Falling Forward ✔

Chapter Eight - Bastien

Reece fists my jacket back to me after we park, staunchly refusing to be seen entering my place with it around her shoulders. Whatever. The walk up the front stairs from the street parking isn't long. I cranked the heat in the Audi to help keep the blue out of her lips.

Not that I was staring at her lips. Or her hands. She's just a friend, and I want her comfortable.

She stares around at the quaint main lobby area as I lead her to the elevator. A few people spot me, smile, and wave. A few more clap me on the shoulder, congratulate me on tonight's victory.

Cyclones: 4, Swamp Rabbits: 1.

I don't stick around to chat long, though none are really offended. It's a Friday night, and everyone's heading out to the various bars, venues, and live music happening around the borough.

"You have a roommate?" Reece asks as we wait for the elevator.

"No, but several other players on the team live in the same building." I gesture her forward when the doors slide open. "Haart is one floor above me. I think Bower and Johnson are actually neighbors."

I realize she probably doesn't know who those people are as I press the fifth-floor tab. Especially since she doesn't follow hockey. The doors close, and I lean against the wall, arms folded over my chest. "You live with just Kaila?"

"Yeah, there was a third for a bit, but she didn't work out."

"Why's that?"

"Too much drama." Reece wrinkles her nose, making the piercing flash in the light. "She and her on-again-off-again boyfriend would have these huge theatrical fights. Things would get thrown, stuff would get broken."

I laugh. "Sounds like a party."

"Maybe for you, hooligan." Reece gives an exasperated glance.

"Don't knock it 'til you try it," I tease. "Breaking shit can be quite cathartic."

"Uh-huh." She tisks. "Or I'm just not violent."

"Maybe you should get violent." I tease. "I'll gladly volunteer to take a beating from you."

She shakes her head. "You're crazy."

I make a swirling motion with my finger around my temple. "No kidding. You have to be crazy to chase a galvanized piece of rubber around a rink for hours at a time."

That earns me a soft giggle, and I smile.

The elevator comes to a stop. I'm a little stiff as I push off the wall, but not bad. At this point, I welcome the aches as part of a job well done. If my legs don't feel like jelly and my helmet doesn't steam when I take it off, I could have gone harder.

My apartment is the last one at the end of this hallway. I chose it because there's a massive balcony stemming from the living room that affords a glorious view of the skyline. Stepping out onto said balcony permits me to appreciate the nightlife below: color, people, vibrance.

I key the door, drop my wallet, and keyfob on the small table just inside. Then I hang up my jacket, move to take Reece's hoodie.

She shoves her hands in the kangaroo pocket. "I'm good."

"As you like." I drop my hand, yank my own hoodie off and toss it on the gigantic leather sofa. "Make yourself at home."

I head for the kitchen, observe as she inspects my space.

The apartment came pre-furnished. I can't lay claim to any of the tasteful leather and burnished steel that came straight out of GQ. I just liked the open concept that lets me see my living room, the eat-in bar, and the kitchen all at once. Better for parties, that way.