Bound by Love and Rivalry: Auston Matthews

Chapter 19

I woke up to the Tampa sun peaking through the crack of the hotel room curtains. I glance over to see Auston still sleeping peacefully beside me. I slipped out of bed to begin getting ready for the long day ahead of me. I began by taking a hot shower. I was almost done with my shower when Auston gave me a scare opening the shower door and hopping in with me.

"No invite?" He remarked sliding me aside and wetting his hair

"I didn't want to wake up my little sleeping beauty" I smirked and left a soft kiss on his lips before getting out of the shower

"I just got here come on" he said in utter disappointment

"Should have got out of bed earlier" I said and smirked at him while wrapping a towel around myself.

Once we both finished getting ready we headed down to the lobby which was buzzing with activity as players and their families gathered, exchanging smiles, and catching up. I couldn't help but be excited to be experiencing this by Auston's side.

We met up with our group, then Auston and Tyler headed to the arena together and the girls, Mitch, and I headed out to get breakfast.

After breakfast the Girls and I headed to the arena. Mitch insisted on not going because he said "I will only see the all star game the day I make it" which I felt kinda bad but he seemed to not mind because he was going to head to the beach and enjoy the quiet.

We made it to the arena and took our seats. The skills competition kicked off the day, showcasing the incredible talents of the players. I watched Auston with awe as Auston participated in accuracy shooting and fastest skater events. The arena erupted in cheers, as each player pushed the boundaries of their skill sets in friendly compilation

The day drew to an end, and it was an exciting day to be able to see all of these amazing players having fun and putting on a show for all of the fans. I met back up with Auston and we exited the arena making our way to the car. There were fans waiting outside calling his name and wanting autographs. He handles himself so well because it wasn't even me and I felt overwhelmed. Amid the crowd, my favorite moments unfolded when I saw Auston engaging with the kids. His demeanor always transformed into this sweet, genuine, and loveable guy when it came to the younger fans.

After returning to the hotel, it became evident that the day was far from over; an all-star afterparty awaited us. Picture it - all of the top players under one roof, celebrating together. It was a surreal thought, and tonight, I was about to witness it first hand.

Steph chose to stay in, opting for a quiet dinner with Mitch. It was a decision I completely understand; after a day filled with excitement, some downtime sounded appealing. Meanwhile, I got ready for the night. We hopped into the Uber, making our way to the venue, A club rented out for the occasion.

As we entered the atmosphere was like no other. The music throbbed and the dance floor beckoned. Filled with familiar faces in the hockey world.

Auston and I navigated through the crowd, catching glimpse of fellow players. I knew it was going to be an interesting night when I saw Sidney Crosby getting loose on the dance floor. Quite honestly I did not think he had a personality beyond hockey.

We sat at a booth with Jack Eichel and his girlfriend pouring drinks and talking. The liquid courage must have kicked in because Auston turned to me

"Care to dance?" he said extending his hand

He hates dancing so I knew the alcohol was hitting him. I grabbed his hand and he led us to the dance floor.

Our bodies melted into one another's as we danced, causing us to lose track of time. Suddenly Tyler joined and the dynamic shifted.

The drinks had worked their magic transforming Tyler and Auston into what I can only describe as two teenage boys at prom. Smiling, I grabbed Kylie's hands, and began dancing with her.

"Life is full of surprises," I remarked, glancing over at the two of them.

The night was taking a turn when my brother, the party animal, unleashed his infectious energy on Auston. The two were drunker than skunks, struggling to maintain their balance. I hesitated but chose not to intervene; after all Auston rarely lets loose, and it was nice to see them getting along.

I was also over the top drunk but for some reason had no self control so I headed over to the bar to get another drink. It was there I was approached by Brayden Point.

"What boyfriend leaves a girl this pretty alone?" he quipped

I rolled my eyes, choosing to ignore his comment.

"Come on now, I don't bite," he smirked, persistent in his attempts to engage

I tried to remain polite but he was making it difficult. As I sipped my drink, Brayden persisted leaning in a bit closer. "You know, we could make this night even more memorable" he suggested with a mischievous grin.

I chuckled softly, shaking my head, "Sorry I'm already getting fucked tonight and he's at least not here due to his teammate getting injured"

He scuffed my remark, as I went to walk away he grabbed my wrist pulling me back

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" he scuffed at me

Just then Auston and Tyler stumbled over, an unmistakable glint of mischief in their eyes. "Hey everything okay here?" Tyler said with a protective glare in his eyes

Brayden's confident facade faltered momentarily as he glanced at them. "Just offering some company," He let go of my wrist trying to recover

Auston grabbed me by the waist protectively, and had a playful grin on his face "Thanks, but she's already got all the company she needs"

Brayden, realizing the futility of his attempts, excused himself with a nod and retreated into the crowd. Tyler and Auston both laughed as he walked away and ordered another round of drinks

After another hour of partying, we collectively agreed that it was time to call it a night. However, leaving proved to be a hilarious challenge as we were all a bit more intoxicated than we anticipated, navigating the exit like the blind leading the blind. Ordering a car became our next adventure, and getting Auston and Tyler into it was the real feet

Tyler found himself halfway into the car, legs dangling out, while Auston, equally inebriated, attempted to keep his balance, pushing Tyler into the backseat. Kylie and I were thoroughly amused, watched comical struggles unfold. I stumbled a bit, eventually deciding the curb was the safest place to take a seat.

Once Auston got Tyler safely stowed into the car we all managed to get in. Auston and I sat in the third row together. He was sprawled out in row with his head in my lap and I played with his hair.

He looked up and let out a slight laugh "God do I love you" he said

"I love you too" I laughed

Once we got back to the hotel we all managed to get out of the car and into the elevator.

"You got that Kylie" Auston said almost screaming as I basically held him up in the elevator

"I got this" she said with a thumbs up guiding Tyler back to the room

Once Auston and I got back into the room we both slumped onto the bed and completely knocked out. It was most definitely a memorable night and fun to see him let loose and get along with Tyler for once.