. A few years back before he went pro, Dion's girlfriend cheated on him, and it caused him a lot of heartbreak and disillusionment. He has taken a backseat with women since then, which is sad because he's a great guy and deserves to find someone his equal. But I saw what that did to him. The lies he was told.
It's not a nice thing to witness, and I can't imagine ever experiencing something like that. It makes me want to protect Cindy all the more.
Be the guy she actually deserves to honor and worship her. Because that's what I would do. She would never have to question where my loyalties lay.
We both confessed a lot the night of the cup. I've never opened up much about Stacey to anyone, but once we got talking, there seemed to be no holds barred. I'm liking how easily Cindy can unravel me.
I love the connection where we can be ourselves and open up without judgment.
It's not something I've had before.
So I'm excited to be here with her for this whole weekend and spend some time out of Seattle. It's been a while since I've done anything for pleasure. I do so much traveling for the team and we're on such a strict schedule, it's good to feel a little bit of freedom because it doesn't happen much.
We decide to eat on the first night and enjoy each other's company. She shows me some pics of Henry with her sister and her sister's boyfriend, Liam, out and about downtown and then back at their apartment getting cuddles. It's good to see Henry being pampered at her sister's place, I think it helps Cindy to relax knowing he's being looked after.
"You know he's going to come back even more spoiled than he already is," I muse, as we relax in the lounge part of the suite I upgraded us to. Cindy put her luggage in the adjoining room, but neither of us plan on sleeping in separate beds. It's all a pretense in case any of the other guys come over while we're here.
"You think he's spoiled?" Cindy quizzes as she walks back in from her room with her showering bag.
"Just a little, babe. But I think he deserves to be."
"Me too."
"Plus, it means you can relax while we're here. You're not worrying about him."
"It's so good getting out of town for a few days," she says. "It makes me realize how hard we've all worked this season. I think it's time for a break."
"Speaking of which," I say. "I was wondering if you wanted to do just that when we get back. Maybe take some time off and we can go to Mercer where my house is and spend some time together. I thought you could even meet my family?"
She looks at me, surprised. "Wow, really?"
"Yeah, look, I know this is really new and I'm probably springing this on you, but I'd love to spend some time together away from work and don't have to hide anything."
"Ty, I'd love that."
I grin."Yeah?"
"After we talk to Dad, of course. Andrea and I did some digging. I mean, it's not like we don't know what the contract means. There"s just pages and pages of it, so I wanted to check the fine print."
"And?" I prompt. Though I pretty much know what it involves, it still makes me feel good hearing the fact she's been looking into how we can be together and date like a normal couple.
"We have to do what we thought we would and talk to HR. Obviously my dad comes first, but it can all be sorted out as long as we're upfront about it."
"Sounds too easy," I chuckle.
"Which is why we have to come clean sooner rather than later."
"As soon as we get back, Cind. I want to make it official."
"Do you know what else I want?" She asks, cutely standing with a hand on her hip.
I raise my eyebrow while my dick already responds to what he wants.
"What's that baby?"
"You. When I get out of the shower."
I nearly choke on my drink. "Fuck, Cind."
She laughs. "Let's fool around, babe. I need to have a quick wash first."
"Be my guest." I'd offer to go help, but I don't wanna insert myself into her shower time without being invited. I mean, she'd ask right if she wanted me to join her, right?
I'd find that so hot. And a good way for us to warm things up.
But I keep my butt planted as she sashays off to the shower. "Hurry," I muse as she disappears around the corner. I hear her faint laugh that carries behind her.
* * *
Ten minutes later, my body is stiff and not in a good way.
I stare at the message from Stacey. A few messages just bounced back and forth while Cindy was in the shower. I can hear her in the bathroom humming and moving around.
I read Stacey's text again.
I'm pregnant.
What the fuck is she talking about?
I swallow hard, sitting forward. My brain is going from ten to the dozen.
Is she serious? Pregnant? With my kid?
I mean, it must be mine. Why would she be wanting to talk to me so urgently after all this time?
I stand and pace the floor a couple of times. I need some air before Cindy comes out.
"Cind, I'm just gonna go grab some snacks from the little store downstairs for later."
"Okay," she hollers. There's a mini bar here, of course, but I need an excuse to step out and call Stacey.
With my heart in my mouth and my hands shaking, I get to the elevators but decide to take the stairs in case the phone cuts out.
I dial her number quickly, but it rings out.
What the fuck is she doing? She sends me a message like that but now isn't answering her cell? I want to throw the damned thing down the stairs.
She can't be fucking pregnant. And why would she wait until now to tell me?
We haven't been together in six months. So she can't have had the baby yet, unless she was pregnant before and I didn't know it.
I run a hand over my head in frustration, but keep descending downstairs.
I need that fresh air like I need oxygen right now.
I dial again. Giving her the benefit of the doubt that maybe she just stepped away from her phone.
My heart lurches when she picks up, finally.
"Stacey?"
"Ty."
"What the hell is this?"
"Look, I'm sorry you had to find out this way…"
"By text!" I stammer. Trying hard to keep my cool.
I hear her take a breath.
"So, you are pregnant?"
"Yes, I'm pregnant, Ty. And before you ask, yes, it's yours."
"You're sure?" Okay, so maybe that's a dick question, but I need to ask it all the same.
"It's yours," she says a little haughtily. I don't know what she expects me to say.
"Stacey, why are you telling me this now?"
"I've tried, Ty. So many times."
"Clearly, not enough times." Jesus fucking Christ, is this really happening?
"I get your upset. I didn't know you were away from Seattle. I tried to talk the other week back, that was me in the car park that night."
My mind thinks back to what she's talking about, but there's just too much running through my brain to put the pieces together. "What night?"
"The night you won the cup. I was waiting to talk to you, so I followed you out to the car park. You were with that girl, so I backed off."
So that was her. I wasn't going insane when I thought I saw her in the dark, after all.
"Sounds kinda stalkery, even for you."
That's probably the kettle calling the frying pan black, perhaps, but I don't get into the semantics of it right now. This isn't about me and Cind and the fact I have been watching her from the cafe for months.
"Stalkery? How else could I broach it?"
"You just broached it in a text message tonight, Stacey. How about a phone call?"
"I couldn't see any other way. I'm scared. I don't know what to do."
"Scared about the pregnancy?"
"Yes, and how you'd react. Ty, I didn't know how to navigate this. I found out when I was around three months along, I had no idea."
Wait, what the hell? She's further along than six months?
FUCK.
"So, you're nine months?"
"Yes. It came as a shock to me as well, Ty."
I wish she'd stop calling me that.
"So much so you've waited all this time to tell me?"
"I know I should have. I just… the way we ended… I just didn't know how to…"
"That's bullshit. You've had six months to tell me!"
"Please don't be angry. I wasn't planning on keeping the baby once it's born."
"What?" I realize I'm almost bellowing in the stairwell and have to pull my shock and my anger at her in. Getting upset with her isn't going to get me the information I need.
"I mean, I want to adopt her out…"
"Her, it's a girl?" I think I'm actually going to faint in a moment.
"Yes, Ty. You're going to be a father. But you're under no obligation. I've thought long and hard and I'm kinda thinking adopting her out would be the best course of…"
"Adopt her out? You don't even want her?"
"I don't know, I'm confused, Ty. I wish you could see…"
I sigh as she trails off and the line goes quiet. If I wasn't shocked enough by her pregnancy message, I'm shocked over the fact it's a girl, and Stacey may not want to even keep her.
How the fuck can a person's life change to drastically within a five-minute conversation?
"We need to talk about this," I say. "I can't consent to any of what you're suggesting, Stacey. This is the first I'm hearing about it so I need to get my head around it. I'm back in Seattle in a couple of days. So we'll meet up and talk about it, okay?"
"Okay," she says, quietly. She sounds so different, almost unrecognizable.
Obviously, we'll need a paternity test no matter what she says. I think it's only fair.
"Are you okay?" I ask. Though at this point, I don't even know if she deserves me asking that. She's had six months to approach me! I'm so angry about that part, I can hardly contain myself. It's not as though we were on such bad terms she couldn't talk to me. Maybe she thought she was better off going through it on her own, but why?
I wouldn't have turned my back on her. I might not want to be with her anymore, but I would always do the right thing and support her in any and all ways I could.
I want a part of this kid's life.
I don't know which part I can't get over the most. Her keeping it from me for so long, or the fact she's saying she may adopt her.
It's hard to know what to think.
"I've been better," she sighs. "It's all such a mess, Tyler. I never meant for this to happen."
"Just wait a couple more days, okay? I'll call you when I'm back."
"Okay, goodnight," she says. And I have to admit, she sounds a world away from what I'm used to. There's clearly a lot going on in her head as well.
With a shaky breath, I say, "Goodnight." And we hang up.
I slide my back down the wall in the stairwell to the ground and sit. I don't even know how far down I walked. I kind of lost count of the floors. My hands hold my head as my cell drops to the floor beside me.
I can't fucking believe this.
I'm going to be a father?
The mind actually boggles what just happened. I don't know what to make of any of it until I see Stacey for myself. And what the hell am I going to tell Cindy?
I sit there for a good five or ten minutes and finally pick myself up and make my way to the bottom. I walk mindlessly to the mini-mart next door and buy some snacks and a couple of sodas before I make my way back.
I need to fucking call Luke, maybe even Jay. But I don't want to be gone for too long and make Cindy worry what the hell I'm doing.
I take the elevator back to the room where Cindy is pottering around, brushing her wet hair as she walks across the dimly lit suite. The night sky lit up below us, from the floor to ceiling windows, showcase the Miami strip.
"Hey, baby girl," I say, when I walk in and plonk the bag down.
She immediately stops brushing her hair. "Ty, what's wrong?"
Fuck. I didn't want to walk back in here like this and have a face like a sour lemon.
Maybe I'm not as good at hiding it as I believed. Or maybe it's just different when it's someone I'm intimate with, rather than the Hawks team doctors I'm always trying to dodge with my back pain.
I can't exactly tell her right now my shock news, but I know I need to give her something. "I'm not feeling the best, Cind. Maybe everything is catching up with me."
And while that statement is true, I still feel a fucking ass for covering it up and not telling the truth.
I mean, I'm obviously going to tell her. I just need to get my head around this first.
"You look a little clammy," she says. "Maybe you should lie down."
"I think that's a good idea," I say. Though what I really want is to be buried in her arms, if nothing else. "Maybe I'm a little rundown."
More fucking lies. And all thanks to Stacey. I just don't know why she'd do this.
But I'm going to get to the bottom of it the minute I get back.
So much for my relaxing RR, which is supposed to be starting right now.
Mine and Cindy's fooling around session is unfortunately going to have to wait.