Chapter 9: Little Talks
I suddenly jolted awake to a ringing doorbell. It echoed back at me but I went back to sleep.
Ding dong! It rang for the third time.
I was getting restless, so I got up droopily and slugged my way to the door.
When I opened it, I was taken back from the sight of Ky standing at my doorstep.
So I slammed the door in his face.
I can't believe he had the nerve to show up here after eavesdropping on coach and I's conversation.
The doorbell rang over and over until I answered again with crossed arms and a glare.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I said.
He held out my duffle bag with all my clothes in it. In my rush to get out of the stadium, I had completely forgotten my equipment.
I sighed and snatched the bag out of his hands. "Thanks." I mumbled.
"No problem. Wouldn't want you to forget your stuff for our game in two days." He looked down at me and sighed deeply. "I'm sorry."
Scoffing, I shook my head. "I can't believe you had the nerve to show up."
He scratched his neck bashfully. "Kate, I'm really sorry. So is the whole team. We didn't mean to, but after we saw you getting called into his office, we couldn't stop ourselves."
I shook my head softly and glared at him. He seemed so helpless that I almost felt guilty for accusing him.
"I don't care." I said instead. "You eavesdropped and I think that's extremely rude and childish."
"And it is, but you have to know that we're all sorry." He said.
I looked into his green eyes and truly saw worry and emotion. Not knowing what to do, I invited him in.
Suddenly feeling uncomfortable in my own place, I kicked a bath towel under the sofa when he wasn't looking.
I felt self-conscious watching him examine everything in my living room. It felt small compared to Ky's lavish penthouse. Hell, it was small compared to his.
"You have a nice place. It's cozy." Ky said, sticking his hands into his pockets.
I sat on the arm of the sofa. "How'd you find out where I live?"
"When I told coach that you left your equipment, he told me, if that's okay?"
I shrugged. "Nothing I can really do about it now."
There was an awkward silence between us as we looked at anything but each other.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Ky asked suddenly, looking over at me from where he was leaning casually on the door frame. He looked so poised and calm, neat and good looking... sweet Jesus.
Sighing, I walked past him into the kitchen where I took a seat on the stool and gestured to the one across from me.
When he took a seat, I slumped on the stool and dropped my head. "It's complicated."
There was a silence before I continued. "But, since you already know half the story, why not?"
"I said I'm sorr-"
"I know. And I believe you. It's just that..." I kept sighing, rubbing my eyes with my palms. "I tried so hard to push all that away. I did everything I could. Called lawyers, filled paperwork...but then coach brings it up, which I know he didn't mean to, and all I see is the blood and terror that I had caused that night."
I heard Ky shift in his chair but kept my eyes on the counter top.
"If the press finds out, Ky, I'm dead. My whole reputation is ruined. My career, my privacy, everything I've worked for will be gone in a flash. I-I can't let that happen. I can't let all my hard work go to waste." My throat tightened.
I heard the squeak of a chair and looked up to see Ky walking over to my side of the counter. He paused in front of me and then to my surprise, wrapped his arms around me protectively.
Not knowing what to do, I just hesitantly hugged him back. Then I realized that I really needed this hug.
"I won't let that happen to you, Kate. The whole team won't let that happen." He whispered into my hair.
I sobbed a little into his shirt, and when I pulled back, I giggled at the wet circle on his chest.
"Sorry about that..." I said.
He chuckled. "It's okay."
I sighed. "I'm a complete mess."
"Hey," his thumb brushed a tear from my cheek, "don't worry about the files. We'll take care of it. I promise."
I looked up at his face that was so close to mine. My lips were parted and my breathing had hitched in my throat.
He suddenly stepped back and cleared his throat. "I should get going. A man needs his beauty sleep before a game." He chuckled.
"I think you've gotten plenty of it." I blurted out. My cheeks instantly flamed up and I mentally cursed at myself for being so stupid.
I saw him smirk and rolled my eyes. "I'll see you tomorrow Kate."
I forced a smile onto my red face and waved. "See you tomorrow."
●●●
Double update!
These are short chapters, sorry. But the next ones will be longer!
Hope you all have a fantastic day! Much love,
-Anne :)
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RomanceKate Pruitt is beyond grateful and excited that the owner of the famous New York Rangers hockey team let her join them. With a new apartment and her dog, Stanley, she's ready to take on the world and be one of the rare women who will help win a Stan...