Matter of Fact: A Hockey Romance (The Hart Series Book 7) Read online

  “Oh, Liam.” If anyone else said my name in that breathy tone, I’d be convinced they were pitying me. But with her it’s different. I know it’s a deep sadness for what is slowly being taken from me and the fact that I won’t have closure on it for a long time. “What can I do for you? How can I help?”

  “Honestly, just you being here is enough.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here earlier so you didn’t have to sort through all this alone.”

  “You’re here now. And trust me, we’ve got plenty of time for you to support me through this transition. Lots and lots of time.” I drain the rest of my glass and drop it back down on the bar.

  “Wanna take me home so I can help you take your mind off it? There are a lot of things I can do that won’t hurt your shoulder.”

  My eyebrows shoot up at her obvious flirtation. This woman never fails to surprise me. “Yeah? What do you have in mind?”

  “I was thinking I could try that thing you liked with my tongue again.”

  I about swallow mine just thinking about it. “That’s uh…” I clear my throat which has suddenly gone dry. “That’s quite an offer.”

  “It’s not an offer. It’s a promise.”

  “Bartender!” I yell across the bar. “I need to close my tab!”

  Paul shakes his head with a knowing smile but quickly does as I ask. In mere moments, Ellery and I are out the door, headed through the parking lot to my truck.

  “I guess we’ll pick up my car in the morning again.”

  “We really need to start planning better.”

  Ellery giggles and I put my arm over her shoulder, pulling her to me so I can kiss her on the top of the head.

  As sad as I am to be retiring, I know deep down it’s the right time. When the body calls it quits, there’s not much you can do about it except enjoy your final ride. And that’s what I intend to do.

  Besides, it’s not all bad. I’ve got the woman of my dreams climbing into my truck ready to continue on this journey with me, no matter what job I’m in. And really, there’s not much more that I can ask for.

  Except maybe a ring. But that’ll come. I have no doubt.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Ellery

  Deep breathes, Ellery. You can do this.

  Talking to myself isn’t working. My stomach is still tied up in knots. Why is this so hard? It’s everything I want. I just have to get the strength to do it.

  My phone pings with a message, providing a welcome distraction. Even more so when I see it’s from my hot boyfriend. The boyfriend who tried really hard to relax me with his tongue this morning. It worked. Temporarily anyway.

  Liam: You can do this. You are strong and deserve to be happy. Go kick some ass.

  How in the world he knew exactly what I needed to hear and exactly when is a question I may never know the answer to, but he always does. And while I’m trying really hard not to need him to feel strong, I need him to feel whole.

  I guess I just answered my own question as to how he can read my mind sometimes.

  I don’t respond, unwilling to waste another few seconds of my life feeling anxious. Instead, I put my phone in the pocket of my dark pink poofy skirt and knock on the door.

  “Come in.” Her tone is clipped as usual and I stand up straighter, steeling myself for the inevitable verbal smackdown.

  Pushing the door open, I step through.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Welch. Do you have a minute?” I force a smile on my face, attempting to set the tone for this conversation. By the way her eyes narrow, it doesn’t work.

  “What do you need Ellery? Is the Knox account giving you trouble? It can be confusing if you aren’t used to the various entities they cover.”

  Their account actually isn’t difficult at all. It’s one of the easier ones I work with. Not that Mrs. Welch cares. I’ve realized she regularly greets people with an insult, thinly veiled as a “work issue”. Just one of the many things I’ve discovered about her since I took off my Welch-colored glasses.

  Shrugging off her snark, I approach her desk.

  “No, that’s all caught up.” Handing her a single sheet of paper, I continue. “I’m actually here to put in my two-weeks’ notice.”

  Her gaze flips up to mine and I ignore her look of surprise.

  “I’ve accepted a position as the payroll manager for the San Antonio Slingers.”

  “You’re leaving.”

  The disbelief in her voice should be insulting, but I’ve also come to realize how self-absorbed she is. Obnoxiously so. That doesn’t have anything to do with me, though. It’s her own character flaw and nothing I do, good or bad, will change it.

  “I am. However, I know there is a process to transfer all my files over to my replacement, so I’ve negotiated a start date three weeks out instead of the standard two. This will give me a little extra time to make sure whoever takes over my clients is fully trained and there won’t be any interruption to their accounts that you’ll have to deal with later.”

  Mrs. Welch drops the paper on her desk and leans forward. “After everything I’ve done—giving you a job you were barely qualified for, inviting you into my home, allowing you to date my son, you’re giving me a standard letter of resignation?”

  I startle at her aggressive words. Barely qualified? Allowed to date her son? I guess being self-absorbed is a downplay of some serious narcissism.

  “I graduated at the top of my class with my degree so I’d hardly say I was barely qualified as a junior accountant. And as much as I appreciate you treating me like family…” We both know I’m lying, but it seems like the right way to phrase it in this moment. “… this is an opportunity I can’t pass up. Professionally speaking of course.”

  Mrs. Welch’s nostrils flare and I brace myself for whatever she has to say.

  “That’s fine Ellery. You do what you have to do for you. Don’t worry about the rest of us. In fact,” she places her hands on her desk and pushes to standing. “Let’s not worry about training the new person. Consider today your last day. I’ll honor your request with paid leave for the next two weeks, but you can go ahead and clean out your desk today.”

  A year ago, those venomous words would hit their target. I would have been shaken up trying to figure out how to fix this situation. But a lot has happened in the last few months. I’ve grown up. I’m less worried about what people think of me, especially when the only person they are really concerned with is themselves.

  With those thoughts in the back of my mind, I smile back at a scowling Mrs. Welch.

  “It seems like this worked out for both of us, then. Thank you for the opportunity to learn more about the industry and myself during my time here.”

  I turn on my heel and leave her office, head held high, no anxious feelings at all.

  Rounding the corner, I prepare to stop at the reception desk. Unfortunately, the last person I want to see is standing right there, chatting her up.

  “Ellery,” Kevin greets. “How are you?”

  I’m confused why he’s here. Again. He never stopped in very often when we were together, even when I would beg him to go to lunch, so it’s been strange that he seems to pop in all the time now.

  “I’m great, thanks. What are you doing here?”

  “Oh. Um.” he clears his throat. “My mom has some wedding stuff she wants to go over with me.”

  “Uhhh… shouldn’t the bride be here, too?”

  “Mom wanted to talk to me about it first.”

  “Ah.” Somehow, I’m not surprised that Mrs. Welch is taking over the nuptials. Looks like I dodged a bigger bullet than I realized. “Well don’t let me keep you,” I say with obvious indifference. Turning to Brittany I ask, “Do you know where I can get a sturdy cardboard box?”

  Her eyes dart back and forth between Kevin and I, like she’s waiting for something dramatic to happen. She’s going to be sorely disappointed. I’m too interested in getting out of here than to strike up an in-depth conversation with
my ex.

  “Um… yes. I can go get one for you.”

  Brittany scurries off leaving me alone with Kevin.

  In an attempt to ignore him, I pull out my phone and shoot off a quick text.

  Me: Done. And like you predicted, I’ve been let go with two weeks paid leave. I’m headed home as soon as I pack up.

  Liam: You okay with that?

  Me: More than okay. Two weeks of vacation before I start my new job just means I can spend a little more time with my new hunky boyfriend.

  Liam: Wanna do lunch then? One o’clock? I know this great hockey guy who happens to be a really good cook and finally perfected his zoodles.

  Me: Lol. I’ll be there.

  Clicking my phone off, I put it back in my pocket and look up, almost startled when I see Kevin eyeing me. I’d completely forgotten he was here.

  “What’s going on, Ellery?” He sounds so concerned. Like my being happy about making lunch plans is unusual. What is it with this family thinking all my happiness revolves around them?

  “What do you mean?”

  “Are you cleaning out your desk? Did you get fired?”

  I snort a laugh at his ridiculous assumption.

  “Of course not. I quit to take a job as the new payroll manager for the San Antonio Slingers.”

  He blinks rapidly a few times like the idea of another company seeing my value is a shock.

  “The hockey team?”

  “Yep.”

  “Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

  I furrow my brow. “Really, Kevin? No congratulations, just an insult disguised as concern?”

  His face begins to redden. “I don’t mean it like that. It just sounds like there’s a lot at stake if something goes wrong, or whatever.”

  “It’s a good thing I have a fantastic new boss then,” I say as Brittany approaches with the box in hand. “She’s excited to train me to my full potential. And I’m excited to have mandatory vacation time. Maybe I should go to Maui with Liam. I’ve always wanted to hike up a volcano.”

  I need to put that on my bucket list.

  Taking the box from Brittany I thank her kindly. Poor girl probably needs a little kindness, considering she’s stuck working here for now.

  I turn toward my office, looking at my ex one last time, really taking him in. What did I ever see in him? I shake my head once, ridding myself of my own self-doubt.

  “Anyway, good luck with your marriage Kevin. Hope it’s everything you both dream it to be.”

  With that, I walk back to my office, a smile on my lips. I have zero feelings toward this family at all. Not good. Not bad. Complete indifference.

  I’m free.

  Chapter Thirty

  Ellery

  3 months later

  I practically sprint into the kitchen, putting my hoop earrings on as I go. Well, sprint might be an exaggeration. In my new Louboutin’s courtesy of my fabulous new salary, it’s more of a quick walk. Regardless, I get there as quickly as I can.

  “What are you doing, Liam? We need to leave in a few minutes.”

  He doesn’t look up from his computer, too intent on what he’s focusing on. “I’m ready. I’m just trying to fix this edit while I wait for you. Why do I look so shitty on camera? Do I look this bad on television in a jersey, too? Don’t answer that. The helmet hides most of my face,” he grumbles.

  I laugh and kiss him quickly, careful not to leave any lipstick behind. Coral, the tabby kitten Liam got me for Christmas runs over for a quick nuzzle so I pick her up and scratch her behind her ears. I love having my own pet, even if she lives here. But it’s better for her to have a friend, and lately I’ve caught her and Patches napping together. It took a couple of weeks of Patches giving us all the evil eye, but he’s finally accepted her as part of the family.

  “You look fine. Handsome and sexy as always. You’re just not used to seeing yourself on a monitor.”

  “So, this is what I look like in real life?” The expression on his face is priceless. “That’s even worse.”

  “You look amazing. People are going to love you just like I do. I promise.”

  “You give me way more credit than you should,” he argues with a shake of his head.

  Knowing retirement is quickly approaching, Liam decided to start working on the idea of a YouTube channel where he teaches athletes how to make healthy food in the portion sizes they need. Including all the measurements like calories and fat content so viewers can pick and choose based on what part of the season they’re in. So far, he’s shot three videos so he has content ready to go when he launches the new channel. I think they’ve turned out fantastic, especially since he’s learned how to add words on the screen so people can write down the instructions as he goes. It’s really professional and easy to follow. I’m impressed with how much he’s learned in a short amount of time. Liam, on the other hand, isn’t convinced yet.

  Slamming the laptop shut, he huffs and then finds himself distracted. With a raise of his eyebrows, he looks me up and down.

  “You look like sex on heels.”

  I laugh because he always says the sweetest things to me. “I look like I’m going to a baby shower at a bar with all our friends.”

  He shakes his head slowly. “Not hardly. Those thigh-high boots alone are making me hard. Add those tiny little shorts and I’m ready to ditch the party so I can stay here and bend you over this table.”

  “First, I’m not wearing shorts. I’m wearing a jumpsuit.”

  “Don’t care. I’ll be stripping you out of it as soon as possible.”

  I drop Coral on the floor and she bounds away, probably to pounce on Patches, and put my hands on my hips. “If it helps, it might look sexy now. But just remember, whenever I have to pee, I have to take the whole thing off to sit which looks way less sexy.”

  “You’re trying to make me less horny by reminding me you have to take off all your clothes in public? Bad plan, Ellery.”

  “Okay, okay. How about this.” I turn and pick up a platter off the counter. “You promised to provide the brisket and there is four huge trays Lauren is expecting to be delivered in the next thirty minutes. You really want to piss off Lauren for a little nooky?”

  “Yes. Yes, I do.” He shoves his keys in his pocket and grabs the largest of the platters so we can load up the car. “But because I’m a man of my word, I’ll wait until later.”

  “Thank you.”

  “No, thank you. I have all kinds of ideas for later with you looking like that. Please tell me you’re wearing a g-string under there.”

  I stop in my tracks to look over my shoulder, peeking through my lashes. “Who says I’m wearing anything at all?”

  Liam throws his head back and groans. “That was so mean, woman. Why doesn’t Paul have that kitchen done yet? No one even cares if we’re late. They just want the food. I could be getting my rocks off if I’d cooked it there in advance.”

  “Relax my horny lover. The remodel will be done soon so next time you can ravage me all you want and still honor your commitments.”

  “Fucking integrity,” he grumbles as we load everything into the back of the extended cab and head toward the bar.

  Just as I suspect, Liam can’t keep his hands off me as we drive. His giant palm keeps finding my thigh and slowly sliding up my shorts as high as he can get until I bat his hand away. He thinks it’s funny. Honestly, I do too. I love that he’s still so flirty with me and I can turn him on just by wearing what I like. Turns out, my newfound love of fashion has more benefits than just making me feel pretty. I get a lot of exercise in the bedroom, too.

  Liam and I aren’t officially living together, but we spend more and more time at his house. Yet another reason my first pet lives here. It’s not that I don’t like my apartment. I do. It just feels different now. I didn’t pick it out so I feel like I’m riding out the lease until I can move on and into something I truly want. Something that fits my style. Does that mean Liam’s house? I don’t know y
et. Time will tell if we decide to stay there or if we decide to go house hunting for something we both want. The only thing I know for sure is he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. He makes it clear to me every single day that as long as I’m here, so is he. Retired or not.

  Turning into the parking lot I know so well now, Liam drives right up to the door and puts his hazard lights on. Carefully, so I can balance on the gravel in heels, I climb out and make my way to the back so I can help carry food inside.

  As soon as the front door opens and I get out of the chilly temps, I hear Lauren squeal.

  “Ohmygod Ellery are those red soles on the bottom of those fabulous boots?” She runs over and gasps as she takes in my footwear. Nevermind the fact that I’m holding a giant platter of brisket I need to put down. Nope. Shoes are more important. “Holy shit, you did not spring for thigh-high Louboutin’s. How the hell much do they pay you at this job? Do they need an office manager?”

  I carefully brush past her before my arms break off from the weight of the platter. “Before you get too excited, I got them second-hand so I didn’t even come close to paying full price.”

  “I don’t care.” As soon as the food is on the counter and safely out of my arms, she grabs me and spins me around. “And with that jumpsuit, too? Holy shit you look amazing.” Lauren pulls me in for a random hug and I hear sniffles next to my ear. “And the student becomes the teacher.”

  I giggle and pull away from her, needing to continue helping with the unload but as I glance in that direction, it appears the guys have it done already. “You’re ridiculous my fashion-loving friend, you know that?”

  “I’ve been called worse,” she says with a wave of her hand. “But seriously. You look amazing. And it’s not just your outfit. You just sort of glow these days.”

  I pretend to fluff my super short hair. “Maybe it’s because of the new color. You like it tinted a little more pink?”

  “I do,” she says with a nod. “But that’s not why you’re glowing. It’s because you’re in looooooove,” she singsongs.